The University of Northern Iowa was recognized on Apr. 8 in the 2026 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools, with its Master of Arts program in Speech-Language Pathology earning a place among the top programs nationwide.
The recognition highlights UNI’s focus on preparing students for clinical and professional roles while meeting certification requirements set by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The program emphasizes applied learning, research, and mentorship from experienced faculty members.
Students in the speech-language pathology master’s program gain hands-on experience at the Roy Eblen Speech and Hearing Clinic as well as other locations, where they work with individuals who have a variety of speech, language, and hearing disorders. The university reports that graduates from this program have a 100% employment rate.
According to Jennifer Garrett, department head and associate professor of speech-language pathology, “Students work closely with peers, clinical instructors, and faculty to develop the skills they will use in their professional careers.” Garrett said that one strength of the program is “the integration of classroom learning into clinical practice across a variety of medical and educational settings.”
The Master of Arts program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. This recognition comes during an active week for UNI’s Department of Communication & Disorders as it hosts two major events: former congresswoman Gabby Giffords will speak at Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center as part of the Hearst Lecture Series—a UNI graduate played a role in Giffords’ recovery after her traumatic brain injury—and Cedar Falls will host the Iowa Conference on Communicative Disorders for its 34th year.
This year’s conference features Giffords as keynote speaker along with several alumni presenters now working in clinical settings.
