Southeast Missouri State University 1873

Find your
fearless

Academic Hall on the SEMO campus.

Determined. Committed. Fearless. 

  • Going to SEMO was a no-brainer for Josh, especially after he discovered speech language pathology and audiology.
    Josh, a communication disorders student, takes notes during observations.
  • Josh had always been passionate about music, so when he found that he could combine his love of music with his drive to help others, everything fell into place.
    Student studies and does observations in the communication disorders program
  • He found dedicated faculty with clinic experience who not only guided him toward academic excellence, but mentored him as he prepares to advocate for individuals who need help finding their voice.
    Communication disorders faculty member leads a class in Graul.
  • Through hands on experience in the Center for Speech and Hearing, a communication disorders degree from SEMO prepares you for careers in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and other settings where communication support is essential.
    Exterior of the Center for Speech and Hearing located on Southeast Missouri State University's campus
  • SEMO communication disorders alumni are trusted professionals across the region and beyond, equipped with the technical knowledge, experience, and mentorship that prepare them for the field.
    A communication disorders major works with a child in the speech and hearing clinic for clinical hours.
  • Josh knows he’ll be ready to enter the workforce thanks to the support that helped him grow through his degree. Hear his story and discover how you can make an impact with a communication disorders degree from SEMO.

Helping Voices Be Heard.

Academics

A SEMO student, majoring in speech language pathology, works with a child, getting clinic hours, at the Center for Speech and Hearing. Where Communication Creates Impact
Communication is how we connect with the world. A degree in communication disorders helps you understand the science behind speech, language and hearing while preparing you to help others find their voice. At SEMO, starting in your first semester, you’ll gain experience working in the community and building the skills to support communication and independence. Our faculty mentors bring professional experience from clinics, schools, and healthcare settings directly into the classroom. Graduates pursue paths such as speech language pathology, audiology, school-based services, rehabilitation support, and other communication focused careers. Explore SEMO’s communication disorders program or browse our full range of academic programs to find the path that fits your goals.
Find Your Program SEMO Online Communication Disorders
Dr. Fulton, a communication disorders professor, leads class discussion in a classroom in our Graul building.

Dr. Susan Fulton

Outcomes

“Our mission is twofold: prepare exceptional clinicians and meet real needs in our community. Every session benefits both our students and the individuals we serve.”
SEMO Center for Speech and Hearing

Student Experience

Active Learning

A SEMO student, majoring in communication sciences and disorders, works with an elderly patient, earning clinic hours at the Center for Speech and Hearing. Experience That Makes a Difference
As the only university in Missouri with a standalone speech and hearing clinic, SEMO gives students the opportunity to work with the community from the start. Through the clinic, communication disorders students gain hands on experience supporting real clients while building the skills and confidence needed for their future careers. At SEMO, this kind of practical experience begins long before graduation.
Experiential Learning Center for Speech and Hearing
  • 1
    SEMO is the only university in Missouri with a standalone speech and hearing clinic, giving students real experience while serving the region.
  • 29%
    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of speech-language pathologists is projected to grow 29% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
  • $80k
    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, speech language pathologists earn a median annual salary of about $80,480, while audiologists earn around $81,030 per year.
  • 98%
    In 2025, our speech-language pathology students achieved a remarkable 98% first time Praxis pass rate, a testament to our hands-on preparation and dedicated faculty.
Two students in our communication sciences and disorders program converse at a career expo on campus. Experiences Beyond the Classroom
The student experience includes more than going to class. Joining a student organization, leadership program, or intramural sport are just a few ways to immerse yourself in your college community. SEMO is the right fit for academics, experiential learning, and extracurriculars. When you join the Redhawk community, you will become fearless and full of college pride.
Clubs and Organizations Redhawk Athletics

Admissions & Aid

According to data published by U.S. News and World Report, SEMO ranks among the most affordable universities in the nation, earning a spot in the top 40 for Best Value among other recognitions. SEMO students understand the value of a degree, and we work to remove barriers so you can reach your academic goals.
Admission Info Financial Aid SEMO Scholarships
The Rowdy Crowd at a SEMO football game celebrate campus life, holding signs to spell out “go SEMO,”

Deeply Connected

Community

Mandy Keys, an employer who has hired speech language pathology students, smiles at the camera for her professional headshot. Built for Careers that Matter
“SEMO graduates have an edge because of their regional familiarity and clinical hours. While many programs focus on theory, SEMO's teaching methods mean they hit the ground running on day one. They aren't just ‘ready to learn’—they are ready to lead.”
Whitley, SEMO communication sciences and disorders alumna, smiling for a headshot

Whitley Chugunov

In-Demand Alumni

“Choosing SEMO was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The program holds students to a high standard and prepares them exceptionally well for the workforce. If you want an education that sets you up for long-term success, you’re in the right place.”

Career and Alumni Success

Outcomes

A speech language pathology student works with a child in the Center for Speech and Hearing. From the Classroom to the Clinic
Within six months of graduation, 100% of SEMO communication disorders graduates are working or continuing their education. Through hands on clinical experience, they turn their education into meaningful careers, helping others communicate with confidence and connect with the world around them.
Career Services
  • $1.3b
    In FY 2023-24, SEMO alumni generated $1.3 billion in added income for the state economy, which is equivalent to supporting 12,859 jobs.
  • $90.2m
    SEMO’s operations spending, including the University’s payroll and the in-state spending of the University and its employees, added $90.2 million in income to the state or the equivalent of 1,075 jobs.
  • $31k
    The average bachelor's degree graduate from SEMO will see an increase in earnings of $31,000 each year compared to someone with a high school diploma working in Missouri.

Forward Motion

Take the Next Step

You’ve already started to explore SEMO. Keep that momentum going. Schedule a campus visit or start your application today.

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Learn More

If one of our career-focused programs sounds like a fit — and you’re ready to turn grit into greatness — we’d love to tell you more about Southeast Missouri State University. Complete this brief form, and someone will be in touch real soon.

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