Program Overview

MSc Program

The MSc program offers graduates an entry-level degree to practice as an Audiologist or a Speech-Language Pathologist.

At the School of Audiology and Speech Sciences, problem-solving is highly valued as an acquirable skill. The School’s thorough, theoretical approach guides graduate program coursework. This focus equips students to keep pace with the constant changes in science, practice, and technology.

Studying in state-of-the-art teaching and research labs with outstanding faculty prepares students to be confident practitioners who are effective, in-demand, and equipped with the skills to pursue new knowledge.

Audiology

Audiology is the science of hearing, and the diagnosis and management of hearing loss. It includes a wide variety of subjects, including: acoustics; noise pollution; diseases and defects of the ear; effects of hearing loss on speech and language development; hearing aids and assistive listening devices. Audiologists work with patients of all ages, from newborns to centenarians. They work in a variety of settings, from private practices, to publicly-funded health and education sites.

Speech Pathology

Speech-Language Pathology is the study of developmental and acquired communication and swallowing disorders. It includes the assessment and management of disorders such as delayed speech and language development, neurologically- and/or structurally-based speech and language impairments, stuttering, voice and/or swallowing disorders. Speech-Language Pathologists work with people of all ages and often work as part of a team with physio- and/or occupational therapists, teachers, teachers of the deaf and hard-of-hearing, psychologists, audiologists, social workers, rehabilitation counsellors, physicians, and others.

What makes the program unique?

• The School of Audiology and Speech Sciences (SASS) in the Faculty of Medicine at UBC is the only program in British Columbia that educates Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists.
• The School provides education and training that integrates foundational knowledge, research, and evidence-based practical skills. This learning experience will allow you to adapt to changes throughout your career as an Audiologist, a Speech-Language Pathologist, or an academic.
• Our graduates develop a working knowledge and respectful appreciation of cultural and linguistic differences, and they learn to engage in culturally safe and competent clinical practice with people of all backgrounds.
• SASS offers externships, ensuring that you experience clinical settings that reflect the diverse realities of practice. Externships are taught by experienced clinicians who understand the needs of clients and their families.
• SASS faculty are internationally renowned for their research. In addition to mentoring and training MSc and PhD students, faculty members are regularly sought after to provide specific expertise. They often introduce cutting-edge techniques used by clinicians and institutions throughout B.C., across Canada, and around the world.
• Speech-Language Pathology is a distributed program offered in both Vancouver and Victoria.

MSc Admission Requirements

• Prerequisite Coursework Requirements
• Observation Requirements
• English Competency
• Application Checklist
• Application Process
• Tuition and Fees
• MSc Program FAQs

PhD Program

• Application Process
• Why Study with Us?

Research Areas

The School of Audiology and Speech Sciences has various research areas, including:

• Adult Language Processing & Disorders Lab
• Amplification Lab
• Auditory Perception & Speech Lab
• Auditory Development and Cochlear Implant Lab
• Bilingualism Research Group
• BRANE Lab
• Child Language & Cognition Lab
• Child Phonology, Phonetics & Language Acquisition
• Children’s Speech Development Research Project
• Language and Development Lab
• Living with Aphasia Lab
• Middle Ear Lab
• Pediatric Audiology Lab (coming soon)
• Swallowing Innovations Lab

Clinics and Outreach

• Aphasia Mentors Program
• SASS Audiology Clinic

Equity & Inclusion

• REDI Committee
• REDI Resources & Supports for Students
• REDI Resources & Supports for Faculty and Staff

Career Options

• Career options for Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists include working in private practices, publicly-funded health and education sites, and other settings.
• Graduates can work with patients of all ages, from newborns to centenarians.

Undergraduate Preparation

• Undergraduate preparation for the MSc program includes coursework in areas such as linguistics, psychology, and communication sciences.

Clinical Externships

• Clinical externships are offered as part of the MSc program, providing students with hands-on experience in clinical settings.

NEW MSc SLP Victoria Cohort

• The School of Audiology and Speech Sciences offers a distributed program in Speech-Language Pathology, with a new cohort in Victoria.