Program Overview

Master of Speech-Language Pathology (M.S.L.P.)

The Master of Speech-Language Pathology (M.S.L.P.) program at the University of Saskatchewan is a professional graduate degree that prepares students to become effective speech-language pathologists. This program is designed to assess, diagnose, and treat communication and swallowing disorders in individuals across the lifespan.

Program Overview

• The program is a full-time, 27-month program that combines academic coursework with 30 weeks of clinical placement experience.
• Students will complete six clinical placements throughout the program, totaling over 1,000 hours, including the minimum 350 supervised clinical hours of direct client contact activities required by the College of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists of Saskatchewan (CSASK).
• The program focuses on the needs of Saskatchewan's rural, remote, and Indigenous communities, emphasizing cultural humility throughout.

Why Study Speech-Language Pathology at USask?

• Learn through a blend of classroom, lab, and clinical placement experiences that emphasize real-world application.
• Master skills to address a broad range of speech, language, social, swallowing, learning, and communication disorders.
• Graduate ready to meet the requirements as an entry-to-practice speech-language pathologist.

Quick Facts

• Expected Length: 27 months
• Thesis-based: No
• Course-based: Yes
• Class delivery: In-person
• Supervisor: Not applicable
• Deadlines and admission details: Below

Program Details

The Master of Speech-Language Pathology program is aligned with the Academic Equivalency Framework created by Canadian audiology and speech-language pathology regulators. It provides students with a comprehensive education by combining academic coursework with clinical placement experience.

Tuition and Fees

• Tuition listed covers the entire program with payments due at intervals throughout the program.
• In addition to tuition and student fees, students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs associated with clinical placements.
• Program: Master of Speech Language Pathology
  • Canadian students: $24,967.00 CAD
  • International students: Not applicable (this program is only open to Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada)
• Student fees: In addition to tuition, students also pay fees for programs like health and dental insurance, a bus pass, and other campus services.

Admission Requirements

Master of Speech-Language Pathology (M.S.L.P.)

• A four-year undergraduate degree (120 credits) or equivalent from a recognized college or university in any academic field of study.
• A cumulative weighted average of at least 70% or higher in the most recent 60 graded credit units at the time of application.
• Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English.
  • TOEFL: A minimum of 22 out of 30 in reading, 24 out of 30 in writing, and 26 out of 30 in both speaking and listening.
  • IELTS: A minimum score of 8 out of 9 in listening and 7.5 out of 9 in speaking, reading, and writing.

Pre-requisite Coursework

• Successful completion of the required pre-requisite courses with an academic grade of 70% or higher in each pre-requisite course (or approved alternate courses from an accredited post-secondary institution) and an overall average of 75% among all pre-requisite courses.
  • Human Anatomy or Neuroanatomy – 3 credit units
  • Indigenous Studies – 3 credit units
  • Introductory Linguistics – 3 credit units
  • Introductory Phonetics – 3 credit units
  • Psychology – 3 credit units
  • Statistics – 3 credit units
• Additional courses that are highly recommended but not required: Any course at any level in sociology, social science, neuroscience, research design, physiology, anatomy, neuroanatomy, or women’s and gender studies.

Residency Requirements

• There are two categories of admissions for the School of Rehabilitation Science: general pool admission and eight seats designated for Indigenous applicants.
• Applicants applying for a seat designated for an Indigenous student must be Canadian citizens.
• General pool applicants must meet one of the following four School of Rehabilitation Science residency requirements and be Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada.

Selection Process

• Meeting the admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the Master of Speech-Language Pathology program as there are more applicants than available seats.
• Selection for admission is based upon:
  • Academic assessment (i.e., admission average): weighted 60%
  • Situational judgment test (i.e., CASPer): weighted 32%
  • Personal statement: weighted 8%

Application Process and Deadlines

• Applications open mid-September and close mid-December for admission in the following Fall term.
• Start Term: September
• Application Deadline: December 15
• Personal Statement due: January 31
• Admissions Offers: Early April
• Supporting Documents due: May 15

Submitting an Online Application

• Before beginning the online application, ensure careful review of all program information and admission requirements.
• The application takes about 30 minutes to complete and may be saved and returned to later.
• At the end of the application, a non-refundable application fee is required: $125 for Canadian students and $145 for international students.

Submitting Required Documents

• Once the online application is submitted, access is provided to upload required documents and provide contact information for references.
• Reference letters are not required for the MSLP program and will not be accepted as part of the applicant’s file.

Transcripts

• Applicants who completed their undergraduate degree from the University of Saskatchewan are not required to submit transcripts.
• Unofficial PDF copies of academic transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended must be uploaded.
• Official copies of transcripts will be required only for applicants offered admission.

Proof of Residency

• There are two categories of admissions for the School of Rehabilitation Science: general pool admission and eight seats designated for Indigenous applicants.
• General pool applicants must be a resident of Saskatchewan or one of the Yukon, Northwest, or Nunavut Territories.

Proof of English Language Proficiency

• For students required to provide proof of English proficiency, completing a relevant test with the appropriate score is required before the application deadline.
• Tests are valid for 24 months after the testing date and must be valid at the beginning of the student’s first term of registration in the graduate program.

Seats Designated for Indigenous Applicants

• The Master of Speech-Language Pathology (MSLP) program has 8 seats designated for Indigenous applicants.
• Applicants choosing to apply for these seats must indicate such in the online application and must also meet all usual entry requirements.
• Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwatwin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth Policy and Standing Committee.