Program Overview

---

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (Communication Sciences and Disorders)

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders offers a program leading to the Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology (MScSLP). The MSc program is designed to develop competencies in the prevention, evaluation, treatment, and management of articulation, language, fluency, voice, and resonance disorders as well as in the fundamental practices of audiology.

Why Study This Program?

The MScSLP program is designed for students who hold an undergraduate degree in a variety of fields other than speech-language pathology. This entry-level program offers a course-based masters and an optional thesis-based track, providing students with the academic and clinical education required for certification by provincial and national professional associations.

Program Details

• The MScSLP program is currently offered at two campus locations: Edmonton and Augustana (Camrose).
• Students at all campuses complete the same core program of required courses.
• Each campus may offer unique elective opportunities reflective of local expertise and community partnerships, in addition to online electives available to all.

Thesis-Based Program

The thesis-based MSc in Speech-Language Pathology program is designed to provide speech-language clinicians with the research skills needed to study the etiology, prevention, diagnosis, and management of speech, language, and hearing disorders. Students will undertake thesis research to enhance their abilities to take leadership roles in academic, clinical, and laboratory settings.

Facilities and Research

The Department maintains laboratory, instrumentation, and clinical facilities for a wide range of research interests, including speech science, motor speech disorders, voice, language development and disorders, craniofacial anomalies, hearing disorders, and clinical supervision.

Entrance Requirements

• The Departments minimum admission requirements are an undergraduate degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.3 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution.
• The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework.

Pre-requisite Courses

The following are prerequisite courses that prospective applicants must complete in their undergraduate degree or previous studies:

• Statistics: Introduction to statistical methods (3 units)
• Child Development (3 units)
• Cognitive Psychology (3 units)
• Neuroanatomy/Neuropsychology (3 units)
• Introductory Linguistics (3 units)
• Articulatory Phonetics (3 units)
• Child Language Acquisition (3 units)

Indigenous Perspectives in Canada

All students admitted to the MScSLP program are required to complete a course focused on Indigenous perspectives, histories, and/or experiences in Canada.

English Language Proficiency

Applicants who do not possess a degree or its academic equivalent from an academic institution recognized by the University of Alberta, in which the language of instruction is English, must take an English Language Proficiency test.

• The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores required for admission are:
  • Overall score: 102
  • Reading: 22
  • Listening: 26
  • Speaking: 26
  • Writing: 24
• The International English language testing system (IELTS) scores required for admission are:
  • Total: 7.5
  • Reading: 7.5
  • Listening: 7.5
  • Speaking: 7.5
  • Writing: 7.5

Other Requirements

• Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation, a curriculum vitae, a statement of career interests, and complete an online situational judgment test (CASPer).
• Personal interviews may be used if deemed necessary in making final decisions.

Application Deadline

The deadline for submitting applications for admission is February 1.

Program Requirements

Course-Based MSc-SLP

Requirements for the course-based MSc-SLP include successful completion of a minimum of 90 units in courses, which includes:

• 3 units in interprofessional coursework
• 2 units in electives
• 34 units in clinical practica
• Completion of a research project equivalent to 3 units (CSD 900)

Thesis-Based MSc-SLP

Requirements for the thesis-based MSc-SLP include all of the academic and clinical requirements outlined above for the course-based track, with the following differences:

• Thesis-based students may take REHAB 500 or equivalent as an alternative to CSD 501.
• Instead of the research project (CSD 900), thesis-based students complete a thesis and an additional one-credit practical course in methods of data analysis.

Length of Program

A minimum of two calendar years will normally be required to complete the program. Students in the thesis-based track will most likely require at least one additional term to complete the program.

Courses

Graduate courses can be found under the subject headings:

• Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD)
• Rehabilitation Medicine (REHAB)

Required Courses

• CSD 501 - Clinical Research Methods
• CSD 502 - Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism
• CSD 505 - Speech Science
• CSD 507 - Phonological Disorders
• CSD 509 - Motor Speech Disorders
• CSD 511 - Child Language Development and Assessment
• CSD 517 - Hearing and Hearing Disorders
• CSD 518 - Remediation of Child Language Disorders
• CSD 520 - Adult Language Disorders I
• CSD 521 - Dysphagia
• CSD 523 - Augmentative/Alternative Communication Systems
• CSD 524 - Introduction to Clinical Practice II
• CSD 525 - Introduction to Clinical Practice III
• CSD 526 - Voice and Resonance Disorders
• CSD 527 - Language and Literacy
• CSD 528 - Fluency Disorders
• CSD 529 - Adult Language Disorders II
• CSD 530 - Introduction to Clinical Practice I
• CSD 532 - Advanced Clinical Practicum I
• CSD 533 - Clinical Practicum II
• CSD 540 - Clinical Practicum III
• CSD 541 - Clinical Practicum IV
• CSD 571 - Anti-Racism, Diversity and Equity in SLP Practice

Interprofessional Coursework

• REHAB 501 - Introduction to Interprofessional Practice
• REHAB 502 - Indigenous Health - Interprofessional Practice
• REHAB 503 - Interprofessional Practice Elective or equivalent

Elective Courses

• CSD 570 - Elective or equivalent

Tuition and Fees

Scholarships and graduate assistantships may be obtained from various sources. More detailed information on these and other awards can be obtained from the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies.

Scholarships and Financial Support

The Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies administers over $29 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for graduate students, as well as financial and loan advising. Additional scholarships are also available for specific faculties and programs.