Program Overview

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Doctor of Philosophy Combined Program

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 and is designed to provide 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).
• With MScSLPs distributed education model, 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 the online electives available to all.
• 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.

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.
• However, the minimum grade point average of accepted applicants is usually substantially higher than 3.3.

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.

• Students who have successfully completed an approved 3-unit (minimum) course in a prior degree program will be considered to have met this requirement at the time of admission.
• Students may also meet the requirement through the successful completion of the certificate version of the University of Alberta Indigenous Canada MOOC.

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 as follows:
  Internet Test (iBT) (Maximum 120)
  CSD Minimum requirements:
  • Overall score: 102
  • Reading: 22
  • Listening: 26
  • Speaking: 26
  • Writing: 24
• The International English language testing system (IELTS) scores required for admission are as follows:
  (Academic AC or General Training GT)
  • 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
• 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.

Combined MScSLP/PhD Program

Applicants to the combined MScSLP/PhD program must meet the entrance requirements of both the MSc-SLP program and the PhD in Rehabilitation Science program.

• They must have completed a four-year honors baccalaureate degree or a masters degree in a related field from a recognized academic institution.
• They must have completed the required preparatory courses for the MScSLP program and show evidence of research potential as demonstrated by scholarly work.
• In addition, they must meet the GPA, GRE, and English language proficiency requirements of each program and submit letters of recommendation.

Program Requirements

Students in the combined program will complete all of the requirements for the MScSLP and PhD programs, including coursework, clinical practica, candidacy, and research.

• The PhD thesis will fulfill the research requirement for the MScSLP.
• The sequence of coursework and other requirements will be determined by the candidates PhD supervisory committee in consultation with the Graduate Program Coordinator and Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Length of Program

A minimum of five calendar years will normally be required to complete the combined MScSLP/PhD program.

• The time required to complete the program may be varied for individual candidates but cannot exceed the statutory limits of the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies.

Courses

Graduate courses can be found in Course Listings, under the following subject headings:

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

Tuition and Fees

Scholarships and graduate assistantships may be obtained from various sources.

• More detailed information on these and other awards can be obtained on the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (Awards and Funding) webpage.
• For general information, please visit the Tuition and Fees page on the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies site.

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.