General Information
The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders offers graduate work 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. Developed for students who hold an undergraduate degree in a variety of fields other than speech-language pathology, this entry-level program offers a coursebased master’s 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.
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.
The Department maintains laboratory, instrumentation, and clinical facilities for a wide range of research interests (e.g., speech science, motor speech disorders, voice, language development and disorders, craniofacial anomalies, hearing disorders, and clinical supervision).
More detailed information on the program may be obtained at www.csd.ualberta.ca
Practicum Intervention Policy
The Dean, or Supervisor acting on behalf of the Dean, may immediately deny assignment of a student to, withdraw a student from, or vary terms, conditions, or site of practicum/ clinical placement if the Dean or Supervisor has reasonable grounds to believe that this is necessary in order to protect the Public Interest. Refer to Practicum Intervention Policy for additional information.
Professional Ethics/Code of Student Behaviour
Students in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders are required to adhere to the professional code of ethics of their professional/licensing bodies. Refer to the Code of Student Behaviour. Amendments to the Code of Student Behaviour occur throughout the year. The official version of the Code of Student Behaviour, as amended from time to time, is housed on the University Governance website at www.governance.ualberta.ca.
Criminal Records Check
Students should be aware that under the Protection for Persons in Care Act, they may be required to satisfy a criminal-records check before being allowed to serve a period of internship, practicum placement or work experience. Refer to Requirement for Police Information Checks .
Entrance Requirements
Minimum entrance requirements include a four-year baccalaureate degree. The grade point average calculated across the most recent ★60 undergraduate (or graduate) courses must be at least 3.3 on the 4-point letter grading system at the University of Alberta or an equivalent standing from another recognized institution. However, the minimum grade point average of accepted applicants is usually substantially higher than 3.3. Applicants must have completed preparatory courses in areas fundamental to the program. Information on required preparatory courses and the English language proficiency requirement for the Department can be obtained from the Department website www.csd.ualberta.ca. Applicants who use the TOEFL exam to fulfil the English language proficiency requirement must present a minimum score of 600 (paper-based) or 115 (Internet-based). Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation, results of the Graduate Records Examination (GRE), and a statement of career interests. No minimum cutoff is used to evaluate GRE scores, since the scores are used in conjunction with other indicators of student potential. Personal interviews may be used if deemed necessary in making final selections. The deadline for submitting applications is February 1. For more information see www.csd.ualberta.ca
Financial Assistance
A limited number of teaching and research assistantships may be available within the Department. Successful candidates selected for the program are provided applications for department teaching and research assistantships. Students should review www.gradstudies.ualberta.ca for current information on available awards and other possible sources of funding.
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