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University of Alberta Calendar 2016-2017 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Communication Sciences and Disorders [Graduate]
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 Return to: Graduate Programs
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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 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 .
Immunization Requirements and Bloodborne Pathogens Policy
Communication Sciences and Disorders students are health-care professionals who are exposed to patients during the course of studies at the University. To ensure, insofar as possible, both student and patient safety, the Faculty requires immunization, or proof of immunity, to poliomyelitis, diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella and hepatitis B. As well, varicella titre, hepatitis C and TB testing are required. A two-step tuberculin skin test is required in the first year of the program and should be performed by the University of Alberta Health Centre.
The University of Alberta recognizes its duty to minimize the risk of transmission of bloodborne pathogens to/by individuals studying or working at this University. The Bloodborne Pathogens Policy limits the possibility of bloodborne pathogens within the educational setting. The University recognizes, however, that it is not possible to completely eliminate the risk of infection. Refer to University Bloodborne Pathogens Policy for additional information.
The Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, in accordance with University policies and other available guidelines, has developed the following policies concerning bloodborne pathogens. These policies will be reviewed and adapted as new information becomes available.
Hepatitis B:
Hepatitis B surface antigen testing is performed by the University of Alberta Health Centre. For those students who test negative for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAG), hepatitis B vaccination is required. An exception is made for those individuals who have proof of prior vaccination and test positive for anti-body to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs). After vaccination, students receive a second test to determine if they have converted to produce the appropriate antibody titre. If they have not converted, they receive a second vaccination and again are tested. Those students who then fail to convert are counselled as to their potential risk status during training and future practice.
For those students who test positive for HBsAG, their “e” antigen (HBeAG) status and the presence of hepatitis B viral DNA is determined. If they are found to be positive for the “e” antigen or the viral DNA they are counselled as to their risk of infecting patients.
Hepatitis C:
Hepatitis C antibody testing is performed by the University of Alberta Health Centre. Those found to be positive are counselled as to how to minimize their risk of transmission to patients and how to manage their own health.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV):
The data relating to transmission of HIV from a health-care worker to a patient in a health-care setting are limited. Transmission from patients to a health-care worker is more common. All students accepted into the Faculty are encouraged to undergo HIV testing at any time during their program when concerns about infection have arisen. Testing for HIV is not mandatory.
Immunization/bloodborne pathogen requirements must be fulfilled by November 30 of the current academic year. Students must sign a waiver if they are unable to meet these requirements due to medical contra indication.
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.
Graduate Program Requirements
Graduate Courses
Graduate courses can be found in Course Listings , Course Listings, under the headings Rehabilitation Medicine (REHAB) and Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD).
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Return to: Graduate Programs
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