205
Graduate Programs
205.74
Speech Pathology and Audiology
205.74 Speech Pathology and Audiology
Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology
2-70 Corbett Hall
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G4
E-mail: spa@rehabmed.ualberta.ca
205.74.1 General Information
The Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology 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 course-based 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.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/spa/
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 §23.8.2 Practicum Intervention Policy for additional information.
Professional Ethics/Code of Student Behaviour
Students in the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology 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 §23.8.3.
Immunization Requirements and Bloodborne Pathogens Policy
Speech Pathology and Audiology 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 §20.5 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 3.0 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 3.0. Applicants must have completed preparatory courses in areas fundamental to the program. Information on required preparatory courses can be obtained from the Department website www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/spa/PrerequisiteCourses.cfm. Applicants who use the TOEFL exam to fulfil the English language proficiency requirement of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research must present a minimum score of 600 (paper-based) or 100 (internet-based). See §203.2.4. 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.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/spa/
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.
205.74.2 The Degree of MSc in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP)
Program Requirements
Requirements for the course-based MSc-SLP include successful completion of a minimum of 48, plus a research project equivalent to 3 (SPA 900), and a minimum of 350 supervised clinical hours (300 direct contact). The prerequisite courses and program requirements ensure that students meet standards required for membership/certification in provincial and national professional associations. Information about prerequisite courses and the required program of study may be obtained from the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology website www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/spa/.
Requirements for the thesis-based MSc-SLP include all of the academic and clinical requirements outlined above for the course-based track. However, instead of the research project (SPA 900), thesis-based students complete a thesis and an additional one-credit practical course in methods of data analysis. Additional coursework in research design, statistics, or specialized content may be recommended by the supervisor and thesis committee.
The period of residency is three four-month terms (fall, winter, fall) and one spring/summer term of full-time attendance at the University of Alberta.
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. The time required to complete the program may be varied for individual candidates but cannot exceed the statutory limits of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research as set out in §203.14.
205.74.3 The Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Francophone Practice for Speech-Language Pathologists
The Certificate, comprised of three graduate-level courses, is a collaborative effort between the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine and the Campus Saint-Jean. The Certificate provides SLPs with an opportunity to acquire information about normal and disordered speech and language, and become familiar with assessment and intervention methods and materials for child and adult Francophone populations. See §205.68.4.1 for a complete description including entrance and program requirements. Courses are listed in §231, Course Listings, under the heading Rehabilitation Medicine (REHAB).
205.74.4 Graduate Courses
Graduate courses can be found in §231, Course Listings, under the headings Rehabilitation Medicine (REHAB) and Speech Pathology and Audiology (SPA).
