Speech-Language Pathology Programs

Before looking through schools, please read through our introduction.

  1. University of Alberta
  2. University of British Columbia
  3. Dalhousie University
  4. McGill University
  5. McMaster University
  6. University of Toronto
  7. University of Western Ontario

University of Alberta

Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Program Duration: Two years
Minimum Admission Grade1: CGPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale
Website: Link
Application Fee: ~$135
Deadline: January 15th
About the Program:
UofA offers to prospective Speech-Language Pathologists three different options to acquire a degree: A course-based program, a thesis-based program, and a combined MSc/PhD program. The course-based direction offers a full course load and includes a major research project. The thesis-based program is nearly the same as the course-based—with the exception of a thesis instead of a research project. The PhD program is condensed into five years.
Prerequisites:
Students need (21) total credits of prerequisites. All prerequisite classes can be taken at SFU.  

Required (21):
• Statistics (3): PSYC 210, PSYC 410, STAT 201, LING 851
• Child Development or Developmental Psychology (3): PSYC 250
• Cognitive Psychology (3): PSYC 221, COGS 100
• Neuroanatomy or Neuropsychology (3): PSYC 280, LING 415, LING 811
• Introductory Linguistics (3): LING 220
• Articulatory Phonetics (3): LING 330
• Child Language Development, Child Language Acquisition, or First Language Acquisition (3): LING 350
• Indigenous Canadian History2: FNST 201, PSYC 106
Additional Tests:
For all applicants:
(1) CASPer Test

For non-native English speakers:
(2) TOEFL certification  
Observation / Experience:
No observed experience is required  
References:
(1) Two academic references
(2) One professional / clinical reference  
Application Package:
For all applicants:
(1) CASPer Test
(2) Online application form
(3) Official transcript(s)
(4) Statement of intent
(5) Résumé
(6) Reference letters
(7) List of pre-requisite courses

For non-native English speakers:
(8) Tests of English competence  
Calculated using the most recent 60 credits; a competitive GPA is about 3.7 on a 4.0 scale.1
All admitted students must take a prerequisite course about the history of Indigenous peoples of Canada before August 1st in the year of their program. This can be satisfied by UofA’s online course or students may supplement this pre-requisite with another course taken during the student’s undergraduate degree.2

University of British Columbia

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Program Duration: Two years
Minimum Admission Grade1: CGPA of 3.40 on a 4.33 scale
Website: Link
Application Fee: ~$108
Deadline: First week of February
About the Program2:
The University of British Columbia’s M.Sc. in speech-language pathology is a two-year graduate program that offers a variety of in-class and real-life experiences to prepare students for a career as an SLP. Students must complete a variety of clinical externships and have the option to complete a final research-based project.
Prerequisites:
Students need (30) total credits of prerequisites. All prerequisite classes can be taken at SFU.

Required (30):
• Phonology (3): LING 321
• Syntax (3): LING 322
• Phonetics (3): LING 330
• Language Acquisition (3): LING 350
• Speech Science (3): LING 290, LING 401
• Neuroanatomy (3)3: BPK 426
• Neurolinguistics (3)3: LING 415
• Research Methods (3): PSYC 201, HSCI 307
• Developmental Psychology (3): PSYC 250, PSYC 353
• Cognitive Psychology (3): PSYC 354, PSYC 382
Additional Tests:
For non-native English speakers:
(1) TOEFL certification
(2) Five- to ten-minute recording of speech
Observation / Experience:
(1) Applicants must shadow at least one audiologist AND one speech-language pathologist at work
References:
Pick one of the following options:
• One academic reference, one research reference, one professional / clinical reference
• Two academic references, one research reference
• Two academic references, one professional / clinical reference
Application Package:
For all applicants:
(1) Online application form
(2) Official transcripts
(3) Reference letters
(4) Statement of intent with list of audiologists and SLPs you have observed
(5) Résumé
(6) Picture of BC services card

For non-native English speakers:
(7) Tests of English competence
It is recommended that applicants also have a GPA for prerequisite courses of at least 3.67 on a 4.33 scale.1
Only accept applications from individuals who have Canadian citizenship or permanent residency status.2
For Neuroanatomy, it is recommended students take AUDI 402 online at UBC. Neurolinguistics can be substituted with UBC’s AUDI 403 online, if desired.3

Dalhousie University

Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Program Duration: Three years
Minimum Admission Grade1: CGPA of 3.33 on a 4.33 scale
Website: Link
Application Fee: ~$115
Deadline: Second Week of January
About the Program:
Dalhousie offers a three-year program filled with full-time classes and practica, which is designed to enhance students’ knowledge and ability to work as an SLP. The course is three years because it requires the completion of a research project or thesis.
Prerequisites:
There are no required classes to get into this program. However, courses in physiology, linguistics, and psychology are recommended.
Additional Tests:
For non-native English speakers2:
(1) TOEFL certification
Observation / Experience:
No observed experience is required
References3:
(1) At least two academic references
Application Package:
For all applicants:
(1) Paper or online application
(2) Two official transcripts
(3) Reference letters
(4) SHCD additional information form
(5) Résumé

For non-native English speakers:
(6) Test(s) of English competence
Considers the last twenty courses taken.1
Other language tests are acceptable for admission.2
Applicants who have spent more than five years without taking a university course may provide professional / clinical letters of reference.3

McGill University

Location: Montréal, Québec
Program Duration1: Two years
Minimum Admission Grade2: CGPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Website: Link
Application Fee: ~$120
Deadline: Second Week of January
About the Program3: McGill University offers a supportive environment to all SLP hopefuls. Their school of Communication Sciences and Disorders has two options for students: two years of full courses with clinical experience or a three-year program for those who want to additionally write a master’s thesis and pursue a PhD. Although this program is for English speakers, clinical placements may be limited for students who do not know French.
Prerequisites:
Note McGill does not have an exact list of prerequisites for SFU. The classes listed here are just possibilities; some classes not listed here may still be approved. Students need (21) total credits of prerequisites. All prerequisite classes can be taken at SFU.

Required (9):
• Statistics (3): PSYC 210
• Linguistics (6): LING 220, LING 330

Additional Courses (12):
• Linguistics: LING 321, LING 322, LING 323, LING 324, LING 360, LING 415
• Psychology (Need a minimum of 6 credits): PSYC 250, PSYC 221, PSYC 241, PSYC 280, PSYC 303, PSYC 325, PSYC 330, PSYC 357, PSYC 358, PSYC 359, PSYC 382, PSYC 389, COGS 100
• Related area (Up to 3 credits): BPK 105, BPK 205, EDUC 220, EDUC 315, HSCI 100
Additional Tests:
For all applicants:
(1) CASPer Test

For non-native English speakers:
(2) TOEFL certification
(3) IELTS certification
Observation / Experience:
No observed experience is required; however, a professional reference is mandatory
References:
(1) Academic reference
(2) Professional / clinical reference
Application Package:
For all applicants:
(1) Online application
(2) Statement of intent
(3) CASPer test
(4) Résumé
(5) Reference letters
(6) Official transcripts
(7) Detailed list of prerequisite courses

For non-native English speakers:
(8) Tests of English competence
A three-year program is available for students who want to write a master’s thesis.1
Accepted applicants typically have a CGPA average of 3.8 on a 4.0 scale.2
This program is taught in English. However, Montréal is a French speaking community and some command of French may be useful. Non-English and French Bilinguals may have fewer opportunities for placements in clinics.3

McMaster University

Location: Hamilton, Ontario
Program Duration: Two years
Minimum Admission Grade1: CGPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale
Website: Link
Application Fee: ~$190 (ORPAS) + $90
Deadline: First week of January
About the Program:
The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a 23-month, full-time program. Through in-class learning and clinical practicums, students will gain the necessary skills needed for an SLP practice. Students will learn through a variety of different settings including classroom, clinics, hospitals, schools, homes, and research facilities
Prerequisites:
The classes in each of these categories are some suggestions; other classes may satisfy these prerequisites. Students need (12) total credits of prerequisites. All prerequisite classes can be taken at SFU.

Required (12):
• Human Anatomy / Physiology (3)2: BPK 105, BPK 205, BPK 208, BPK 306, BPK 326
• Linguistics (3): LING 220, LING 321, LING 322, LING 323, LING 330, LING 350
• Psychology (3): PSYC 221, PSYC 241, PSYC 250, PSYC 357
• Statistics or Research Methods (3): PSYC 210, PSYC 201, PSYC 301, HSCI 307
Additional Tests:
For selected applicants:
(1) The top ranked applicants (~125) will be invited to a (1) Multiple Mini Interview, which assesses writing ability, personal qualities, and life experiences. This interview is typically conducted in-person but may be online due to COVID-19.

For non-native English speakers:
(2) TOEFL certification
Observation / Experience:
No observed experience is required
References:
No references are required
Application Package:
For all applicants:
(1) Online application form
(2) Official transcripts

For non-native English speakers:
(3) Tests of English competence

For selected applicants:
(4) Multiple Mini Interview
Possess a minimum “B+” average over your last 60 units using ORPAS’s 4.0 GPA scale.1
Applicants can NOT supplement this required course with AUDI 402 from UBC.2

University of Toronto

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Program Duration: Two years
Minimum Admission Grade1: B average in your final 10 courses; B+ in all prerequisite courses
Website: Link
Application Fee: ~$190 (ORPAS) + $90
Deadline: First week of January
About the Program:
This graduate program is a comprehensive two-year program that will prepare students for professional SLP practice. Students will learn about communication, speech, and swallowing disorders through in-class and practical learning experiences. This program must be completed on a full-time basis.
Prerequisites:
Students need (24) total credits of prerequisites. All prerequisite classes can be taken at SFU.

Required (24):
• Developmental Psychology (3): PSYC 250
• Elementary Statistics (3): PSYC 210, PSYC 301, STAT 101, STAT 103, STAT 201, STAT 203, STAT 270, STAT 305
• General Linguistics (3): LING 200, LING 220, LING 323, FREN 270, FREN 370
• Human Physiology (6): BPK 105, BPK 205, HSCI 321
— (3) credits may be substituted with one of2 BPK 142, BPK 325, LING 415, PSYC 280, PSYC 387
• Phonetics (3): LING 130, LING 330
• Research Methods (3): HSCI 307, PSYC 201, PSYC 301
Additional Tests:
For non-native English speakers:
(1a) TOEFL certification or (1b) IELTS certification
Observation / Experience:
(1) Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the usual 14-hour clinical experience requirement with an SLP has been waived
References:
(1) Two academic letters of reference
Application Package:
For all applicants2:
(1) Online application form
(2) Statement of intent
(3) Reference letters
(4) Official transcripts
(5) Résumé

For non-native English speakers:
(6) Tests of English competence
B is approximately a 3.00 GPA, B+ is approximately a 3.33 GPA1
The program may include interviews for selected candidates as part of the application process. These may be over telecommunication.2

University of Western Ontario

Location: London, Ontario
Program Duration: Two years
Minimum Admission Grade1: CGPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Website: Link
Application Fee: ~$190 (ORPAS) + $90
Deadline: First week of January
About the Program:
Western’s two-year comprehensive program in Speech-Language Pathology offers access to Canada’s largest on-site speech and hearing clinic, the H.A. Leeper Speech and Hearing clinic. Here, students will learn assessment and treatment of a broad range of speech, language, voice, swallowing, and cognitive-communication impairments. Students who choose to study here will be taught in small groups and will have the chance to practice their knowledge in two summer clinical placements.
Prerequisites:
The classes in the Life/Biomedical/General Sciences and Social Science/Psychology/Linguistics categories are some suggestions; other classes may satisfy this prerequisite. Students need (18) total credits of prerequisites. All prerequisite classes can be taken at SFU.

Required (18):
• Developmental Psychology (3): PSYC 250
• Introduction to Linguistics (3): LING 220
• Statistics (3): PSYC 210, PSYC 301, STAT 101, STAT 201, STAT 203, STAT 270
• Human Anatomy/Human Physiology (3)2: BPK 105, BPK 205, BPK 208, BPK 305, BPK 306, BPK 324, BPK 326 (or the KIN equivalents)
• Life/Biomedical/General Sciences (3): PSYC 280, PSYC 382, PSYC 383, PHYS 101, PHYS 102, BISC 102, LING 415
• Social Science/Psychology/Linguistics (3): PSYC 221, PSYC 241, PSYC 260, PSYC 303, PSYC 325, LING 321, LING 322, LING 324, LING 330, LING 350
Additional Tests:
For non-native English speakers:
(1a) TOEFL certification or (1b) IELTS certification
Observation / Experience:
(1) Volunteer hours will not be required due to COVID-19 (although 14 hours of clinical observation is typically expected), but applicants will still have an opportunity to describe any other volunteerism already completed.
References3:
(1) Two academic letters of reference
(2) A professional / personal reference (A clinical reference will not be required due to COVID-19)
Application Package:
For all applicants:
(1) Online application form
(2) Statement of intent
(3) Reference letters
(4) Official transcripts

For non-native English speakers:
(5) Tests of English competence
Possess a minimum “B” average in the last 20 full university courses (SFU) using ORPAS’s 4.0 GPA scale.1
Applicants can supplement this required course with AUDI 402 offered at UBC.2
Applicants who have spent more than five years without taking a university course may provide professional letters of reference.3

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