speech language pathologist programs ontario

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CSD Program & Admissions Information

[email protected] 519-661-3227

Program Preview Day

Learn about Western's graduate programs in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology at Professional Program Preview Day.  Learn more and register.

• Friday, Nov. 24, 2023
• 10 a.m. - 2:30 pm.
• Virtual Presentations

Speech Language Pathology

What is speech-language pathology? Speech-language pathologists focus on the assessment and treatment of a broad range of speech, language, voice, swallowing, and cognitive-communication impairments. Such impairments may result from structural or functional causes and may have developed over time or have resulted from stroke, head injury, or cancers of the head and neck.

Western University’s Speech-Language Pathology program is an international leader in the profession and has played important roles in the development of innovative language, speech, swallowing and voice therapies. Individualized learning happens through laboratory experiences and teaching clinics, and access to state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities. The School of Communication Sciences and Disorders is home to Canada's largest on-site speech and hearing clinic, the H.A. Leeper Speech and Hearing Clinic .

MClSc Program Structure and Requirements

The MClSc program in speech-language pathology is designed to provide a comprehensive, professional education focused on the development of Essential Skills and Competencies and prepare students to seek licensure to practice speech-language pathology in Canada. The program consists of:

The program consists of:

• Full-time, two-year (6 terms), in-person, intensive study, with no traditional academic ‘reading’ weeks
• Integration of pre-determined academic curriculum and clinical practicum components

Courses offered: Year 1 courses   |  Year 2 courses

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Graduate Studies

Speech-language pathology.

Speech-Language Pathologists are autonomous rehabilitation health professionals with specialized knowledge, skills and clinical training in the prevention, screening, identification, assessment, and management of communication and swallowing disorders.

Faculty of Health Sciences

Program Contact

Degree Options

Speech-language pathology (msc).

Anchored within the innovative and renown School of Rehabilitation Science at McMaster University, this SLP program will add to the inter professional mix of health care disciplines within the Faculty of Health Sciences. With its problem-based learning curriculum, grounded in self-directed and small group learning, McMaster’s SLP program offers a unique learning and training opportunity within Canada for students interested in a career in Speech-Language Pathology.

The goal of this program is to prepare SLPs with the knowledge, skills and professional behaviours needed to practice in a variety of Canadian health care and community settings. The MSc (SLP) program will prepare you to be eligible to register to practice speech-language pathology, and will meet professional accreditation and practice standards.

Association of Canadian Universities for Northern Studies (ACUNS) Varied values

Varied values

ACUNS established its scholarship program, the Canadian Northern Studies Trust (CNST) in 1982 to advance knowledge and understanding of Canada’s North. The purpose of the CNST is to develop a cadre of scholars and scientists with northern experience and, at the same time, to enhance the educational opportunities available for northern residents.

For a list of scholarships and funding available, as well as eligibility criteria, award values, application details, and deadlines, visit the ACUNS website.

Canada-U.S. Fulbright Program

The bi-national program is an educational exchange, with a mandate to enhance mutual understanding between the people of Canada and the people of the United States of America. Available to graduate students, faculty, professionals and independent researchers, successful applicants conduct research, lecture, or enroll in formal academic programs in the United States. Fulbright Canada offers various scholarship awards within this program, with further information on the various award opportunities made available through the Canada-US Fulbright Program website.

For eligibility criteria, award values, application details and deadlines, visit the Fulbright website.

CIHR Postdoctoral Fellowship $$$$

Deadline Date:

September 27, 2023

Postdoctoral research opportunities funded through CIHR. E-Approval done through the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.

Fellowships provide support for highly qualified applicants in all areas of health research at the post-PhD degree or post-health professional degree stages to add to their experience by engaging in health research either in Canada or abroad.

Up to $60,000 per annum for up to five years.

Eligibility

At the time of application, the Nominated Principal Applicant must be/have:

• a trainee, with an identified primary supervisor,
• commit 75% of your time in the research fellowship role to the proposal,
• hold or be completing a PhD degree or a regulated health professional degree by the last possible date to take up the fellowship.

General application process

Information and instructions for this year’s competition are available on SharePoint.

Applications are prepared and submitted by individuals on ResearchNet by the internal deadline set by McMaster . Please see the ResearchNet website for information on eligibility requirements, guidelines, how to apply, and information regarding the review process and evaluation.

McMaster Internal RESEARCHNET deadline: 12 p.m. EST, Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Review and Submission

Please note that applications will be returned to applicants for correction or review and final approval before they are submitted to CIHR. It is the applicant’s responsibility to resubmit their application after the internal deadline and before the McMaster final deadline for submission.

It is important to note that it is the applicant’s sole responsibility to follow up with his/her sponsors to ensure that the assessments are submitted online by their sponsors no later than 12 p.m., Monday, September 25, 2023.

McMaster Internal Final Deadline for Submission: 12 p.m., Wednesday, October 4, 2023

• CIHR deadline: October 5, 2023
• Anticipated notice of decision: April 30, 2023
• Funding start date: April 1, 2024

For questions on CIHR funding guidelines, how to apply, contact:

• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone: 613-954-1968
• Toll-Free: 1-888-603-4178

For ResearchNet technical support contact:

• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone: 613-941-9080

This competition is being managed by the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs in the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants are encouraged to contact Catherine Maybrey, coordinator of postdoctoral affairs and research training, at [email protected] for questions regarding deadlines and submissions.

Clarification of Signature Pages

• Only supervisor(s) signatures are required. Printed names should always accompany signatures.
• No institution signatures are required on the pages at the time of application, as McMaster University’s submission on your behalf acts as the institution/institution paid signature.

Scan and upload the signed signature pages, including the routing slip, as one PDF (unprotected and not exceeding 30 MB), in the Print/Upload Signature Pages task in ResearchNet prior to submitting the application

CSA Group Graduate Scholarship $$

March 31, 2024

The purpose of the CSA Group Graduate Scholarship is to support graduate students in the pursuit of knowledge generation related to standards. Full-time graduate students at the Masters level studying at a publicly funded, accredited Canadian university are eligible to apply.

The research can be conducted in any field (e.g. engineering, social sciences, health sciences) and must include standards as a component of the research. The topic does not need to be related to an area in which CSA Group already has standards. The research may investigate aspects of an existing standard or may explore an area for future standards development.

Dr. J. A. Campbell Young Investigator Award $$

April 30, 2023

The Dr. J. A. Campbell Young Investigator Award of $5,000 for any kind of research into celiac disease and / or gluten sensitivity is available to students and those who have recently completed degrees.

Eligibility criteria, application details and deadlines available on the Canadian Celiac Association website.

Dr. John Thomas Memorial Bursary $

Dr. John Thomas Memorial Bursary was established in 1996 in memory of Dr. John Thomas by family, friends and colleagues. The bursary fund will assist graduate students enrolled in the department of philosophy or the Faculty of Health Sciences who demonstrate financial need. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies with preference given to students studying medical or applied ethics.

E.B. Eastburn Fellowship $$$$

March 3, 2025

Under the terms of a bequest to Hamilton Community Foundation by the late Eugene B. Eastburn, a two-year Fellowship will be awarded for full-time postdoctoral studies in engineering or sciences (Natural or Physical sciences, including Health Sciences).

The fellowship will be awarded for 24 months for a total value of $90,000.

Note: The 2025 competition will be announced in late fall 2024.

Fulbright canada student awards $ – $$$.

November 15, 2023

Traditional Fulbright Canada Student awards are intended for Canadian citizens who are graduate students, prospective graduate students, or promising young professionals who wish to study and/or conduct research in the United States. Awards may be held at any university, research centre, think tank, or government agency in the United States.

For eligibility criteria, award values, application details and deadlines, visit the Fulbright Canada website.

GSA Travel Award $

The GSA Travel Assistance Grants are funded from the proceeds of the Graduate Students Association Development Fund, which receives contributions from graduate students and the University. The GSA Travel Assistance Grants fund is administered through the School of Graduate Studies. The GSA Travel Assistance Grants are designed to enable graduate students to travel to undertake research or present at conferences relevant to their field of study. There are a fluctuating number of awards available each semester.

The successful recipients will be determined randomly by selecting one recipient from each faculty (Health Sciences, Engineering, Science, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Business) and the balance of the awards left in a given period will be randomly selected from a list of the remaining applicants from all faculties combined.

Application dates:

• Fall competition for September to December travel: Opens September 1, 2023 and closes October 2, 2023
• Winter competition for January to April travel: Opens January 2, 2024 and closes February 5, 2024
• Summer competition for May to August travel: Opens May 1, 2024 and closes June 3, 2024

H.G. Hilton Master’s Scholarship $$

The H.G. Hilton Master’s Scholarships were established by the income from a bequest in the estate of Hugh G. Hilton, at one time Chief Executive Officer of Stelco and member of the McMaster Board of Governors support a Master’s scholarship. The scholarship is tenable for one year, and is awarded annually to incoming Canadian citizens, permanent residents or, international students from departments which offer full-time Master’s graduate studies. Priority will be given to students intending research in Canadian industry or industrial problems. Other things being equal, preference will be given to deserving children of employees or former employees of Stelco Ltd.

Harvey E. Longboat Graduate Scholarship $$-$$$

March 14, 2024

The Harvey E. Longboat Graduate Scholarship for First Nation, Inuit, and Métis Students was established in 2009 in honour of Harvey E. Longboat, and in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to McMaster University and to the broader community. The School of Graduate Studies, in consultation with the Indigenous Studies program and the Indigenous Education Council, will award the scholarship annually to a First Nation, Inuit, or Métis student(s) who has demonstrated high academic achievement and exceptional promise.

The scholarship is tenable for one year, although previous award winners may re-apply.

Incoming students are eligible to apply.

Health Research Postdoctoral Opportunities

A comprehensive list of funding sources and agencies for postdoctoral fellows in the Faculty of Health Sciences and those doing health-related research can be found in McMaster’s funding database.. On the site, you will find a variety of filters to help you in your search.

Health Sciences Graduate Scholarship for Indigenous Scholars $$

All incoming Indigenous graduate students who are studying in a graduate program located within the Faculty of Health Sciences, are eligible to apply for this award.

Applicants who are completing a FIAP application for a facilitated graduate program, will be automatically considered for this award.

For full eligibility criteria, application details and deadlines, visit the Faculty of Health Sciences website. (Link below.)

Iranian Student Memorial Scholarship $

Established in honour of McMaster Faculty of Engineering PhD students Iman Aghabali and Mehdi Eshaghian, and a former Faculty of Health Science Post-Doctoral Fellow, who lost their lives on the downing of Ukrainian International Airlines Flight PS752. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies, on the recommendation of the Associate Deans responsible for graduate studies, to international graduate students from Iran who demonstrate academic excellence.

John Charles Polanyi Prize $$$

December 1, 2023

In honour of the achievement of John Charles Polanyi, recipient of the 1986 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, the Government of the Province of Ontario has established a fund to provide annually up to five prizes to outstanding researchers in the early stages of their career who are continuing to postdoctoral studies or have recently started a faculty appointment at an Ontario university.

Lyle Makosky Values and Ethics in Sport Fund $

April 30, 2024

This award is through the True Sport Foundation of Canada. Open to applicants who are

• high-performance athletes enrolled at a Canadian university, community college or other post-secondary educational institution.
• post-secondary students active in sport at a non-high-performance level.
• sport practitioners active/working in sport as an official, administrator or high-performance coach.
• educators working in a sport, sports sciences, sport management/administration or other applicable discipline.

All questions should be directed to the True Sport Foundation of Canada.

Visit their website for all details and contact information.

MacDATA Graduate Fellowship $$

March 15, 2021

The advent of large collection of data and ensuing development in data analysis techniques has made collaboration between data scientists and content experts necessary for cutting-edge research. Furthermore, there is a need for trainees to be exposed to both aspects of such research, namely for data science trainees to learn about real life practical projects and for content expert trainees to gain experience in data analysis and management. The aims of the MacDATA Graduate Fellowship Program are:

• To provide trainees with an opportunity to acquire practical and theoretical skills in data science.
• To facilitate exchange of expertise and knowledge in data science across faculties.

Mackenzie King Memorial Scholarships $$-$$$

February 1, 2024

The Mackenzie King Scholarships were set up under the will of the Rt. Hon. W.L. Mackenzie King (1874-1950), who was Prime Minister of Canada 1921-26, 1926-30, and 1935-48.

Two types of the Mackenzie King Scholarship are available to graduates of Canadian universities: the Open Scholarship and the Travelling Scholarship . Both are to support graduate study.

Manulife Life Lessons Scholarship Program $$

March 31, 2023

Manulife has introduced the first Life Lessons Scholarship Program in Canada, for students who’ve experienced the death of a parent or guardian with little to no life insurance. The Scholarship Program helps combat the financial burden of paying for post-secondary education during an emotional time and recognizes the perseverance that so many youth show in such adversity.

The next application call for this scholarship opens on February 1, 2024. Visit the Manulife website for details on that date.

Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security $$$

February 23, 2024

Four scholarships open to master’s and PhD students who are conducting research on determinants, impacts, and policy or program interventions into food insecurity in Canada.

Visit Maple Leaf Centre for Food Insecurity to learn more and apply.

Questions can be directed to [email protected] .

McMaster Graduate General Bursary $

What is a bursary.

A bursary is based solely on financial need. In most cases, information from your OSAP application is used to determine your financial need (some students who don’t receive OSAP can still apply for a bursary).

The McMaster Graduate General Bursary Program application opens mid-August in AwardSpring. Funding is paid out in mid-February.

Who can apply?

Graduate students who demonstrate financial need can apply for the McMaster Graduate General Bursary Program.

Please note: The McMaster Graduate General Bursary Program is not open to international students enrolled in graduate studies, MBA, medicine or physician assistant programs.

Bursary eligibility requirements:

• Be enrolled at McMaster
• Submit a completed application by the bursary deadline
• OSAP students who receive an income update request must complete it by the income update deadline
• Continue to demonstrate financial need throughout the study period
• Indigenous students
• students with OSAP government aid restrictions include:
• academic progress restriction
• income verification restriction
• provincial and/or federal default restriction
• credit check restriction
• students with a disability taking a reduced course load
• students with out-of-province student aid
• part-time students
• students receiving social assistance

McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA) Postdoctoral Fellowship $$$$

July 15, 2020

Prospective postdoctoral fellows are invited to submit a research plan that focuses on interdisciplinary, impact-driven approaches in the study of optimal aging through one or more of the following research areas:

• the impact of exercise on mobility;
• the interrelationship between psychological function and social function;
• causes and consequences of multimorbidity, frailty, and polypharmacy;
• the role of caregiving, equity, economics and transportation in optimal aging;
• the understanding of the biological mechanisms of diseases of aging;
• evaluating approaches to knowledge translation to improve optimal aging; and
• the use of technology to promote optimal aging and aging in place.

The applicant and principal supervisor are expected to involve at least two other researchers from two different McMaster faculties (outside of the principal supervisor’s faculty) as mentors in the development of an interdisciplinary research plan.

MIRA Graduate Student Travel Awards $

March 15, 2020

The McMaster Institute for Research on Aging funds up to 10 graduate student travel awards per year – five in each round – valued at $500 each for students working with MIRA researchers.  Graduate students travelling to an academic conference to present an accepted abstract in aging research are eligible for up to $500 in travel funding.

For details about this and other funding opportunities, visit MIRA .

Deadlines for 2020: March 15 and September 15

OGS for Indigenous Graduate Students $$$

Two OGS-I scholarships are awarded to Indigenous graduate students at McMaster University who face significant financial hardship, with particular priority given to women with family responsibilities.

This criteria has been established in consultation with the Indigenous Education Council (IEC) and is adjudicated by a committee chaired through the Indigenous Studies Program.

Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) and Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarships in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST) $$$

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) and The Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST) programs provide funding to full-time students at the master’s and doctoral levels. They are merit-based scholarships for students with an A- or above average.

Psychology Foundation of Canada Varied values

Various grants and travel supports available. Visit the Psychology Foundation of Canada for all details.

Rainbow Fund $

To be granted to graduate students enrolled in any program who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ students and demonstrate financial need.

Senior Women Academic Administrators of Canada Graduate Student Award of Merit $$

At least three awards, each in the amount of $4000, will be awarded annually to the women graduate students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in the university or general community while maintaining exemplary academic records.

Women registered in master’s or PhD programs within a designated region. Regions and number of awards rotate each year. SWAAC has designated Ontario as the region for this 2023 competition. There are five awards available for this competition. Each university may nominate one person for the award.

Read about McMaster PhD student Liza-Anastasia DiCecco, who received the 2023 SWAAC Award of Merit .

The Barkleys of Avonmore Scholarship $

The Barkley’s of Avonmore Scholarship was established in 1977 through the generosity of Fred Barkley to assist a student from a developing country to pursue advanced studies at McMaster University.  Each year the Dean of Graduate Studies will identify a worthy graduate student from one of the developing countries to receive the award.

The Dr. Colin Webber Graduate Scholarship $$

Established in 2013 to honour the memory of Dr. Colin Webber, McMaster University professor, physicist, radiation safety expert, teacher, mentor, and leader in the field of bone research. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to master’s or doctoral students. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate interest in bone research.

Value: Minimum $1,600

The Edna Howard Bursary $

Established in 2022 by the family of Edna Howard, this bursary honours the support Edna offered graduate students through her work as a cook at The Phoenix Bar and Grill, owned and operated by the Graduate Students Association. Her food warmed the hearts of the McMaster campus community for many years until her retirement. To be granted by the School of Graduate Studies to full-time students in any program who demonstrate financial need.

The Graduate Students Association Bursary $

The Graduate Students Association Bursary was established in 1999 by the Graduate Students Association at McMaster University under the McMaster Student Opportunity Fund initiative. To be granted to a full-time or part-time graduate student in one of the following faculties: Engineering, Health Sciences, and Humanities, Science, Social Sciences, or the PhD program in Business. The bursary will be awarded annually by the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation of the Graduate Students Association.

The H. Vincent Elliott Memorial Travel Bursary $

The H.Vincent Elliott Memorial Travel Bursary was established in 2010 by Dr. Susan J.Elliott (MA `97 and PhD`92), esteemed former Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, professor of Geography and Earth Sciences, and senior research fellow at the United Nations Institute on Water (UNU-IWEH), Environment and Health, in memory of her father, H.Vincent Elliott. To be granted by the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation on the program director of ‘Water Without Borders’ to students registered in a Master’s or PhD program will be given to students in financial need.

The James F. Harvey and Helen S. Harvey Travel Scholarships $

Established in 1995 with funds from the estate of Helen S. Harvey.  James F. Harvey was a member of the first McMaster graduating class in Hamilton in 1935.  This travel scholarship will enable students to engage in research requiring travel.  To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to graduate students who demonstrate academic excellence.

The Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada Graduate Award

Established in 2022 by the Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to a graduate student who is currently enrolled in their first year of any program who identifies as a member of the queer, trans community and is Black, racialized, or Indigenous.

The Myra Baillie Academic Grant $

Established in 2005 by the Surgical Associates in memory of Myra Baillie. To be granted to a graduate student in any degree program who attains and “A” average and demonstrates financial need. Preference will be given to a female graduate student.

Award Value: 2 awards of $1,000 each

The School of Graduate Studies Grant in Aid for Research Travel $-$$

March 8, 2024

The SGS Grant is intended to be a grant in aid of research; students should not expect the grants to cover the full cost of travel or field work.

The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) Grant is not intended for conference or course work travel .

It is not meant to replace sources of funding already available from the tri-agencies (CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC), other external granting sources, or internal scholarships and bursaries.

It is not intended to fund the research itself, but the travel to do the research.

Application Date

The application will open in Mosaic on January 8, 2024, and close on March 8, 2024.

Wilson Leadership Scholar Award $$-$$$

March 28, 2022

The Wilson Leader Scholarship Award for graduate students is different. Valued at $12,000 in direct funding and up to $2,000 for experiential funding, it’s a leadership development and career launcher program that builds on your studies. It involves about 15 hours/month, including time for synchronous group events between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET.

Awarded to up to three graduate students annually.

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School of Graduate Studies

Speech-language pathology (practitioner), program overview.

The  Master of Health Science (MHSc) in Speech-Language Pathology is a full-time professional graduate program. The primary aim of the program is to prepare practitioners for entry into the practice of speech-language pathology. Graduates are prepared to assume varied professional responsibilities including the assessment, treatment, and management of speech, voice, language, and swallowing disorders. Coursework and clinical internships are integrated and sequenced in a unique modular curriculum. Additionally, students participate in the interprofessional education (IPE) curriculum for 11 health science programs at the University of Toronto.  There is a strong research-to-practice focus and students complete a comprehensive portfolio requirement in their final year.

Students cannot apply to the MHSc program from the SGS website. For application information, fees, and guidelines to apply to the MHSc clinical program, please consult the Ontario Rehabilitation Sciences Programs (ORPAS) website .

For students interested in pursuing research: visit the Speech-Language Pathology (Research) program page.

Quick Facts

Master of health science, program description.

The MHSc program educates graduate students to become highly competent entry-level clinicians in the profession of speech-language pathology. It prepares students to work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, schools, community clinics, and private practice. Speech-language pathologists provide services across the lifespan to individuals with a wide range of speech, language, hearing, and swallowing disorders. The integrated curriculum places equal emphasis on theoretical and practical competencies regarding normal development, as well as the assessment and treatment of disorders in human communication and swallowing.

The MHSc program offers a unique and internationally acclaimed curriculum that extends over 22.5 months and comprises five academic and four clinical units. The themed academic units are directly followed by full-time clinical placements targeting the same areas of practice, enabling a strong research-to-practice focus.

Throughout the two-year program, students will develop a strong focus on evidence-based and interprofessional practice through lectures, learning activities, mentorship, and self-directed projects. As part of SLP1509Y, students will participate in the Interprofessional Education curriculum offered by the Centre for Interprofessional Education at the University of Toronto. At the conclusion of their MHSc program, students will have an opportunity to showcase their learning outcomes and entry-level competencies.

Minimum Admission Requirements

Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies.

Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Speech-Language Pathology's additional admission requirements stated below and outlined in the Ontario Rehabilitation Sciences Application Service (ORPAS) Application Guide .

Applicants must obtain an appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university, with a standing equivalent to at least a University of Toronto mid-B in the final year.

Applicants must complete prerequisite undergraduate university-level courses with grades of at least a B+ in child development (one half course), general linguistics (one half course), phonetics (one half course), elementary statistics (one half course), research methods (one half course), and human physiology (one full course).

Applicants must arrange to have two academic referees complete the Confidential Assessment Form and write an academic reference letter.

Applicants must complete a minimum of 14 hours of clinical experience supervised by a registered speech-language pathologist.

Applicants must arrange for a Clinical Reference Form and accompanying letter from the primary supervisor of the clinical experience.

Applicants must complete a Statement of Intent that has two components: 1) their reasons for choosing speech-language pathology as a career; specific personal attributes that would be relevant to the profession; academic and non-academic accomplishments; and reasons for choosing the MHSc program in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Toronto; and 2) a summary of volunteer experiences.

Proficiency in oral and written English is required for both the academic and applied aspects of the program. Applicants who were educated outside Canada, whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction was not English, must demonstrate proficiency in the English language through the successful completion of one of the English proficiency tests. To satisfy the requirement, the department strongly prefers the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with the following minimum scores:

Internet-based TOEFL: 100/120 with 22/30 on the speaking section and 22/30 on the writing section.

If an applicant finds it impossible to take the TOEFL, the department will accept the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 8.0.

Applicants may be requested to attend a personal meeting with members of the Department of Speech-Language Pathology to provide an opportunity to clarify documentation and explore in-depth issues, such as spoken and written language ability and areas of academic performance or interpersonal communication skills.

See the departmental website and the ORPAS Application Guide for details on application instructions.

Program Requirements

The professional MHSc program is divided into five academic and four clinical units . Successful completion of all courses and program requirements in the units is required. Each academic unit is composed of related coursework. Teaching within and across units emphasizes integrated learning experiences. Academic units are followed by full-time clinical placements, four overall for a total of 30 weeks of clinical experience throughout the two-year program. Students should anticipate receiving at least one placement outside the Greater Toronto Area. Students must accept placements offered to them and are responsible for all related travel and accommodation costs.

Prior to graduation, all MHSc students are required to demonstrate their learning outcomes and entry-level competency in key areas of professional practice.

Students will complete the program requirements within two consecutive years.

Program Length

6 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S)

3 years full-time

“It is a great privilege to be challenged to travel beyond comfort zones.”

Programs and courses

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Master of Health Sciences Speech-Language Pathology

• Degree offered: Master of Health Science (MHSc)
• Registration status option: Full-time
• Language of instruction: French
• with research project and practicums (6 full-time terms; 24 consecutive months)
• Enrollment capacity: Limited
• Academic units: Faculty of Health Sciences , School of Rehabilitation Sciences .

Program Description

The Faculty of Health Sciences' Audiology and Speech- Language Pathology Program is a graduate-level program leading to the Master of Health Sciences (MSc) degree in Audiology or Speech-Language Pathology. It offers specialized training in the field of communication disorders and aims to train competent health professionals to meet the needs of the Francophone population of Ontario and, more broadly, the needs of Francophone communities in the bilingual and multicultural Canadian context.

The Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Program offers two streams of graduate study: audiology and speech-language pathology.

The speech-language pathology stream of the program aims to train professionals who have expertise in the field of normal development of human communication and who evaluate and treat disorders of speech, language and oropharyngeal function. Speech-language pathologists work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers. They work with preschool and school-aged children as well as with adolescents, adults, and seniors. Their professional activities include testing, assessment, counseling, managing care, rehabilitation, training, consulting with other professionals, research, teaching and administration.

The curriculum follows the standards established by the Council for Accreditation of Canadian University Programs in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CACUP-ASLP.)

Admission to the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Program is limited. The program is structured over two years (24 consecutive months) and includes six mandatory terms of full-time study, including clinical placements. Clinical placements may be held in hospitals, school boards, and rehabilitation centers, private clinics and other settings.

Consortium National de Formation en Santé (CNFS)

The CNFS is a pan-Canadian organization funded by Health Canada. It brings together sixteen post-secondary institutions offering programs of study in French in various health disciplines. It provides students of Francophone minority communities with improved access to health-related study programs. The CNFS has made it possible to add additional speech-language and audiology places for Francophones from provinces other than Quebec and Ontario. Students welcomed by the CNFS are encouraged to return to their home province to do their clinical rotations.

Other Programs Offered Within the Same Discipline or in a Related Area

• Master of Health Sciences Audiology (MHSc)
• Master of Health Sciences Occupational Therapy (MHSc)
• Master of Health Sciences Physiotherapy (MHSc)
• Doctorate in Philosophy Rehabilitation Sciences (PhD)

Fees and Funding

• Program fees:

The estimated amount for university fees associated with this program are available under the section Finance your studies .

International students enrolled in a French-language program of study may be eligible for a differential tuition fee exemption .

• To learn about possibilities for financing your graduate studies, consult the Awards and financial support section.
• Programs are governed by the academic regulations in effect for graduate studies.
• The language of instruction is French. Unless there is a special exception, written work, including exams, must be written in French. Clinical placements are in French and English.

Program Contact Information

Academic Office, Faculty of Health Sciences 125 University Private, Room 242 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1N 6N5

Email: [email protected]

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For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the  specific requirements  webpage.

To be eligible, candidates must:

• Have an honours bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with a minimum average of B (70%).    OR
• Be in the process of successfully completing, in a recognized Canadian university, three years at the equivalent of 15 units per term 1  in an honours 4-year bachelor's degree program 2 , with a minimum cumulative grade point average of A (85%) after the winter term of the third year.
• intermediate level quantitative statistics or research methods
• human physiology or anatomy
• acoustics or analysis of sound or of speech sounds
• developmental psychology (child development or normal lifespan development)
• 3 units in either general phonetics or phonetics /phonology.
• 3 units in syntax (or in morphology or morphosyntax).
• 3 relevant advanced-level units in linguistics, preferably in semantics, language acquisition, bilingualism, neurolinguistics or psycholinguistics.
• Have completed a Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics (CASPer). 4

Please consult the page  course equivalencies for admission  for courses that are accepted as a prerequisite for admission.

15 units per term means 5 courses of 3 units per term (fall and winter terms).

Or equivalent or hold a CÉGEP diploma and a minimum of 2 years (60 units) of university study in an equivalent program in Quebec with a minimum cumulative grade point average of A (85%) after the winter term of the second year.

It is understood that these units must be recognized as units in the study of language in the context of contemporary linguistics, and not in study of a particular language (including the phonology / phonetics of the language in question), or literature, writing, culture, or folklore, regardless of the department in which they were offered.

The CASPer exam can be completed in either French or English, depending on the candidate's preference. 

Language Requirements

Be able to express yourself with ease both orally and in writing, in both French and English. In order to assess these language skills, French and English tests are required. Visit the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute.

• Candidates are responsible for any fees associated with the language tests.
• In preparation for bilingual clinical placements, the School of Rehabilitation Sciences offers an English conversation course ( REA 5940 ). This course may be recommended or required according to the applicants’ language competencies.
• If deemed necessary, an English or French course could be added to the program of study at the time of admission and would be considered a program requirement.
• The admission requirements listed above are minimum requirements and do not guarantee admission to the program.
• Admissions are governed by the academic regulations in effect for graduate studies.

Requirements for this program have been modified. Please consult the  2023-2024 calendars  for the previous requirements

Master’s with Research Project and Practicums

Students must meet the following requirements:

The clinical placements ORA 5519 , ORA 5529 , ORA 5539 , ORA 5549 , ORA 5559 , ORA 5660 and ORA 6503  are compulsory represent a progression towards the clinical skills required for entry into practice of the profession. Because of the particularities of the clinical setting, it is possible that over the course of a mandatory placement, a student does not have access to the population that allows them to obtain the required number of hours in a specific field area of practice. In such cases a complementary placement in that area of practice may be required. The complementary clinical placement becomes a requirement of the program and must be passed.

Minimum Requirements

The passing grade in all courses is C+. A grade of C+ in three or more courses in the same term results in withdrawal from the program. S (Satisfactory) is required for each clinical placement.

Two failures (course or clinical placement) result in withdrawal from the program. In the case of a single failure, the failed course or clinical placement can be repeated the next time the course is offered, but enrollment for courses or clinical placements for which the failed course or clinical placement is a prerequisite will not be possible. In this case, it will not be possible to complete the program within the prescribed time. Failing the repeated course or clinical placement is considered a second failure.

Duration of the Program

The program is spread over 6 consecutive full-time terms. All program requirements are expected to be complete, including the Research Project ( ORA 5545 ), within a two-year period.

Expected Professional Behaviour

You must comply with the requirements of integrity as well as professional ethics in all aspects of your program (courses, clinical placements, projects) during your interactions with colleagues, professors, clinical supervisors, clients, research participants, academic staff, etc. The essential requirements of the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Program can be found  here . A list of essential skills and qualities for speech-language pathology studies can be found  here .

Requirements for Clinical Placements

You must adhere to the requirements established by the Faculty of Health Sciences  Requirements for practical learning activities  (courses, labs, internships and clinical placements) regarding immunizations, police records and any other training or information required to ensure health and safety in clinical placement settings. It is your responsibility to know these requirements and to abide by them.

Non-adherence to the requirements can have major consequences, including not being able to start a clinical placement and even withdrawal during a clinical placement.

Attendance at clinical placements is mandatory, the abandonment of a clinical placement already started without good reason is a failure. In accordance with the affiliation agreement between the University of Ottawa and the clinical institution: "The organization may terminate an internship in a clinical setting and prohibit a student from continuing it if, in its opinion, the student’s behavior represents a potential danger to its customers or patients or has a negative impact on their well-being or on the personnel of the organization ". If you are dismissed from a clinical placement by the clinical organization, you will receive a failing grade for this clinical placement.

The clinical placements take place in the Ottawa region as well as in other parts of Ontario and Canada. You may be assigned to a local or out-of-area clinical placement. In some cases, the  Consortium National de Formation en Santé  (CNFS) may covert part of the travel costs for out-of-area clinical placements.

Research Fields & Facilities

Located in the heart of Canada’s capital, a few steps away from Parliament Hill, the University of Ottawa is among Canada’s top 10 research universities.

uOttawa focuses research strengths and efforts in four Strategic Areas of Research:

• Creating a sustainable environment
• Advancing just societies
• Shaping the digital world
• Enabling lifelong health and wellness

With cutting-edge research, our graduate students, researchers and educators strongly influence national and international priorities.

Research at the Faculty of Health Sciences

Research at the Faculty involves many important aspects of health, including women's health, health in the elderly, health needs of francophones in a minority context, Aboriginal health, physical activity and health, multiple interventions in population health, palliative care, rehabilitation and functional autonomy, health and technology, and evidence based practice.

The Faculty of Health Sciences is involved in the following Research Centres and Institutes:

• LIFE Research Institute
• Music and Health Research Institute
• Centre for Research on Health and Nursing
• Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health

The Faculty of Health Sciences has strong collaborations with the region’s hospital-affiliated research institutes:

• The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
• The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute
• The Bruyère Research Institute
• The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research
• L’Institut du Savoir Montfort
• University of Ottawa Heart Institute

For more information, refer to the list of faculty members and their research fields on Uniweb . 

IMPORTANT: Candidates and students looking for professors to supervise their thesis or research project can also consult the website of the faculty or department of their program of choice. Uniweb does not list all professors authorized to supervise research projects at the University of Ottawa.

ORA 5511 Sciences de l'ouïe (3 crédits)

Anatomie et physiologie du système auditif périphérique et central. Phénomènes acoustiques et psychoacoustiques de l'audition normale. Méthodes psychophysique, seuils, effet de masque, sonie, sensibilité différentielle, tonie, phénomènes binauraux et perception de la parole.

Volet : Cours magistral

ORA 5512 Sciences de la parole appliquées à l'orthophonie (3 crédits)

Étude approfondie de la production (respiration, phonation, articulation, résonance, prosodie et fluidité) et de la perception (traitement auditif) de la parole.

ORA 5513 Anatomie et physiologie appliquées à l'orthophonie (3 crédits)

Étude appliquée de l'anatomie, de la physiologie, et de la neurologie de la communication, de la déglutition et de l'audition.

ORA 5515 Pédoaudiologie I (3 crédits)

Acquérir une connaissance des techniques de détection précoce et des méthodes d'évaluation de l'audition ainsi que des techniques d'intervention audiologique auprès de l'enfant.

Préalables: ORA 6523 , ORA 6541 , ORA 6542 .

ORA 5519 Stage I

Préparation théorique et pratique aux stages cliniques. Activités variées d'introduction aux milieux cliniques en audiologie et en orthophonie.

Volet : Cours magistral, Stage

L'évaluation du stage se fera sur la base S (satisfaisant) ou NS (non satisfaisant).

ORA 5520 Fondements scientifiques de la recherche en audiologie et en orthophonie (3 crédits)

Étude appliquée des fondements scientifiques de la recherche clinique en audiologie et en orthophonie.

ORA 5521 Réadaptation audiologique auprès de l'adulte (3 crédits)

Planifier et réaliser les étapes inhérentes au processus de réadaptation permettant de pallier les conséquences des troubles du système auditif chez l'adulte.

Préalables : ORA 5551 , ORA 6523 , ORA 6541 , ORA 6542 .

ORA 5529 Stage II A - Domaine d’étude

Initiation aux clientèles et aux rôles professionnels en audiologie et en orthophonie sous supervision directe au moins 80% du temps. Stage en bloc d'une durée de 20 jours permettant d'accumuler entre 25 et 40 heures cliniques. L'évaluation du stage se fera sur la base S (satisfaisant) ou NS (non satisfaisant).

Volet : Stage

Préalables: ORA 5519 , 12 crédits de cours en orthophonie (ORA) ou sciences de la réadaptation (REA). ORA 6523 est concomitant à ORA 5529 pour les étudiants d'audiologie.

ORA 5530 Séminaire ou travail dirigé (3 crédits)

Présentation et discussion d'un thème contemporain relativement à l'étude des troubles d'audition ou à l'étude des troubles de la parole et du langage. Ce cours, destiné aux étudiants souhaitant approfondir un sujet particulier, est un cours supplémentaire au programme.

Permission du Département est requise.

ORA 5539 Stage II B - Domaine d’étude connexe

Activités de stage permettant d'accumuler 20 heures d'expérience dans le domaine d’étude connexe.

Préalable : ORA 6710 au programme d’orthophonie. Le cours ORA 6510 est concomitant à ORA 5539 au programme d'audiologie. L'évaluation du stage se fera sur la base S (satisfaisant) ou NS (non satisfaisant).

ORA 5541 Pratique audiologique auprès des populations particulières I (3 crédits)

Évaluation et approches de réadaptation pour le trouble du traitement auditif et pour les problèmes auditifs liés au vieillissement.

ORA 5542 Pratique audiologique auprès des populations particulières II (3 crédits)

Évaluation et approches de réadaptation pour l'acouphène, l'hyperacousie et les troubles du système vestibulaire.

ORA 5545 Projet de recherche (3 crédits)

Expérience de recherche en audiologie et en orthophonie sous la supervision d'un membre du corps professoral.

Volet : Recherche

Préalable : ORA 5520 est concomitant à ORA 5545 . L'évaluation se fera sur la base S (satisfaisant) ou NS (non satisfaisant).

ORA 5549 Stage III

Approfondissement des connaissances et des compétences en lien avec les clientèles et les rôles professionnels en audiologie et en orthophonie sous supervision directe entre 50% et 80% du temps. Stage en bloc d'une durée de 25 jours permettant d'accumuler entre 50 et 75 heures cliniques. L'évaluation du stage se fera sur la base S (satisfaisant) ou NS (non satisfaisant).

Préalables : ORA 5529 , 33 cr. de cours ORA ou REA pour les étudiants d'orthophonie ou 36 cr. de cours ORA ou REA pour les étudiants d'audiologie. 12 cr. de cours ORA ou REA sont concomitants à ORA 5549 .

ORA 5551 Psychoacoustique de l'oreille endommagée et pharmacologie (3 crédits)

Physiologie du système auditif périphérique endommagé. Phénomènes psychoacoustiques de l'audition altérée. Pharmacologie et ototoxicité.

Préalables : ORA 5511 , ORA 6520 , ORA 6521 .

ORA 5559 Stage IV

Approfondissement des connaissances et des compétences en lien avec les clientèles et les rôles professionnels en audiologie et en orthophonie sous supervision directe entre 25 % et 50 % du temps. Stage bihebdomadaire d'une durée de 12 semaines permettant d'accumuler entre 75 et 100 heures cliniques. Préparation à l'entrée en pratique des professions d'orthophoniste et d'audiologiste. L'évaluation du stage se fera sur la base S (satisfaisant) ou NS (non satisfaisant).

Préalables : ORA 5549 , 45 cr. de cours en orthophonie (ORA) ou sciences de la réadaptation (REA) pour les étudiants d'orthophonie ou 48 cr. de cours en orthophonie (ORA) ou sciences de la réadaptation (REA) pour les étudiants d'audiologie.

ORA 5560 Externat

ORA 5640 Projet de recherche (6 crédits)

Exécution d'un projet de recherche permettant d'acquérir une expérience touchant aux principes de la recherche en audiologie et en orthophonie sous la supervision d'un membre du corps professoral. Concomitant : ORA 5520 .

ORA 5660 Stage V

Consolidation des connaissances et des compétences en lien avec les clientèles et les rôles professionnels en audiologie et en orthophonie sous supervision directe au maximum 25% du temps. Stage en bloc d'une durée de 50 jours permettant d'accumuler entre 100 et 150 heures cliniques et menant à l'autonomie professionnelle. L'évaluation se fera sur la base S (satisfaisant) ou NS (non satisfaisant).

Préalables : ORA 5559 , 57 crédits de cours en orthophonie (ORA) ou sciences de la réadaptation (REA).

ORA 6501 Stage complémentaire A

Activités de stage permettant à l'étudiant en orthophonie d'accumuler 20 heures d'expérience en audiologie.

ORA 6710 est concomitant à ORA 6501 . L'évaluation du stage se fera sur la base S (satisfaisant) ou NS (non satisfaisant).

ORA 6502 Stage complémentaire B

Activités de stage permettant à l'étudiant en audiologie d'accumuler 20 heures d'expérience en orthophonie.

ORA 6510 est concomitant à ORA 6502 . L'évaluation du stage se fera sur la base S (satisfaisant) ou NS (non satisfaisant).

ORA 6503 Stage en voix

Activités de stage permettant à l'étudiant en orthophonie d'accumuler 15 heures d'expérience en troubles de la voix.

ORA 6743 est concomitant à ORA 6503 . L'évaluation du stage se fera sur la base S (satisfaisant) ou NS (non satisfaisant).

ORA 6504 Stage complémentaire D

Activités de stage permettant à l'étudiant en orthophonie ou en audiologie de combler le nombre d'heures requis dans un champ de pratique spécifique.

Préalable : ORA 5529 . L'évaluation du stage se fera sur la base S (satisfaisant) ou NS (non satisfaisant).

ORA 6505 Stage complémentaire E

ORA 6510 Concepts d'orthophonie pertinents à l'audiologie (3 crédits)

Une introduction aux troubles de la parole et du langage chez l'enfant et l'adulte, leurs caractéristiques et leurs effets sur la communication.

ORA 6515 Pédoaudiologie II (3 crédits)

Comprendre les conséquences de la déficience auditive sur le développement de l'enfant, sur sa famille et son entourage et planifier l'intervention de réadaptation.

Préalables : ORA 6523 , ORA 6542 . Concomitant : ORA 5515 .

ORA 6520 Évaluation audiologique I (3 crédits)

Planifier et réaliser les étapes inhérentes au processus d'évaluation permettant d'identifier et de comprendre un problème du système auditif périphérique (oreille externe, moyenne et interne), et de mesurer les progrès effectués suite à une intervention le cas échéant.

Concomitants : ORA 5511 , REA 5703 .

ORA 6521 Aides auditives I (3 crédits)

Étude des dimensions acoustiques et électroacoustiques des systèmes d'amplification et des technologies pour personnes ayant une déficience auditive.

Concomitants: ORA 5511 , REA 5703 , ORA 6520 .

ORA 6522 Instrumentation en audiologie (3 crédits)

Étude des composantes et principes de fonctionnement des principaux appareils utilisés en pratique audiologique. Rôle de l'instrumentation lors de l'évaluation, de l'intervention et du calibrage. Concomitants : ORA 5511 , ORA 6520 .

ORA 5511 et ORA 6520 sont concomitants à ORA 6522 .

ORA 6523 Évaluation audiologique II (3 crédits)

Principes avancés d'évaluation de troubles du système auditif.

Préalables : ORA 5511 , ORA 6520 , ORA 6522

ORA 6524 Troubles de la communication liés aux troubles d'audition (3 crédits)

Étude avancée de l'évaluation et de l'intervention des difficultés de communication des individus ayant une perte auditive périphérique ou neurosensorielle ou encore un trouble de traitement auditif. un trouble auditif.

Préalables : ORA 6710 , ORA 6713 , ORA 6721 , ORA 6723 .

ORA 6541 Évaluations électrophysiologiques (3 crédits)

Étude des fondements des réponses neurophysiologiques du système auditif et de l'importance clinique des potentiels évoqués du tronc cérébral et des émissions oto-acoustiques pour l'évaluation audiologique. Introduction aux potentiels évoqués de latence courte, moyenne, longue et des réponses corticales.

Préalables : ORA 5511 , REA 5703 , ORA 6520 .

ORA 6542 Aides auditives II (3 crédits)

Méthodes de sélection, d'ajustement, de vérification et de validation des appareils auditifs.

Préalables : ORA 5511 , REA 5703 , ORA 6520 , ORA 6521 .

ORA 6544 Aides auditives III (3 crédits)

Étude des systèmes d'amplification implantables et hybrides pour personnes ayant une déficience auditive.

Préalables : ORA 5515 , ORA 6542 .

ORA 6550 Le bruit et l'audiologie (3 crédits)

Effets psychologiques et physiologiques du bruit, inventaire des réglementations, normes et solutions aux problèmes de bruit. L'audiologiste en tant que consultant en milieu environnemental, industriel, professionnel et scolaire.

Préalables : ORA 5521 , ORA 6522 , ORA 6523 . Le cours ORA 5542 est concomitant à ORA 6550 .

ORA 6710 Concepts d'audiologie pertinents à l'orthophonie (3 crédits)

Étude des troubles de l'audition. Initiation à la physique acoustique et au rôle de l'audiologiste en prévention et en évaluation.

ORA 6713 Troubles développementaux du langage en petite enfance (3 crédits)

Étude approfondie de la prévention, de l'évaluation et du traitement des difficultés développementales du langage oral et écrit chez les enfants d'âge préscolaire.

Préalables : ORA 5513 , REA 5703 , ORA 6746 . Concomitants : ORA 6721 , ORA 6723 .

ORA 6721 Troubles développementaux des sons de la parole (3 crédits)

Étude approfondie de la prévention, de l'évaluation et du traitement des difficultés développementales des sons de la parole pendant les périodes préscolaire et scolaire.

Préalables : ORA 5512 , ORA 5513 , REA 5703 , ORA 6746 . Concomitants : ORA 6713 , ORA 6723 .

ORA 6723 Troubles développementaux du language en milieu scolaire (3 crédits)

Étude approfondie de la prévention, de l'évaluation et du traitement des difficultés développementales du langage oral et écrit chez les jeunes d'âge scolaire.

Préalables : ORA 5513 , REA 5703 , ORA 6746 . Concomitants : ORA 6713 , ORA 6721 .

ORA 6724 Aphasies (3 crédits)

Étude approfondie de l'évaluation et du traitement des difficultés acquises du langage oral et écrit reliées à l'aphasie.

Préalables : ORA 5513 , REA 5703 , ORA 6746 .

ORA 6741 Troubles acquis de la parole (3 crédits)

Étude approfondie de l'évaluation et du traitement des difficultés acquises de la parole.

Préalables : ORA 5512 , ORA 5513 , REA 5703 , ORA 6746 .

ORA 6742 Troubles de la fluidité (3 crédits)

Étude approfondie de la prévention, de l'évaluation et du traitement des difficultés de la fluidité.

Préalables: ORA 5512 , ORA 5513 , REA 5703 .

ORA 6743 Troubles de la voix (3 crédits)

Étude approfondie de la prévention, de l'évaluation et du traitement des difficultés de la phonation et de la résonnance.

Préalables : ORA 5512 , ORA 5513 , REA 5703 .

ORA 6744 Troubles de la communication des clientèles spécifiques (3 crédits)

Étude avancée de l'évaluation et du traitement des difficultés de la communication reliées aux troubles du spectre de l'autisme, à la déficience intellectuelle, aux maladies congénitales, au mutisme et aux malformations crânio-faciales.

Préalables : ORA 6713 , ORA 6721 , ORA 6723 , ORA 6743 , ORA 6752 .

ORA 6745 Suppléance à la communication orale et écrite (3 crédits)

Étude avancée de l'évaluation et de l'intervention en contexte d'utilisation des moyens de suppléance à la communication orale et écrite.

Préalables : ORA 6713 , ORA 6721 , ORA 6723 , ORA 6724 , ORA 6741 , ORA 6753 .

ORA 6746 Développement et fonctionnement typiques de la communication et de la déglutition (3 crédits)

Étude approfondie des modèles de développement et de fonctionnement typiques de la communication et de la déglutition.

ORA 6752 Troubles de la déglutition et alimentation (3 crédits)

Étude approfondie de la prévention, de l'évaluation et du traitement des difficultés de la déglutition et des difficultés d'alimentation qui en découlent.

ORA 6753 Troubles cognitivo-linguistiques acquis (3 crédits)

Étude approfondie de l'évaluation et du traitement des difficultés cognitivo-linguistiques acquises suite à une lésions de l'hémisphère non-dominant, un traumatisme crânien et des maladies dégénératives incluant les démences.

Prerequisites : ORA 5513 , REA 5703 , ORA 6746 .

Undergraduate Studies

For more information about undergraduate studies at the University of Ottawa, please refer to your faculty .

Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

For more information about graduate studies at the University of Ottawa, please refer to your academic unit .

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Master in Speech-Language Pathology (MHSc)

Program overview.

The Faculty of Health Sciences' Audiology and Speech- Language Pathology Program is a graduate-level program leading to the Master of Health Sciences (MSc) degree in Audiology or Speech-Language Pathology. It offers specialized training in the field of communication disorders and aims to train competent health professionals to meet the needs of the Francophone population of Ontario and, more broadly, the needs of Francophone communities in the bilingual and multicultural Canadian context.

The Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Program offers two streams of graduate study: audiology and speech-language pathology.

The program

• Program accreditation
• Equivalencies  
• Essentials skills
• Frequently asked questions
• Course sequence
• University fees

Awards and financial support

Consortium National de Formation en Santé (CNFS)

The CNFS is a pan-Canadian organization funded by Health Canada. It brings together eleven post- secondary institutions offering programs of study in French in various health disciplines. It provides students of Francophone minority communities with improved access to health-related study programs. The CNFS allowed the addition of additional speech-language and audiology places for Francophones from provinces other than Quebec and Ontario. Students welcomed by the CNFS are encouraged to return to their home province to do their clinical rotations.

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Dalhousie University

School of communication sciences and disorders.

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Speech‑Language Pathology (MSc)

• What is a Speech-Language Pathologist?
• Speech-Language Pathology Courses
• Speech-Language Pathology Practicum Information
• Speech-Language Pathology Links and Resources
• How to apply
• Audiology (MSc)
• Health (PhD)

The speech-language pathology program at Dalhousie University involves three years of full-time study allotted to course work, clinical practica, and a research project or thesis. The program leads to a Master of Science (MSc) degree.

Upon completion of the program, students meet the requirements for application for certification by Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC) and for licensure in any of the provinces with government regulation of speech-language pathology.

Program overview

The profession, links & resources.

• MSc Speech-Language Pathology program
• MSc Human Communication Disorders (Speech-Language Pathology) program

Speech-Language Pathology curriculum map

• S-LP Curriculum Course Connections [PDF - 140kb]
• Foundation Course Linkages [PDF - 168kb]
• Post-foundation Course Topic Summaries [PDF - 140kb]

Course Sequences

• Speech-Language Pathology

Speech-language pathologists are health care professionals who work with both children and adults to prevent, assess, diagnose and manage (through treatment and counselling) speech, language, voice, and swallowing disorders.

More specifically, speech-language pathologists:

• provide consultative and intervention services for speech and language disorders from infancy to adulthood
• use specialized procedures to assess and diagnose communication and swallowing disorders
• develop and implement treatment plans for language, speech, voice and/or swallowing disorders
• design and employ alternative communication strategies and devices
• counsel clients and families regarding communication and swallowing disorders
• consult with and advise other health professionals regarding communication disorders
• consult with educators regarding inclusion, communication, speech and language stimulation and teaching strategies for students with communication disorders
• educate and supervise students
• conduct research aimed at expanding knowledge about processes underlying communication disorders and effective strategies for diagnosis and treatment

Career paths

Speech-language pathologists often work in collaboration with medical and rehabilitation personnel, educators, social workers, psychologists, audiologists and other speech-language pathologists.

Speech-language pathologists work in a variety of environments, including hospitals, community health centres, child development centres, private clinics, schools, rehabilitation centres, and universities. 

Moreover, speech-language pathologists can choose to specialize in assessment and treatment of specific types of communication disorders. Specialization areas can include developmental language, articulation/phonology, voice, fluency, swallowing, or neurogenic speech and language disorders.

Speech-language pathologists enjoy excellent employment opportunities. Dalhousie's speech-language pathology graduates have always been very successful at securing employment soon after graduation.

From a total of 200 professions and jobs, CareerCast.com (2014) ranked speech-language pathology in the top 10, based on job prospects and income. Chances of employment are enhanced by the willingness of the candidate to relocate.

Go to the Links Page to obtain more information on communication disorders and the profession of speech-language pathology.

Practicum refers to the development of skills through:

• application of academic concepts to the clinical setting;
• observation of clinical activities;
• participation in simulated activities; and
• participation in client care through practicum placements.

Students move through these activities in incremental steps, eventually achieving greater responsibility for the care of clients. At the end of the first year of the program, students participate in a speech-language and hearing screening program of pre-school children at community pre-schools and other facilities. During the second year fall and winter terms, practicum placements are arranged within the Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Centres metro sites, in a public school setting within Halifax , at the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, or at private clinics. Students are responsible for transportation to these placements. In addition to clinical placements, students are required to attend practicum preparation clinical meetings. During the summer of the second year of the program, students are assigned to facilities on a full-time basis for a 12-week internship within the Atlantic Provinces. One of the options for the internship placement is with the InteRACT program. This placement provides 6-8 students per year with intensive exposure to aphasia rehabilitation in an interprofessional context. In the final externship placement in the winter term of the third year, students are placed outside the Halifax area. Students may be placed in sites across Canada. Placements outside of Canada will be considered if appropriate clinical supervision is available.

• Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC)
• Nova Scotia College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists (NSCASLP)
• Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Centres (NSHSC)
• Halifax Regional Regional Centre for Education (formerly Halifax Regional School Board)
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
• Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority (APSEA)

To pursue studies in our Master's programs in Speech-Language Pathology, visit the Admissions section of our website.

School of Communication Sciences and Disorders Sir Charles Tupper Medical Building 5850 College Street 2nd Floor, Room 2C01 PO Box 15000 Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3H 4R2 1.902.494.7052

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MHSc. Admission Requirements

The Department of Speech-Language Pathology will admit approximately 60 students to the MHSc program for the 2023-2024 academic year. Applications are submitted through the Ontario Rehabilitation Sciences Programs Application Service (ORPAS). Please refer to the ORPAS Application Guide for complete application details and instructions. The deadline to apply to the MHSc program for the 2023 – 2024 academic year January 5, 2023 .

Overview of Requirements

Undergraduate degree.

Applicants must hold the equivalent of a four‑year University of Toronto bachelor’s degree from an approved university (which includes the most recent 10 full course credit equivalencies (or 20 half course credits),  but does not necessarily need to be an honours degree) with at least a mid‑B standing in the final year (or in the last five full course credits equivalents ).

Important: The University of Toronto uses the ORPAS sub-grade point average (GPA) to determine eligibility for the MHSc program and the sub-GPA is part of the overall assessment process. The sub-GPA is calculated using the most recent ten full course equivalents. If an applicant is currently enrolled in the fourth year of a baccalaureate program, this calculation will start with the final fall grades (completed December 31) and will move back in chronological order, based on the transcript. Where grades must be extracted from a term to achieve the equivalent of ten full courses, the weighted average of that year (e.g., the second year) will be used. Please refer to the ORPAS website and the ORPAS Application Guide for additional details.

For students with a three‑year degree, additional coursework must be in accordance with the structure for a four‑year degree at the University of Toronto.

All applicants are required to be either a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (landed immigrant) of Canada at the time of the application. International students are not accepted.

Prerequisite Courses

Applicants are also required to complete the stated prerequisite undergraduate university level courses with a final grade of B+ in each course in order to be considered for the MHSc program. The prerequisite courses include:

• Child development (one half course);
• General linguistics (one half course);
• Phonetics (one half course);
• Elementary statistics (one half course);
• Human physiology (one full course); and
• Research methods (one half course).

To determine whether a particular course meets a prerequisite requirement, consult the MHSc program website . If a course is listed on the website, then it has been approved and will satisfy the specified prerequisite course. Please note that course offerings are subject to change and not all courses listed on the MHSc prerequisite section of the website are necessarily offered at any given time. It is the applicant’s responsibility to confirm course offerings with the institution of interest.

To claim a course as a prerequisite if that course is not listed on the MHSc prerequisite section of the website, students must obtain pre-approval from the department and include it as an attachment in the application . For more information on this pre-approval process please contact the Student Affairs Office at [email protected].

Confidential Assessment Forms and Academic Reference Letters

Applicants must arrange to have two academic referees complete the Confidential Assessment Form and write an academic reference letter. Referees must be full‑time faculty members (normally with a rank of lecturer, sessional lecturer, assistant professor, or higher) at an accredited university. Please note that college instructors are NOT considered to be appropriate academic referees. Forms may be downloaded directly from the ORPAS Application .

Academic references are those professors, assistant professors and/or sessional lecturers who know you well enough to write an insightful reference that speaks to your academic capabilities, knowledge and skills.

For mature applicants who have been out of the university environment for five years or more, one letter from an employer will be accepted. However, applicants will still need to obtain at least one reference letter from a full-time faculty member who can evaluate the applicant’s academic skills.

Clinical Experience

• In recognition of the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we have waived the volunteer requirement (including the clinical letter) for the 2023-2024 admission cycle (entry Fall 2024). Applicants will not have the opportunity to submit a clinical reference. While clinical hours or work experience in a clinical setting may still be included with the application and discussed in the statement of intent, they will not be given weight in the review process.

A minimum of 14 hours of experience supervised by a speech-language pathologist in a communication disorders setting in a volunteer, educational, or paid capacity is required to apply to the MHSc program. Relevant experience may be sought at any facility where services are supervised by a qualified speech‑language pathologist. A qualified speech‑language pathologist will hold licensure, registration and/or certification from an appropriate regulatory body and/or professional association.

The clinical experience should involve direct interaction with individuals with communicative disorders. It might also include observation of speech‑language pathologists working with individuals with communicative disorders or discussions with speech‑language pathologists about the profession.

Clinical Reference Form and Reference Letter

A clinical reference form and letter from the primary supervisor of the speech‑language pathology clinical experience is required as part of the application package. Letters from program directors who were not directly involved in supervision of the applicant and letters from communication disorder assistants are unacceptable.

Applicants who have completed more than one supervised clinical experience in a speech‑language pathology setting and had an additional experience where the clientele differed in either population or age group from the first experience, are strongly encouraged  to submit a Clinical Reference Form and letter for each site. All Clinical Reference Forms and letters will be considered during the admissions process. Forms are available on the ORPAS website .

Statement of Intent

All applicants must complete a Statement of Intent and there are two components to the Statement of Intent. The first section should be a maximum of 3,000 characters (this incudes spaces) and should address the following topics, in particular the first four items:

• Outline reasons for choosing speech‑language pathology as a career;
• Highlight specific personal attributes that would be relevant for the profession;
• Emphasize academic and non‑academic accomplishments;
• Outline reasons for choosing the MHSc program in speech‑language pathology at the University of Toronto; and
• Demonstrate current knowledge about the profession of speech‑language pathology.

Applicants may also wish to use this statement to explain irregularities in their application and to outline any research experiences.

The second section of the Statement of Intent is a summary of volunteer experiences and should list:

• Volunteer experiences in the field of speech‑language pathology and/or audiology in point form, including dates, duration, total hours, populations, and the nature of activities in which the applicant participated; and
• Other relevant volunteer experiences, including dates, duration, populations, and activities.

 Other Application Information

Education outside of canada.

Applicants must be either a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (landed immigrant) of Canada to apply. International students are not accepted. For education completed outside of Canada, applicants must send ORPAS all official academic records, including an official transcript of any completed courses or diplomas that have been conferred.

Language Requirement

All applicants to the MHSc program must have excellent oral and written English skills. This proficiency is required for both the academic and the clinical aspects of the program.

Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate facility in the English language by completing one of the English proficiency tests listed on the University of Toronto School of Graduate Studies website.

The Department of Speech‑Language Pathology strongly prefers that the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) be used to satisfy this requirement. With respect to the internet‑based version of the TOEFL, applicants must achieve a minimum overall score of 100/120, with a minimum of 22/30 in the speaking section, and a minimum of 22/30 in the writing section. TOEFL candidates should use the institution code for the University of Toronto, which is 0982.

If it is impossible for an applicant to take the TOEFL, the department will accept the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (minimum score of 8.0 Academic).

The program may include interviews for selected candidates as part of the application process. Additionally, when the submitted documentation requires clarification, applicants may be invited for an interview at the Department of Speech‑Language Pathology. The meeting provides the opportunity to explore in‑depth issues, such as spoken and written language ability and areas of academic performance or interpersonal communication skills. For applicants who live outside of Toronto and are unable to attend a personal meeting, they may be invited to participate via teleconference or video conference.

Health Requirements

All applicants to the MHSc program are expected to be in a state of health that allows for full participation in the academic and clinical programs without posing a risk to oneself or others.

Applicants who have been offered admission to the program are required to submit medical certification that confirms immunization against polio, diphtheria, tetanus, rubella, measles, mumps, chicken pox and hepatitis B, as well as medical certification confirming a negative tuberculosis test result. Other vaccines may also be required. Please note the following items:

• Tuberculosis certification must be by skin test or chest x‑ray.
• If a skin test yields a positive result, a follow‑up chest x‑ray is required and must be dated no earlier than one year prior to beginning the program. This must be repeated annually.
• In addition, many clinical sites require annual flu shots that can be obtained at no additional cost from the University of Toronto health services, community flu shot clinics, and any doctor’s office in Ontario.

Police Record Checks

Many placements (e.g., school boards, social service sites) request police record checks. If admitted, applicants are strongly encouraged to complete and pay for this service. Failure to obtain a satisfactory police record check may result in an alternative or delayed placement that may also delay a student’s graduation date.

Indigenous Applicants

The department reserves one place annually for an Indigenous applicant who satisfies all admission requirements as outlined in the ORPAS Application Guide  and on the department website. To apply under this category, contact the department directly at [email protected] , before the application deadline to self-identify.

Contact Information

Student Affairs Office Department of Speech‑Language Pathology Temerty Faculty of Medicine

University of Toronto #160‑500 University Avenue Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1V7 E-Mail: [email protected]   Fax: (416) 978‑1596

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This website is intended to provide information to the public and registrants. Should there be difference in documentation previously distributed to CASLPO registrants, it is up to the registrant to source the latest version posted on the CASLPO website. Note: the term "member" and "registrant" are used interchangeably throughout CASLPO's website and documents. Both terms are synonymous with "member" as defined in the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 , the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Act, 1991 , and the Regulations under those Acts.

Home Joining the Profession Academic Programs

Academic Programs

List of speech-language pathology and audiology programs in canada.

Please note: Program information is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, contact the university department directly.

S-LP Programs

Department of communication sciences & disorders – s-lp program.

Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine

8205 114 Street

2-70 Corbett Hall

Edmonton AB  T6G 2G4

Tel. 780.492.5990

Fax 780.492.9333

School of Audiology & Speech Sciences – S-LP and Audiology Programs

​Friedman Building

443-2177 Wesbrook Mall

Vancouver BC  V6T 1Z3

Tel. 604.822.5591

Fax 604.822.6569

School of Communication Sciences and Disorders – S-LP and Audiology Programs

P.O. Box 15000

Halifax NS  B3H 4R2

Location: Sir Charles Tupper Medical Building, 2nd Floor, Room 2C01, 5850 College Street

Tel. 902.494.7052

Fax 902.494.5151

Programme de maîtrise en orthophonie – S-LP Program (French)

Faculté de la santé

Édifice Alphonse Raymond

935, chemin du lac Ramsey

Sudbury ON  P3E 2C6

Tél. 705.675.1151 poste 4122

Téléc. 705.671.3889

Programme d’ audiologie et d’ orthophonie – S-LP and Audiology Programs (French)

Faculté des sciences de la santé

Pavillon Guindon

451, chemin Smyth, pièce 3071

Ottawa ON  K1H 8M5

Tél. 613.562.5800 , poste 8393

Téléc. 613.562.5428

Département d’orthophonie – S-LP Program (French)

Casier postal 500

Trois-Rivières QC  G9A 5H7

Tél. 819.376.5045 ou 800.365.0922

Department of Speech-Language Pathology – S-LP Program

Rehabilitation Sciences Building

Faculty of Medicine

160-500 University Avenue

Toronto ON  M5G 1V7

Tel. 416.946.5456

Fax 416.978.1596

School of Communication Sciences and Disorders – S-LP and Audiology Programs

1201 Western Road

Elborn College, Room 1000

London, ON  N6G 1H1

Tel. 519-661-3227

École d’orthophonie et d’audiologie – S-LP and Audiology Programs (French)

Faculté de médecine

C.P. 6128, Succursale. Centre-Ville

Montréal QC  H3C 3J7

Location: Pavillon 7077 ave. du Parc, local 3001-1 (H3N 1X7)

Tél. 514.343.7645

Téléc. 514.343.2115

School of Communication Sciences and Disorders – S-LP Program

2001 McGill College, 8th floor

Montreal QC H3A 1G1

Tel. 514.398.4137

Fax 514.398.8123

School of Rehabilitation Science – S-LP Program

Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University

Institute of Applied Health Sciences,

Room 403, 1400 Main St. W.

Hamilton, ON L8S 1C7

Tel. 905.525.9140 Ext. 22867

Fax 905.524.0069

Programme de maîtrise en audiologie – Audiology Program (French)

Faculté de médicine

Département de réadaption

Pavillion Vandry

Québec QC  G1K 7P4

Tél. 418.656.2131 , poste 12190

Téléc. 418.656.2432

Audiology Programs

Communication health assistant academic programs.

Please note that program requirements are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please contact the program directly. The list of programs below is not exhaustive.

Rehabilitation Assistant Diploma

Diplôme en Techniques de réadaptation

Durham Communicative Disorders Assistant Graduate Certificate

Communicative Disorders Assistant

Therapist Assistant – Speech-Language Pathologist

SLPA diploma program

Rehabilitation Assistant Program

First Nations Speech and Language Assistant Certificate

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Speech Language Pathology

What is speech language pathology (slp).

“The speech-language pathologist is concerned with the study, assessment, and treatment of disorders of speech and language. Speech-language pathologists assess and treat communication disorders in children and adults. Areas of specialization include disorders of developmental language, neurogenic speech and language, fluency, voice, articulation/phonology, swallowing, and alternative and augmentative communication. ”(Department of Speech Language Pathology, University of Toronto)

What are the common academic requirements for SLP programs?

• 4-year bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
• A minimum mid-B (3.0 GPA) average in your fin al 1-2 years of full-time study. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission, since these programs are competitive.
• SLP programs in Ontario require 5-6 prerequisites in areas such as child development, linguistics, phonetics, statistics/research design, human physiology, life science, social science, and psychology.
• Clinical volunteer or paid experience working with a registered speech language pathologist.
• Proficiency in the English language.
• Applications must be submitted through The Ontario Rehabilitation Sciences Programs Application Service (ORPAS)  www.ouac.on.ca/orpas
• For specific admission requirements, visit the university websites.

What supporting documents may be required?

• Two letters of reference from professors
• Clinical reference form completed by the direct supervisor from the clinical experience
• Statement of intent/personal statement

What should I include in my personal statement?

• Your interest in pursuing SLP as a career and knowledge about the profession.
• Reasons for applying to the program.
• Related knowledge, experience and skills, including community involvement.
• Accomplishments and/or research experiences in academic or non-academic careers.

Start Early! SLP programs require a minimum B average. Many look for demonstrated interest in SLP on your application. Improve your GPA: Visit the AA&CC and the Centre for Teaching & Learning to improve your academic skills. Cultivate References: Get to know a few professors early so that they write a strong reference letter for you. Get Involved: Gain volunteer experiences that demonstrate your skills and ongoing interest in a career in SLP.

What other considerations are there?

• Students generally take 2 years to complete the SLP program full-time.
• In addition to the courses, students complete clinical placements in various settings.
• To practice in Ontario as a speech-language pathologist, one must be registered with the College of Speech-language Pathologists and Audiologists of Ontario (CASLPO).
• M.Sc. p rogram (research-intensive degree) is available for students who want to conduct basic and clinical research in the field of human communication sciences and disorders. However, the program does not provide students with the professional training required to practice clinically as speech-language patho logists upon graduation.

Where can I study SLP?

There are 3 institutions in Ontario that offer SLP programs:

• University of Toronto  (Master of Health Science in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology)
• Western University  (Master of Clinical Sciences in Speech-Language Pathology)
• McMaster University  (Masters of Science in Speech-Language Pathology)

There are other accredited programs outside of Ontario. For more information visit  www.caslpo.com/applicants/apply-to-the-college/canadian-graduates How much does it cost? All health care programs have a significant tuition cost, because hiring strong instructors and providing up-to-date facilities cost a great deal. SLP is a lower-cost program. Each institution’s fees are different. Annual tuition for Ontario students is $13,400, plus books, and placement travel fees. Looking for Related Experience? You can find volunteer and paid opportunities in  http://clnx.utoronto.ca . Also watch your email for messages from your department about opportunities to get involved.

Where can I find more information and resources?

College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario Ontario Association of Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologist Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists

Application & Personal Statement Resources

• Effective Admission Letters (U of T Writing Centre)
• Purdue University Online Writing Lab
• CTL’s Graduate School Application and Personal Statement Assignment Calculator

The AA&CC can help!

Attend the Graduate & Professional Schools Fair, go to a Preparing for Professional & Graduate School workshop, or speak with a Career team member to learn how to get relevant experience!

Please Note : While this page aims to ensure accuracy, requirements do change. Consider it a starting point for your further research. Visit individual program websites for detailed, up-to-date information about admission requirements and application procedures.

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MSc(A) in Communication Sciences and Disorders; Non-Thesis; Speech-Language Pathology

A New MSc (Applied) in Communication Sciences and Disorders; Non-Thesis; Speech Language Pathology  Designed for YOU

What is an "s-lp".

Speech-Language Pathologists (S-LP) are communication health professionals in charge of the assessment, analysis, intervention and prevention of disorders related to:

• the voice (aphonia, dysphonia, laryngectomy, etc), fluency (stuttering);
• speech (articulation, dysarthria, etc);
• language (aphasia, dyslexia, specific language impairment, autism, language delay, etc); and
• oropharyngeal function (swallowing).

S-LP's are also involved with the deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in close collaboration with the audiologist, and provides Augmentative and Alternative Communication tools to individuals with severe communication disorders who have lost their capacity to communicate.

S-LP's serve a diverse clientele: preschoolers and school age kids, adolescents, adults and the elderly. They can work in school boards, special education facilities, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, long-term care facilities, CLSCs, and in private practice.

McGill's Approach

The McGill School of Communication Sciences and Disorders offers a personalized and supportive learning environment to complete your professional training, leading to a Master of Science (Applied) degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders with specialization in Speech-Language Pathology. McGill has retained its small class size to ensure that all learners benefit from individualized attention and strong mentorship.

Accreditation and Licensing

In Canada, those wanting to practice as Speech-Language Pathologists must have at least Master's-level training in Communication Sciences and Disorders from an accredited university program. Requirements for professional certification necessary for clinical practice are set by provincial regulatory bodies. Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC) conducts an annual examination for those wishing to qualify for national certification.

The School’s professional program meets the requirements necessary for certification of graduates not only with the provincial regulatory body (the Ordre des Orthophonistes et Audiologistes du Québec [OOAQ]), but also with SAC. It’s important to note that, as of 1998, SAC and ASHA (the US equivalent) recognize one another's certification.

For more information about the profession of Speech-Language Pathology ( Orthophonie ), please contact the « Ordre des orthophonistes et Audiologistes du Québec » or Speech-Language and Audiology Canada .

Department and University Information

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Speech-Language Pathology Resource

Have an interest in speech-language pathology start here.

The Languages & Linguistics program has compiled a resource for students interested in the field of Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) and related areas. Find us on Instagram & Twitter .

SLP programs in Canada are considered to be very competitive; many students will not be accepted their first time applying. Our hope is that this resource will help students to prepare for the process, and equip them with the knowledge needed to create a competitive application package.

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Explore potential career paths in the field of communication sciences.

Offer an accessible, one-stop resource for information about Speech Language Pathology and related programs at the graduate level

Provide students with the necessary resources to plan their education journey

The field of Communication Sciences pertains to the study and treatment of disorders affecting communication, speech, and language. This field is commonly associated with Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) who work in a clinical or educational setting providing speech therapy. Other pathways include audiology, SLP assisting, and research.

Students with a background in Psychology, Linguistics, Education, Social Work, or Health Sciences may be particularly interested in exploring careers in communication sciences. Most graduate programs require prior coursework in phonetics, psychological development, human anatomy/physiology, and introductory statistics. Specific prerequisite information can be found in our programs database . Volunteer experience is also an asset when applying to these programs. Resources are available through TCLL and Careerspace to help students connect with relevant experience opportunities; please get in touch to learn more.

Speech Language Pathologist (SLP)

Concerned with the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals living with  speech, language, swallowing, and cognitive-communication difficulties. SLPs provide services to clients of all ages. They can work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, inpatient clinics, rehabilitation programs, classrooms, and private practices.

Education level: Masters Degree in Speech Language Pathology

Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA) / Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) 

Work under the clinical supervision of a SLP or Audiologist. CDAs play a support role in the treatment of communication disorders, and may provide education to clients, caregivers, and the public. In a speech setting, CDAs may provide therapeutic intervention, assist in assessment, perform some screenings, transcribe therapy sessions, and assist with intervention planning/implementation. In an audiology setting, CDAs may perform hearing and screening testing (without interpretation), work with amplification systems, perform ear mould impressions, and provide supportive services.

Education level: Graduate Certificate

Audiologist 

Concerned with the assessment and treatment of individuals at risk for hearing and balance impairments. Audiologists provide services to clients of all ages. Audiologists work in a range of settings such as hospitals, inpatient clinics, schools, rehabilitation programs, and research facilities.

Education level: Masters Degree in Audiology

Graduate Programs Database

A database of Speech Language Pathology programs, and a database of Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA) programs are available to help students plan for the future. These resources contain information pertaining to admission requirements, application processes, financial aid, and more for SLP programs available within Canada and beyond.

[ SLP Program Database (Canada + International) ]

[ cda program database (canada) ].

These databases aim to help students plan their prospective future in the field of Speech Language Pathology and related disciplines. The information gathered has been sourced directly from relevant programs. It is important to note that all information contained in this database is subject to change. Students should consult with their program of interest directly once they have decided to pursue an application.

While those pursuing the Communicative Sciences come from varied academic backgrounds, students may find it useful to explore coursework in the following areas:

• Linguistics, particularly Phonetics
• Development; Psychological Development, Child Development, and similar areas.
• Cognition and Behaviour
• Research Methods and Statistics
• Human Anatomy and Physiology

Ontario Rehabilitation Sciences Programs (ORPAS)

Applications to some Ontario SLP programs are facilitated by the Ontario Rehabilitation Sciences Programs (ORPAS) branch of OUAC. This centralized application service helps to reduce the work and resources involved in processing duplicate applications to rehabilitation science programs in Ontario.

ORPAS is a third-party service which facilitates the application process. Admission requirements are independently set by each school/program. It is the responsibility of the applicant to be aware of the variations in criteria when applying. ORPAS is not involved in the decision-making of any program.

ORPAS at a Glance

Financial assistance: ontario graduate scholarship (ogs) program.

Students pursuing graduate studies in Ontario can apply for funding through the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Program. This scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic merit based on criteria set out by the program/school being attended. Please see the Program Database for what grades must be achieved to be awarded OGS according to different schools.

Other Requirements

Aside from the academic criteria set out by the school you are planning to attend, students must also meet the following requirements to qualify for OGS:

• Pursuing graduate studies at the Masters or Doctorate level
• Enrolled in a full-time program for two or more terms in the academic year for which they are applying
• Attending a participating school

How to Apply

Students must apply directly through the school they are planning to attend, and should submit an application for each participating school they are applying to. Applications typically open in October of the academic year.

The application process varies; for reference, please see the Programs Database. Students must contact the Graduate Studies Office of their prospective schools to obtain an application for the OGS.

Professional Organizations and Associations

Students interested in learning more are encouraged to explore the world of communicative sciences directly for information about how the field is regulated. The following associations provide information about how to practice as an SLP, CDA, or Audiologist within Canada and the US.

• Speech Language & Audiology Canada (SAC)
• Communicative Disorders Assistant Association of Canada (CDAAC)
• Canadian Academy of Audiology (CAA)
• College of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists of Ontario (CASLPO)
• American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA)
• Regulatory and licensing bodies within Canada (via SAC)

Careerspace Resources

Once you're ready to take the next step, visit Careerspace for help building an effective application package. Careerspace resources can help you write your resumé and cover letter, prepare for interviews, and more.

• Tip Sheet Library
• Applying to Professional Programs: Rehabilitative Sciences
• Careerspace Home

University Programs

Currently, twelve Canadian universities provide entry-to-practice education in speech-language pathology and six also provide entry-to-practice education in audiology.  The entry-to-practice degree requirement in Canada is a Master’s degree.

The six universities that offer programs in both audiology and speech-language pathology are: University of British Columbia, Dalhousie University, Université Laval, Université de Montréal, Université d’ Ottawa and Western University. Six universities offer a speech-language pathology program solely: University of Alberta, Université Laurentienne, McGill University, l'Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, University of Toronto, and McMaster University.

Programs at six universities are offered in French: Université Laurentienne, Université Laval, Université de Montréal, Université d'Ottawa, and l'Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières. The remainder are offered in English.

For more information about these programs please visit their websites at the links below.

University of Alberta

University of British Columbia

Dalhousie University

Université Laval - audiologie

Université Laval - orthophonie

Université Laurentienne

McGill University

McMaster University

Université de Montréal

University of Ottawa

Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières

University of Toronto

University of Western Ontario

How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist in Ontario

• May 6, 2019

Many people take the ability to communicate for granted until we experience problems with it. If you’d like to help others deal with speech-language issues such as stuttering or difficulty swallowing, becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist may be the right job for you. This blog will help you understand the requirements to become a Speech-Language Pathologist in Ontario.

What is Speech-Language Pathology?

Speech-language pathology , sometimes referred to as speech therapy, or speech-language therapy, is the assessment and management of communication and swallowing disorders. Speech-language pathology (SLP) is a field of expertise practiced by Speech-Language Pathologists—professionals equipped with knowledge, skills, and clinical experience to help patients with congenital and/or acquired communication and swallowing disorders.

What Services do Speech-Language Pathologists Provide?

The job of a Speech-Language Pathologist includes preventing, identifying, evaluating and treating communication and swallowing disorders. Speech-Language Pathologist can practice in different settings including schools, hospitals, clinics, research centres, rehabilitation centres, private practices, or through in-home visits.

Generally, a Speech-Language Pathologist provides assessments, treatments and consultations of:

• Language disorders
• Cognitive communication disorders
• Voice disorders
• Swallowing disorders

Speech-Language Pathologists can also work with other professionals, such as audiologists, dietitians, nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and more, to provide clients with the best treatment possible.

Requirements to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist in Ontario

In order to become a Speech-Language Pathologist, you will need to earn a 4-year Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university and then spend another two or three years studying to earn a Master’s degree in SLP. Any undergraduate programs would suffice as long as they offer the prerequisite courses that a Master’s program commonly requires.

Admission requirements for a Master program in SLP may vary among universities, but they do share some common criteria, including:

• 4-year Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
• A minimum mid-B (3.0 GPA) average in the final 1-2 years of full-time study or throughout the whole four years.
• Completing 4-6 prerequisites in areas such as child development, linguistics, phonetics, statistics/research design, human physiology, life science, social science, and psychology.
• Proficiency in English and/or French.

Sometimes clinical volunteer or paid experience working with a registered Speech-Language Pathologist can be an admission requirement. Applications must be submitted through the Ontario Rehabilitation Sciences Programs Application Service (ORPAS) .

There are currently 4 universities in Ontario that offer speech-language pathology programs for graduates:

• McMaster University
• Université d’Ottawa (French)
• University of Toronto
• Western University

Programs offered by the University of Toronto, Western University, and Université d’Ottawa are accredited according to the Council for Accreditation of Canadian University Programs in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology . The program offered by McMaster University is new and hasn’t been accredited yet.

Once you’ve gotten a Master’s degree in SLP, you’ll need to register with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) in order to become a regulated Speech-Language Pathologist and legally practice SLP.

Average Salary for a Speech-Language Pathologist

Job Bank Canada reported that the hourly wage for a Speech-Language Pathologist in Ontario ranges from $28.06 to $51.72, with a median of $42.56. Annually, a Speech-Language Pathologist in Ontario earns between $58k and $107k, with a median salary of $88k.

Where to Find Speech-Language Pathologist Jobs

If you’re looking to gain experience through volunteering, organizations like Toronto Rehab Intitute/UHN or Aphasia Institute can be a good place to find volunteer positions.

If you’re looking for Speech-Language Pathologist jobs and don’t have a specific organization that you want to work for, looking through career sites like Job Bank, Indeed and Workopolis would be a great start. You can also go to the Speech-Language & Audiology of Canada or the Ontario Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists websites to see their career postings.

At Closing the Gap Healthcare, we’re frequently hiring Speech-Language Pathologists throughout Ontario. To see if there are any open positions near you, visit our  Careers  page.

• previous post: Hiring a Home Care Agency in Halifax: Important Questions to Ask
• next post: How to Get Physiotherapy in Ontario

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Speech Language Pathologist Assistant

Learn to identify communication disorders, carry out treatment plans, and make a difference for clients with communication challenges.

As a speech language pathologist assistant, you work in schools, early educational settings, regional and community health centres, hospitals and rehabilitation centres to implement treatment plans, observe and report patient responses, and perform administrative duties and support activities.

Open doors.

Create pathways to better communication.

Admission Requirements

Program & Courses

Your future

Apply to Ontario Rehabilitation Sciences Programs

The ORPAS application for fall 2024 admission is now closed.

If you submitted a 2024 application, you can log in to:

• review your submitted application information and
• check for receipt of references and transcripts.

Home / ORPAS Application Guide

ORPAS Application Guide

Refer to the application and the university's website for up-to-date program details.

Table of Contents

Contact information.

You can apply to the following programs in Ontario through ORPAS:

• Occupational Therapy (OT)
• Physical Therapy/Physiotherapy (PT)
• Audiology (AUD)
• Speech-Language Pathology (SLP)

The universities, programs and ORPAS do not endorse or support presentations or publications other than their own. Obtain up‑to‑date information directly from the universities’ and programs’ admission offices or their websites.

• About ORPAS
• Applicant Responsibilities and Requirements
• Essential Skills and Attributes Required
• ORPAS Notice and Declaration

Application Instructions

Requirements.

• Program Requirements Overview
• Referee Requirements
• Responding to an Offer of Admission
• Transcript Requirements

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

• Applicant Diversity Census

Grading Systems

• GPA Calculations
• Undergraduate Grade Conversion Table

University Requirements

• Laurentian University (in French only)
• McMaster University
• University of Ottawa
• Queen’s University
• University of Toronto
• Western University

Ontario Rehabilitation Sciences Programs

Contact the school of your choice about additional admission and academic program information.

• Note:  Laurentian University’s programs are offered in French only.
• McMaster University – School of Rehabilitation Science
• Note:  The University of Ottawa’s programs are offered in French only; however, field work placements may be in French, English or bilingual settings.
• Queen’s University – School of Rehabilitation Therapy
• University of Toronto – Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy
• University of Toronto – Department of Physical Therapy
• University of Toronto – Department of Speech-Language Pathology
• Western University – School of Communication Sciences and Disorders
• Western University – School of Physical Therapy
• Western University – School of Occupational Therapy
• If you have an OUAC account, use SAM within your ORPAS application to submit questions.
• ORPAS Ontario Universities’ Application Centre 170 Research Lane Guelph ON  N1G 5E2

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