Elborn College 1510, Tel: 519-661-2001
PREPARATORY PROGRAM
Communication Sciences and Disorders offers Master of Clinical Science (MCISc) of degree in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. Applicants to thisprogram who do not possess a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders or equivalent must complete a two-term "Preparatory Program". The aim of this program is to introduce students to the disciplines of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology and to provide students with the intensive background preparation in speech, language, and hearing sciences needed to pursue graduate work in Communication Sciences & Disorders. During these two terms (Fall and Winter), Preparatory Program students are registered as "Special Undergraduate" students and pay tuition in accordance with the undergraduate fee schedule.
Admission Requirements
Applicants who hold an undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders, or the equivalent, may be eligible for direct admission into the graduate portion of the program. Applicants with academic backgrounds in disciplines other than communication sciences and disorders may be eligible for admission into the Preparatory year portion of the program before progressing to the graduate portion of the program. The first year of studies for these students consists of a Preparatory year followed by the two-year master's level portion of the program. The number of openings to both the two- and three-year portions of the program is limited and varies from year to year.
All applicants, regardless of background preparation, complete and submit the same ORPAS application. Based on applicants' background preparation, the members of the Admissions Committee of SCSD will decide which portion of the program is appropriate for each applicant.
Entry to the graduate program in Communicative Disorders is on a competitive basis. Outstanding applicants holding an undergraduate degree will be considered. An applicant who holds a BSc(CD) degree (with a minimum "B" average in the ten full courses most recently taken) may apply to the two-year Master's degree program.
Applicants with degrees in disciplines other than Communication Sciences and Disorders are eligible to apply to enter the preprofessional year. Such applicants must:
(1) Successfully complete a four-year honors degree or its equivalent prior to entering the graduate program. (A BEd degree is not considered as equivalent to the fourth year of an honors program.)
(2) Successfully complete prerequisite course work in:
a) a statistics course, equivalent to Western's Psychology 2810 (preferably taken in a Psychology Department), and
b) a developmental psychology course, equivalent to Western's Psychology 2410A/B.
(3) Have a minimum "B" average in the ten full courses most recently taken. Admission decisions are based on:
a) academic background and preparation for further study,
b) grade point average of previous university course work,
c) work experience in the field or in related areas,
d) letter of reference, and
e) the student's personal statement and resume.
(4) Provide the score for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
If applications are similar in all other aspects, preference will be given to applicants who have not only completed the above courses, but who have also included course work in the following areas: Communication Sciences and Disorders, Linguistics, Hearing Science, Physical and Biological Sciences and Psychology.
Applicants whose first language is not English require a minimum TOEFL score of 620 or equivalent, e.g., MELAB or IELTS, for admission.
Students who, after admission, show an inadequate command of spoken or written English must improve their proficiency to the Department's satisfaction. Students may be asked to withdraw from the program if their
inadequate command of English interferes with their ability to provide professional services.
Applicants should be aware that the number of students who seek admission to the program considerably exceeds the number of places which are available.
While non-Canadians can be accepted into the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given preference.
Application Deadline
Applications for admission must be completed (including all supporting documents) by January 15, for entry in the Fall of the next academic year.
Application forms for the program may be obtained from:
Ontario Rehabilitation Sciences Programs Application Service (ORPAS)
Ontario Universities' Application Centre
170 Research Lane
Guelph, ON N1G 5E2
website:
www.ouac.on.ca/orpas/
Major Area of Study
Students applying to the program must specify whether they wish to enter audiology or speech-language pathology.
Progression
Students must achieve a minimum overall academic average of 70% with a passing grade of 60% in each course of the Preparatory portion of the Program. After successful completion of the Preparatory portion of the Program, students will be considered for admission to the graduate portion of the program.
Preparatory Year The following courses are part of the program but may not be required courses for all students:
Each student must seek academic counselling from the School to establish the individual's course requirements during the preparatory year.
Certification/Registration
Graduates of the MClSc degree meet all existing requirements for membership and certification by the Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (CASLPA); membership by the Ontario Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (OSLA); and licensing from the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO). Registration with CASLPO is required by law for professionals in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology practising in Ontario.
Obtain regulations regarding eligibility for practice in Canada from:
- The Ontario Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists
410 Jarvis Street
Toronto, Ontario M4Y 2G6
- The Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists National Office
130 Albert St., Suite 2006
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5G4
FACULTIES 