Elborn College 1510, Tel: (519) 661-2001
PREPARATORY PROGRAM
Communication Sciences and Disorders offers Master of Clinical Science (MCISc) and Master of Science (MSc) degrees in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. Applicants to these programs who do not possess an honors 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 Communicative 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 admissions 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. - Have successfully completed a four-year honours degree or its equivalent prior to entering the program. A B.Ed. degree is not considered equivalent to the fourth year of an honours program.
- Have successfully completed prerequisite coursework in:
- A full course in Statistics (equivalent to UWO Psychology 281)
- A half course in Developmental Psychology (equivalent to UWO Psychology 240a/b or Psychology 140).
- Have maintained a minimum "B" average in the 10 full courses most recently completed.
- Have completed a minimum of 14 hours of supervised experience in a setting that offers service to people with communication disorders and provide a completed Clinical Reference Form, included in the ORPAS application.
Admission decisions are based on: - academic background and preparation for further study,
- grade point average of previous university coursework,
- work experience in the field or in related areas,
- letters of academic reference,
- the letter of clinical reference, and
- the student's personal statement and resume.
Among equivalent applications, preference will be given to those who have not only completed the prerequisite coursework, but who also have included coursework in the following areas: communication sciences and disorders, linguistics, hearing sciences, physical and biological sciences, and psychology. Admission into the graduate portion of the program is based on overall performance during the Preparatory year or overall performance during the undergraduate program in communication sciences and disorders. Applicants whose first language is not English require a minimum TOEFL score of 620 or equivalent (e.g., MELAB or IELTS). Students who, after admission, show an inadequate command of spoken or written English must improve their proficiency to the satisfaction of the SCSD. Students can be asked to withdraw from the program if their command of English interferes with the ability to provide quality professional services. Note: Test results must be sent directly to the SCSD. Applicants should be aware that the number of students who seek admission to the program considerably exceeds the number of places which are available.
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 of 70% overall academic average with a passing grade of 60% in all courses 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: Communication Sciences and Disorders 410a/b, 411a/b, 412a/b, 417a/b, 423a/b, 439a/b, 497a/b, Anatomy and Cell Biology 225 . Each student must seek academic counselling from the School to establish the individual's course requirements during the preparatory year.
Certification/Registration
Graduates in MSc and MClSc degree tracks 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
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