Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Welcome to the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Our department is committed to enhancing communication and improving lives. Our students and faculty are empowering individuals by working alongside them to manage a range of communication and swallowing disorders. As speech-language pathologists, we address issues related to speech, language, voice, fluency, cognitive function and more through our research, clinical work and teaching. The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is the largest speech-language pathology training program in Canada, and is part of the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine — North America’s only free-standing rehabilitation faculty.

Programs

MSc in Speech-Language Pathology

This program will provide entry-to-practice skills in the prevention, evaluation and management of speech, language, fluency, voice, resonance, hearing and swallowing disorders. This program offers both a course-based and thesis-based option.

Combined MScSLP/PhD

The combined MSc/PhD program allows a select group of highly motivated students to complete the MSc in speech-language pathology and the PhD in rehabilitation sciences within a single integrated program of study.

Francophone Certificate in SLP

This supplementary certificate provides clinicians with a post-professional educational opportunity to support the speech, language and communication needs of dual-language Francophone populations.

CSD Undergraduate Courses

These courses introduce students to the field of communication sciences and disorders and offer students the opportunity to meet prerequisite requirements. Courses are online.

Rehabilitation Sciences Graduate Program

Rehabilitation scientists conduct research designed to help people engage fully in their lives.

Continuing Professional Education

We offer a variety of continuing professional education programs for working health-care professionals. Advance your career with a graduate-level certificate or non-credit micro-credential course. Courses are 100 per cent online so you can study from anywhere in the world.

Our Community

We offer speech-language services and support for clients in their home community by reducing barriers to access through our virtual and in-person clinics, programs and research. These services include:

  • Experiential learnings

    Students benefit from extensive hands-on clinical training in our in-house clinics, diverse experiential activities in courses, and placement opportunities in settings throughout Alberta.

  • Our community impact

    We are enhancing lives through speech, language and hearing services and supports that are offered in our clinics and camps.

  • Our commitment to research

    Our faculty conduct innovative research advancing the field of communication sciences and disorders. Students enhance their research competencies through opportunities to participate in research.

Message from the Chair

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders prepares future leaders in the profession of speech-language pathology to meet the complex and dynamic challenges of addressing speech, language, communication, and swallowing needs in a multicultural society across the lifespan. We are committed to innovative models of clinical training, interdisciplinary education, academic excellence, and providing rich clinical and research experiences for students within an inclusive environment that respects and honours diversity.

Our distributed learning model, with campuses in Edmonton and Camrose, provides students an opportunity to study in larger or smaller classroom environments, while obtaining a rich educational experience within a cohesive cohort of students. You will be supported by staff, faculty members and clinical educators who are committed to your success in your journey to becoming a speech-language pathologist.

We are excited for you to come explore speech-language pathology at the University of Alberta!

Esther Kim, PhD, R.SLP, CCC-SLP
Professor and Chair
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Esther Kim

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization Statement

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders respects and honours the diversity in our community that includes but is not limited to race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, socio-economic status, class, and religion. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that brings together diverse perspectives from our students, staff, clients, and members of the community. We commit to eliminate racism and discrimination as experienced by people who have been marginalized within our community. Together, we will advance excellence in clinical practice and research in the field of communication sciences and disorders in ways that are equitable, diverse and inclusionary. We place human rights and dignity at the center of our teaching, research, and clinical practice.
.