Frequently-Asked Questions
- Do I need to live in Vancouver and attend UBC year-round in order to graduate from this program?
- Are there graduate courses that can be done by distance or on-line?
- Should I include reference letters with my application materials?
- Can I have more than three references for my application?
- Can I send transcripts myself with my letter of intent?
- How many M.Sc. students are accepted into the program each year?
- How many applications do you receive? Is the program competitive?
- What is the expected GPA average?
- I was wondering if I can talk with an admission advisor to be sure that the courses I am taking are appropriate and match up with the prerequisites?
- Is there a preference for BC students in the program?
- What are the minimum requirements for application to the M.Sc. program?
- What do I need to do to better my chances of entrance into the program?
- I am an international student. Where can I find information about study permits, housing, fees, funding, etc?
- Does the School offer teaching assistantships?
- Is it possible to apply without having first completed the prerequisites?
- Do you have a 3-year (i.e. extended) program?
- What if I still need to take prerequisite courses?
- What if my undergraduate degree is not in a discipline related to human communication (such as: linguistics, psychology, biological sciences, neuroscience, etc)?
- Can I work while I am in the M.Sc. Program?
- Are there on-line courses that fulfill the prerequisites?
- Does the School require an honours degree?
- Does the School require the GRE?
Q: Do I need to live in Vancouver and attend UBC year-round in order to graduate from this program?
A: Yes. Our graduate programs require full-time enrolment at UBC for two years. With the exception of the time spent in clinical placements, all instruction during this period takes place at the UBC campus.
Q: Are there graduate courses that can be done by distance or online?
A. No. SASS graduate programs do not offer distance education or online courses.
Q. Should I include reference letters with my application materials?
A: No. All letters of reference must come directly to the School from the referees. For instructions, see Application Checklist, Step 4
Q. Can I have more than three references for my application?
A: Yes. The minimum requirement is three references (2 academic and 1 personal) but the School allows you to submit more than three.
Q: Can I send transcripts myself with my letter of intent?
A: No. For instructions, see Application Checklist, Step 3
Q: How many M.Sc. students are accepted into the program each year?
A: We enroll 35 students (12 in Audiology and 23 in Speech-Language Pathology).
Q: How many applications do you receive? Is the program competitive?
A: The M.Sc. program is very competitive. Each year we receive between 150-200 applications for 35 spaces.
Q: What is the expected GPA average?
A: The academic record of students who are admitted is always very strong. Successful program applicants generally earn an average of between 82-84%.
Q: I was wondering if I can talk with an admission advisor to be sure that the courses I am taking are appropriate and match up with the prerequisites?
A: Unfortunately we do not have admission advisors. Check SLP Prerequisites or Audiology Prerequisites to make sure your undergraduate coursework satisfies the minimum prerequisites for our program.
If you are a UBC student, you can contact the Speech Sciences Advisor in Linguistics, Dr. Penelope Bacsfalvi, penbacs@mail.ubc.ca
Q: Is there a preference for BC students in the program?
A: No. We do not have quotas, or discriminate in any way as to who can apply to our program.
Q: What are the minimum requirements for application to the M.Sc. program?
A: See Admission Criteria M.Sc. Speech or Admission Criteria M.Sc. Audiology
Q: What do I need to do to better my chances of entrance into the program?
A: If you meet the admission criteria, your application will be considered. Students that are admitted have earned excellent grades (80-85%), completed prerequisite courses, have strong letters of reference, and can articulate their personal and professional goals in their letter of intent. Although it is not required, an increasing number of applicants also bring volunteer or work experience in clinics and research labs.
Q: I am an international student. Where can I find information about study permits, housing, fees, funding, etc?
A: See Tuition and Fees; Application Deadlines; and other information specific to international students.
Q: Does the School offer teaching assistantships?
A: The School does not offer teaching assistantships, though individual faculty members do offer a number of research positions which vary from year to year.
Q: Is it possible to apply without having first completed the prerequisites?
A: Demonstrating that you will complete all the prerequisites prior to entry in September (i.e., you may be currently registered for some prerequisites or planning to take some over the summer) will considerably enhance your chances of being offered admission to the M.Sc. program. Applicants should also note that if admission is offered on the basis of coursework not yet completed, such offers may be made contingent on completion of these courses. If so, these conditions are strictly observed.
Q: Do you have a 3-year (i.e. extended) program?
A: Yes, in exceptional cases, such as the following:
1) The Admissions Committee may invite students of exceptional merit who are missing prerequisites into an extended M.Sc. program. Only a few students each year qualify for such an offer. No special application materials are required.
2) Students with special circumstances (e.g., family responsibility, health issues, etc.) may request in writing to be considered for an extended M.Sc. program. Include this request with the letter of intent at the time of application.
Q: What if I still need to take prerequisite courses?
A: You can enroll at UBC (or your own university) as an unclassified student and to take the needed prerequisite course. To enroll as an unclassified student contact UBC Undergraduate Enrolment Services. To determine which prerequisite courses you need to take check SLP Prerequisites or Audiology Prerequisites.
If you are a UBC student, you can receive help concerning prerequisite course preparation by contacting the Speech Sciences Advisor in Linguistics, Dr. Penelope Bacsfalvi: penbacs@mail.ubc.ca
Q: What if my undergraduate degree is not in a discipline related to human communication (such as: linguistics, psychology, biological sciences, neuroscience, etc)?
A: Admission to the M.Sc. program is competitive and takes into consideration the overall program of study. Every year, students from a wide variety of backgrounds apply and are admitted. If you meet the admission criteria, have an outstanding academic record and the prerequisite coursework, your application will be considered.
Q: Can I work while I am in the M.Sc. Program?
A: If possible, you should avoid off-campus employment in order to complete your degree in a timely manner. We advise you to make appropriate financial arrangements prior to beginning your first year. See Awards and Financial Support.
Q: Are there online courses that fulfill the prerequisites?
A: Yes, in some cases. Some universities, such as Athabasca and Thompson Rivers specialize in online courses, but most other universities offer distance education courses. It is advisable to take as many prerequisite courses as possible in a University classroom setting. Reference letters from academic professors who taught you in the last two years are critical to your application. Most instructors for online courses will not write reference letters, and some are not academic professors.
See the sections on prerequisite coursework for the detailed procedure on how to determine if any online courses would be equivalent to the prerequisites.
Q: Does the School require an honours degree?
A: No, the School does not require an honours degree. However, honours degrees are preferred. Minimum requirements are: a four-year undergraduate degree from an accredited university in any department/discipline, and completion of the required prerequisites for either the M.Sc. in Speech-Language Pathology or in Audiology.
Q: Does the School require the GRE?
A: No, the School does not require the GRE.
