Master of Health Sciences Speech-Language Pathology (MHSc)

Why choose speech-language pathology

Help people of all ages to communicate

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are experts in assessing and treating speech, language and swallowing disorders. They play a vital role in supporting individuals with communication challenges, enabling them to thrive in personal, educational and professional settings. SLPs work with diverse populations, from young children learning to speak to older adults recovering from neurological conditions. SLPs’ expertise enhances lives by fostering effective communication and independence.

Become an advocate for connection

The MHSc in speech-language pathology at the University of Ottawa prepares graduates to work in multiple settings, including hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centres and private practices. Through evidence-based learning and structured/supervised clinical placements, students gain the skills needed to support individuals with speech, language and swallowing challenges. Graduates are equipped to deliver targeted, patient-centred care and to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams in both English and French.

A smiling student, wearing a white T-shirt and holding a mouth model

“Being a speech-language pathology student has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Helping people find their voice and build confidence in how they communicate is a true privilege.”

Karina Nemec

— Speech-language pathology student

What to expect

Comprehensive curriculum: Courses cover key areas of speech and language development, diagnosis and intervention for disorders such as aphasia, stuttering, and articulation and voice disorders.
Practical experience: Students gain hands-on, supervised experience in hospitals, schools and clinics throughout the six terms of full-time study.
State-of-the-art facilities: Advanced simulation tools and real-world clinical labs provide students with immersive, hands-on learning so they can apply theoretical concepts effectively.
Dedicated faculty support: Students receive mentorship and guidance from faculty members who are leaders in speech-language pathology research and clinical practice.

Key subjects areas

Stuttering and voice disorders

Assessment techniques: Learn commonly used and advanced techniques for diagnosing voice and fluency disorders.
Intervention techniques: Gain expertise in designing individualized therapy plans.
Outreach applications: Explore how these interventions can be adapted for diverse populations.

Aphasia, dysarthria, apraxia, head injury and dementia

Neurological impacts: Understand the link between brain impairments and communication challenges.
Rehabilitation approaches: Study evidence-based approaches to improve patient outcomes.
Caregiver collaboration: Develop strategies to support caregivers in patient care.

Childhood communication development

Developmental milestones: Explore key markers in childhood speech and language development.
Therapeutic interventions: Acquire skills for supporting children with developmental delays.
School-based support: Understand strategies for enhancing communication in educational settings.

Dual fast-track degrees

Not at the graduate level yet? Add a master's degree in speech-language pathology to your bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary health sciences, and finish in less time than it would normally take.

Learn more about dual fast-track degrees

Career pathways

Graduates from the MHSc in speech-language pathology program are well prepared for a diverse range of rewarding career opportunities. As a graduate, you can pursue roles in:

Clinical roles: Work in hospitals, rehabilitation centres or schools, supporting clients with speech, language and swallowing challenges.
Research and academia: Contribute to empirical studies investigating the immense realm of factors influencing communication and swallowing disorders.
Private practice: Deliver specialized, client-focused care in individual or group settings.
Community health: Advocate for accessible communication services for all.

Program accreditation

The MHSc in speech-language pathology is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Canadian University Programs in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. Graduates are eligible to apply for a licence to practise in Canada. Accreditation ensures that graduates’ qualifications meet national standards for professional excellence.

View toe CASLPA website

Consortium national de formation en santé (CNFS)

The CNFS is a pan-Canadian organization funded by Health Canada. It brings together 16 postsecondary institutions offering programs of study in French across various health disciplines. It provides students from Francophone minority communities with improved access to health-related programs. The CNFS has enabled the University to add additional speech-language and audiology places for Francophones from provinces other than Quebec and Ontario. Students admitted through the CNFS are encouraged to return to their home province to do their clinical rotations.

Visit the CNFS website

Take the next steps

Start your journey in speech-language pathology with the essential tools and resources to help you plan your academic path and achieve your goals.

Master of Health Sciences Speech-Language Pathology

Program overview