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Certificate in the Linguistics of Speech Science 

About the certificate

The Certificate in the Linguistics of Speech Science (CLSS) is a program offering courses that can form part of the preparation required for graduate studies in speech-language pathology and audiology. 

The CLSS program provides an understanding of the sound system and grammatical system of language and applies that knowledge to:

  • Language acquisition
  • Speech-language pathology
  • Elective topics such as applied phonetics and neurolinguistics   

We strongly recommend contacting the Undergraduate Student Advisor to schedule an advising appointment prior to applying to the CLSS program. 

SFU direct entry pathway to Canterbury MSLP

The SFU–Canterbury Master of Speech and Language Pathology Pathway (SFU–UC MSLP) is a partnership between SFU Linguistics and the University of Canterbury (UC) in Christchurch, New Zealand. Canterbury’s hands-on MSLP program includes experiential clinical practice and internship after graduation. Learn more here. 

Canterbury’s two-year MSLP covers topics including:

  • Clinical linguistics and evidence-based practice
  • Introductory neuroscience
  • Speech and language development 
  • Speech-language disorders across the lifespan
  • Typical and atypical hearing, swallowing, fluency and voice 

CLSS Program Curriculum

Students complete a total of 18 units. For any questions or concerns, connect with the Student Advisor.

Required courses:
LING 190 - The Science of Speech (3)
LING 330 - Phonetics (3)
LING 350 - First Language Acquisition (3)

Required to complete three courses from this list:
LING 315 - Psychology of Language (3)
LING 321 - Phonology (3)
LING 322 - Syntax (3)
LING 401 - Topics in Phonetics (3)
LING 411 - Topics in Applied Phonetics (3)
LING 415 - Neurolinguistics (3) 

CLSS Program Requirements

Admission requirements 

  • Approval must be obtained from the Department of Linguistics in order to declare into CLSS 
  • Completed at least one semester at SFU 
  • Minimum CGPA of 2.60 
  • You are encouraged to declare the program at least one year prior to graduation 

Continuation requirements

  • Minimum CGPA of 2.60 (after completion of 60 units). 
  • A CGPA of less than 2.60 will prevent further enrollment in upper-division LING courses. Upon restoring a 2.60 CGPA, you must meet with the Student Advisor in order to redeclare into the program. 

Transfer credits

  • A maximum of six (6) units may be transferred from outside of SFU toward the CLSS.

Eligibility to apply credits 

  • Credits applied to this certificate may not be applied to another SFU certificate or diploma.
  • Credits applied to this certificate are permitted to be additionally applied to a major, extended minor, or minor program, or to a Bachelor degree under the normal regulations governing those programs. 
  • Duplicate courses are counted only once. 

Hear from our alumni

If you're interested in a career in speech-language pathology, see this article about strategies LING alumni used to gain admission to MSLP programs. 

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