About
The Certificate in Speech Development and Diversity was designed to assist undergraduate students interested in applying to a graduate program in speech language pathology. It contains courses in linguistics and psychology that are required for admission to speech language pathology programs across Canada, but also courses that are relevant to the Saskatchewan context, with large Indigenous and international populations.
- One- or two-year certificate depending on course availability
- Full-time program
- Courses required for this program have university-level prerequisites
What you will learn
By taking this certificate, you will develop an understanding of the many dimensions of diversity in language and speech.
Graduates with this certificate program, particularly when combined with a related degree, enhance their qualifications for pursuing advanced studies in speech language pathology. This certificate serves as a stepping-stone for entry into master's programs in the field, which is essential for becoming a qualified speech language pathologist. Speech language pathologists are in high demand across the province, addressing vital needs in diagnostics, treatment, and management of communication disorders.
Additionally, on its own, this certificate equips students with a fundamental understanding of linguistics, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion in language practices. It also provides essential knowledge in distinguishing language pathologies from dialectal variations and L2 speech - a crucial skill in diverse linguistic environments like that of Canada.
LING 242.3: Phonetics
Introduces articulatory, acoustic, and auditory phonetics, the structure and functioning of the vocal tract, the major classes of speech sounds and the IPA systems of phonetic notation. Recognition, production, and perception of speech sounds and the preliminaries of phonological analysis will be emphasized. Students will also be introduced to the computer software PRAAT for phonetic analysis.
LING 253.3: Indigenous Languages of Canada
This course provides an overview of the linguistic landscape of the Indigenous languages of Canada and North America. We will begin with the Indigenous perspectives of the origin, properties, and relations between languages and cultures and the properties of languages growing from the places of where they are spoken. We will then correspond this view with the Western linguistic perspective of language family trees and linguistic features commonly found in Indigenous languages of North America. We will address the process of child language acquisition, in particular the effects of interruptions through residential schools, forced assimilation, and foster care. A second major topic in this course will be the linguistic and cultural impact of education delivered through the lens of official bilingualism. The last major topic is the revitalization of Indigenous languages in Canada and worldwide. The methods, the approaches, and the success stories will provide a varied picture of the efforts by speakers, educators, and linguists to relieve and reverse the loss of languages and cultures.
LING 330.3: Language and Speech Diversity and Inclusion
This course considers language diversity explained by multiple societal factors as well as individual child language development. The overall philosophy of the course is that of multilingualism, multiculturalism, and inclusion. The course addresses language and speech variability, promotes its appreciation, and differentiates between variability and pathology. In particular, the course explores divergent first language acquisition, non-binary and transgender language issues, language innovation resulting from language contact and indigenous varieties of world’s major languages.
The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.
Leading institution in linguistics
USask is the only institution in Saskatchewan that offers a complete undergraduate degree in linguistics, allowing students interested in the certificate to broaden their skillset in linguistics.
Engaged student group
The Linguistics Students Committee is a highly dynamic group offering peer mentoring and numerous opportunities to get involved.
Careers
In addition to using this certificate as a stepping stone for pursuing master's programs in linguistics and speech language pathology, which is essential for becoming a qualified speech language pathologist, other related job opportunities include:
- Clinical speech language pathologist assistant
Works under the supervision of qualified speech language pathologists to support the delivery of speech language services in clinical settings - Educational speech language assistant
Assists speech language pathologists in educational settings, helping to implement speech and language programs in schools - Community health coordinator
Works within community health centers or public health organizations, focusing on programs that promote linguistic and communicative health - Diversity and inclusion consultant
Specializes in creating inclusive communication environments within organizations, leveraging knowledge of linguistic diversity and inclusion
Tuition estimates
| Canadian students | International students | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $792 per 3 credit unit class | $3,834 per 3 credit unit class |
| Student fees | $1,121 per year | $1,121 per year |
Tuition will vary depending on the type and number of classes you take in a year. This estimate reflects a typical amount you could expect to pay per class (2024-2025 Canadian dollar rates).
Student fees are used to fund specific student benefits, including health, vision and dental coverage, a bus pass, recreational programs and fitness centre access. This estimate reflects the price you would pay if you are a full-time student.
The cost of books and supplies varies widely depending on the courses you choose. It is recommended that you budget between $1,500-$2,500 for this program.
Program options
The Certificate in Speech Development and Diversity is offered by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Arts and Science.
You may earn the certificate on its own, concurrently with a degree program from this college or others, or after completing a degree. Courses in this program have university-level prerequisites.
If you are already enrolled at USask, consult your academic advisor regarding enrolling in this program.
The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.
Admission requirements and deadlines
Deadlines
Ready to apply?
If you are a current USask student, consult your academic advisor about enrolling in this program.
To apply to this program as a new student, create an admissions account and apply for admission to any undergraduate program in the College of Arts and Science. When you are ready to submit your application, you will be assessed a non-refundable application fee of $90 CAD. (Effective December 2, the application fee is increasing to $120 CAD.) After you are admitted, declare your plans to the college.
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