Skills you’ll develop
While studying Speech Sciences, you’re learning about the production, transmission, and perception of speech, as well as the fundamental properties of all human languages. You’ll develop important skills through interdisciplinary courses in linguistics, psychology, and other related disciplines. These skills will be relevant to preparing for graduate work in speech-language pathology or audiology, as well as other types of careers.
These skills may include:
- Applying knowledge related to language structure, child development, language acquisition, anatomy, physiology, experimental psychology, and instrumental phonetics
- Applying analytical and logical thinking to the in-depth study of language and expression
- Conducting research, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting information across various subjects
- Explaining complex patterns, as well as synthesizing and interpreting large amounts of complex data
- Clear and concise written communication that draws on a deep understanding of language and linguistic theory
- Understanding vocal tract anatomy and physiology, and application with instrumental phonetics
- Analyzing language across different modalities: spoken, signed, written
- Applying statistical analysis and research methods
Career possibilities
Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including audiology, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, public health, computational linguistics, communications, education, and others.
There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas.
Visit the Job Bank Canada website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field. Some career options may require further education or training.
- Art or Music therapist
- Artificial intelligence designer
- Audiologist
- Audiometric technician
- Behaviour Interventionist
- Communication disorders assistant
- Communications manager
- Early childhood educator
- Education consultant
- English as an Additional Language teacher
- Human resources specialist
- Human-computer interface designer
- Literacy program coordinator
- Occupational therapist
- Physiotherapist
- Reading clinician
- Recreation therapist aide
- Rehabilitation counsellor
- Research assistant
- Sign language instructor
- Special education assistant
- Speech-language pathologist
- Teacher or Professor
- Technical writer
- Translator or Interpreter
- UX (user experience) or UI (user interface) designer
Make the most of your program
Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities, develop your skillset, and help you clarify your values and interests.
- UBC Speech and Linguistics Student Association
Meet other students in your program through events, peer tutoring, and volunteer opportunities. - Departmental events
Network with Speech Sciences students and faculty members at upcoming colloquia, seminars, and conferences. - Linguistics research labs
Browse current UBC research in linguistics and speech sciences and contact these groups to see if there are opportunities to get involved. - Language Sciences Undergraduate Research Conference
Share your work, meet peers with similar interests, and learn about language-related research in Term 2. - UBC Language Sciences
Find out about interdisciplinary work in the language sciences happening across campus. - Centre for Artificial Intelligence Decision-making and Action
Volunteer your time in a research role focused on the development, analysis, and application of AI systems. - Vancouver Coastal Health volunteer opportunities
Find public health volunteer opportunities supporting children and families. - Fraser Health volunteer opportunities
Gain volunteer experience in local communities. - JET Programme Canada
Gain experience teaching English in Japan. - Linguistic Institutes via ISA
Join top linguistics students and professionals from throughout the field and around the world. - Explore career options
Find additional resources and information on the Departments’ Beyond the BA webpage.
Build your network
Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.
The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.
- The Acoustical Society of America
- Association for Laboratory Phonology
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- Canadian Acoustical Association
- Canadian Artificial Intelligence Association
- Canadian Association for Translation Studies
- Canadian Association of Applied Linguistics
- Canadian Communication Association
- Canadian Human-Computer Communications Society
- Canadian Linguistic Association
- College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC
- International Phonetic Association
- Linguistic Association of Canada and the United States
- Linguistic Society of America
- Society for Music Perception and Cognition
- Special Interest Group on Human-Computer Interaction
- Speech and Hearing BC
- Speech-Language and Audiology Canada
Connect with alumni
Learn from those who came before you by exploring the profiles of UBC Speech Sciences graduates on LinkedIn.
As you read, take note of interesting job titles, organizations, and experiences you may want to explore. If a particular story or profile aligns with your goals, consider reaching out for an informational interview.
More information
Throughout your Arts degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Arts degree.