Your degree in Speech Sciences

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 analyzing data, and presenting information across various subjects
• Articulating 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. Some career options may require further education or training.

Visit the National Occupational Classification website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field.

Make the most of your program

Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities and help you understand 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.
• Departmental research opportunities
  Register your research interests with the Department of Linguistics for a chance to get involved.
• Linguistics research labs
  Browse current UBC research in linguistics and speech sciences.
• Language Sciences Undergraduate Research Conference
  Share your work, meet peers with similar interests, and learn about language-related research in Term 2.
• UBC Turing Club
  Learn how to understand and work with artificial intelligence and machine learning, no coding experience required.
• 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.

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.

• American Speech-Language-Hearing 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
• JET Programme Canada
• 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 on LinkedIn

Find UBC Speech Sciences graduates on LinkedIn to learn about where they’re working, and their career and academic paths.

More information

From 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.