Linguistics

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Faculty Affiliation

Arts and Scie​nce​

Degree Programs

Linguistics

Collaborative Specializations

The following collaborative specializations are available to students in participating degree pro​grams as listed below:

1. Jewish Studies
   • Linguistics, PhD
2. Sexual Diversity Studies
   • Linguistics, MA, PhD

Overview

The discipline of linguistics focuses on the nature of human language and how its many systems can be accounted for. The Department of Linguistics focuses on three major areas—theoretical linguistics, language variation and change, and psycholinguistics—with an emphasis on the intersections between these areas.

The core areas of research and teaching in the MA and PhD are:

• Theoretical Linguistics (generative grammar: phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics)
• Language Variations (sociolinguistics, dialectology, language variation, language change)
• Psycholinguistics (comprehension and production, language acquisition, both in relation to linguistic theory)

Contact and Address

Web: www.linguistics.utoronto.ca
Email: lingdept@chass.utoronto.ca
Telephone: (416) 978-4029
Fax: (416) 971-2688

Department of Linguistics
University of Toronto
Sidney Smith Hall
4th Floor, 100 St. George Street
Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G3
Canada

Master of Arts​

Program Description

The MA program in Linguistics offers comprehensive training in three areas of strength: theoretical linguistics, language variation and change, and psycholinguistics. Students complete rigorous coursework with research training in their preferred area of study. By the time of graduation, students are equipped with professional-level skills in interpretation of data, analysis, and argumentation. 

The department offers one- and two-year MA options. The majority of students are admitted to the one-year MA program.

MA Program (One-Year Advanced-Standing Option—Standard Admission)

Minimum Admission Requirements

• ​Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Linguistics' additional admission requirements stated below.

• Applicants with a bachelor's degree, with a minimum B+ average, may be admitted to the one-year program. Admission requires a strong background in linguistics with at least courses in introductory phonetics, phonology, morphology, and syntax. 

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Students must normally complete 4.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) including

  • 2.0 FCEs: JAL 1145H, LIN 1121H, LIN 1131H, and LIN 1181H or their equivalents, if not already taken;

  • 1.0 FCE from other Linguistics course offerings determined by the Graduate Coordinator;

  • 1.0 FCE: LIN 1290Y Linguistic Forum including regular class meetings in which students discuss and present their research topics and a final paper, completed under the supervision of a faculty member working in the same research area. 

• All students must demonstrate an ability to read professionally in one language other than English. The choice of language must be approved by the Graduate Coordinator, having regard to the student's field of research. In some circumstances, demonstrated competence in computer programming may satisfy the requirement.

Program Length

3 sessions (typical registration sequence: F/W/S)

Time Limit

3 years

MA Program (Two-Year)

Minimum Admission Requirements

• ​Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Linguistics' additional admission requirements stated below.

• Applicants with a bachelor's degree, with a minimum B+ average, may be admitted to the two-year MA program. Admission is offered to rare instances to exceptional applicants whose background in linguistics is limited.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Students must normally complete 8.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) including

  • in Year 1: 4.0 FCEs in phonetics, phonology, morphology, and syntax if not completed during the student’s undergraduate degree;

  • in Year 2: 4.0 FCEs as follows:

    • 2.0 FCEs: JAL 1145H, LIN 1121H, LIN 1131H, LIN 1181H or their equivalents, if not already taken,

    • 1.0 FCE from other Linguistics course offerings as determined by the Graduate Coordinator,

    • 1.0 FCE: LIN 1290Y Linguistic Forum including regular class meetings in which students discuss and present their research topics and a final paper, completed under the supervision of a faculty member working in the same research area.

• All students must demonstrate an ability to read professionally in one language other than English. The choice of language must be approved by the Graduate Coordinator, having regard to the student's field of research. In some circumstances, demonstrated competence in computer programming may satisfy the requirement.

Program Length

6 sessions (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S)

Time Limit

3 years full-time

​Doctor of Philosophy​

Program Description

The PhD program in Linguistics offers comprehensive and rigorous training in an environment that encourages collaboration across the fields of Theoretical Linguistics, Language Variation and Change, and Psycholinguistics. Students achieve an advanced understanding of language and are equipped with professional-level skills in analysis, argumentation, interpretation, and quantitative reasoning. While many graduates choose academic positions, many others choose to pursue careers in fields such as education, publishing, and data science.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Linguistics' additional admission requirements stated below.

• University of Toronto MA in Linguistics, or its equivalent, with at least an A- average.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. By the end of Year 2, students must complete 5.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) with a minimum median grade of A-:

  • 3.0 FCEs or their equivalents must be completed if they have not been taken previously: JAL 1145H, LIN 1005H, LIN 1121H, LIN 1131H, LIN 1145H, LIN 1181H; 

  • 0.5 FCE from JLP 2451H, JLP 2452H, LIN 1127H, LIN 1156H, LIN 1205H, LIN 1256H, LIN 1270H;

  • 1.0 FCE must be at the advanced level, with 0.5 FCE in Phonology, Syntax, or Semantics;

  • 1.0 FCE: LIN 2201H and LIN 2202H: the completion of Generals Papers in two areas of study (at least one of which must be in an area of linguistic theory). Topics must be approved by the Graduate Coordinator.

• Residency. During Years 1 and 2, students are normally required to be on campus full-time; i.e., in such geographical proximity as to be able to visit the campus regularly and to participate fully in the department's activities associated with the program.

• Language. Students must demonstrate an ability to read professionally in one language other than English. The choice of language must be approved by the Graduate Coordinator, having regard to the student's field of research. In some circumstances, demonstrated competence in computer programming may satisfy the requirement.

• Thesis. Candidates are required to present a thesis which must be an original contribution to linguistic knowledge. Both the preparation for and the writing of the thesis will be carried out under the supervision of members of the department.

Program Length

4 years full-time

Time Limit

6 years full-time

Course descriptions and other information are available each spring from the Coordinator of Graduate Studies. Not all courses are offered in a given year. Students should consult the departmental website.