Linguistics: Linguistics MA

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 option.

 

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 a total of 3.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • 1.0 FCE of the following, if not already taken: JAL1145H, LIN1121H, LIN1131H, or their equivalents.

    • 1.5 FCEs from other Linguistics course offerings determined by the Graduate Coordinator.

    • 1.0 FCE: LIN2100Y 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 a total of 8.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

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

    • Year 2: 4.0 FCEs as follows:

      • 2.0 FCEs: JAL1145H, LIN1103H, LIN1121H, LIN1131H, or their equivalents, if not already taken.

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

      • 1.0 FCE: LIN2100Y 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