MA Program
The MA in Linguistics provides students with a solid grounding in theoretical linguistics covering the main areas of linguistic theory. It takes a uniquely interdisciplinary approach as courses are taught by faculty cross-appointed in other units. Students will be able to take graduate courses in related areas.
Admission Requirements
BA Honours degree in Linguistics or a related field (e.g., applied linguistics, cognitive science, psychology and anthropology) and minimum GPA of B+ in a relevant field and B overall during the last two years of study.
Program Requirements
Students will establish their program path (thesis pathway or research essay pathway) in consultation with the School’s supervisor of graduate studies.
Accelerated Pathway to MA
Students taking or planning to take a BA Honours or Combined Honours degree in Linguistics may wish to consider the Accelerated Pathway for entry into the MA program.
Funding
The possibilities for financial aid and assistance vary depending on whether you are a new student or a continuing student.
Future Opportunities | What Can I Do With a Graduate Degree in Linguistics?
Applying to the MA in Linguistics
The application deadline is February 1, and early applications are encouraged. Apply early to receive early consideration for admission and funding. We will send out admission offers on a rolling basis until the program is filled.
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- Transcript(s) and CV
- Letters of Reference: (2 required) written by someone who is familiar with your academic potential and achievements, ideally former professors.
- Statement of Intent: to include:
- research plan, including specific ideas for research projects you could undertake at the graduate level, and general description of research interests in linguistics;
- names of one or two SLaLS faculty members who could serve as supervisors, and an explanation of how your research interests fit with theirs;
- description of relevant background and experience that demonstrates your potential to succeed in graduate school.
- Writing Sample: a piece of academic writing, in either English or French, ideally in linguistics or related field.
- Language Proficiency (ESL Test Scores): if required
Milestones for the MA in Linguistics
Activity | MA Thesis | MA Essay |
---|---|---|
Initial meeting with supervisor(s) | Year 1 (Fall) | Year 1 (Winter) |
Coursework completed | Year 1 | Year 2 (Fall) |
Thesis Committee formed | Year 1 (Winter) | |
Thesis proposal defended | Year 2 (early Fall) | |
Thesis defended/Essay completed | Year 2 (Spring) | Year 2 (Spring) |
Linguistics (LING) Courses in the Graduate Calendar
Not all courses listed in the undergraduate calendar are offered in a given academic term.
Public Schedule: Current Course Offerings
The public schedule displays current course offerings.
Tuition Fees
Visit the Student Accounts Receivable website for more information about tuition fees.
LING Faculty Members
Meet our LING faculty members and learn more about their research interests.
Learn More About Student Life in SLaLS
Sift through current student forms and resources, meet your student groups, and discover opportunities on- and off-campus!
Contact the Graduate Team

Tamara Sorenson Duncan
- Associate Professor and Graduate Supervisor (Linguistics)
- tamara.sorensonduncan@carleton.ca