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.


►  Viewbook
►  Meet our current graduate students

Admission Requirements

BA Honours degree in Linguistics or a related field e.g., applied linguistics, cognitive science, psychology and anthropology. Students must have a minimum GPA of B- in a relevant field and B overall during the last two years of study.

►  Info Session PPT
►  Guide for graduate students in linguistics

Students taking or planning to take a BA Honours or Combined Honours degree in LING may wish to consider the Accelerated Pathway for entry into the MA program.

Apply now!

Application Deadline: February 1, 2024

  • Thesis Pathway
    (5.0 credits)

0.5 credit from:

  • LING 5007 [0.5] Phonology
  • LING 5077 [0.5] Phonetics

0.5 credit from:

  • LING 5004 [0.5] Syntax
  • LING 5005 [0.5] Morphology
  • LING 5505 [0.5] Semantics

0.5 credit from:

  • LING 5004 [0.5] Syntax
  • LING 5005 [0.5] Morphology
  • LING 5007 [0.5] Phonology
  • LING 5077 [0.5] Phonetics
  • LING 5603 [0.5] Language and Cognition
  • LING 5704 [0.5] Linguistic Analysis, Culture & Cognition
  • LING 5505 [0.5] Semantics

1.0 credit from any 5000-level LING course, or chosen from the list of optional courses:

  • CGSC 5005 [0.5] Cognition and Neuroscience
  • CGSC 5101 [0.5] Experimental Methods and Statistics
  • FREN 5100 [0.5] Le monde francophone: linguistique et litérature
  • FREN 5300 [0.5] Métholodogie de la recherché

2.5 credits in:

  • LING 5909 [2.5] MA Thesis

  • Research Essay Pathway
    (5.0 credits)

0.5 credit from:

  • LING 5007 [0.5] Phonology
  • LING 5077 [0.5] Phonetics

0.5 credit from:

  • LING 5004 [0.5] Syntax
  • LING 5005 [0.5] Morphology
  • LING 5505 [0.5] Semantics

1.0 credit from:

  • LING 5004 [0.5] Syntax
  • LING 5005 [0.5] Morphology
  • LING 5007 [0.5] Phonology
  • LING 5077 [0.5] Phonetics
  • LING 5608 [0.5] Language and Cognition
  • LING 5704 [0.5] Linguistic Analysis, Culture & Cognition
  • LING 5505 [0.5] Semantics

2.0 credits from any 5000-level LING course, or chosen from the list of optional courses:

  • CGSC 5005 [0.5] Cognition and Neuroscience
  • CGSC 5101 [0.5] Experimental Methods and Statistics
  • FREN 5100 [0.5] Le monde francophone: linguistique et littérature
  • FREN 5300 [0.5] Méthodologie de la recherche

1.0 credit in:

  • LING 5908 [1.0] Research Essay

Milestones for MA program

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)