Linguistics

Program Overview

The Department of Linguistics offers Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degree programs in three fields:

• Language Variation (sociolinguistics, dialectology, language variation and change)
• Psycholinguistics (comprehension and production, language acquisition)
• Theoretical Linguistics (generative grammar: phonology, morphology, syntax)

Quick Facts

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

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.

Applicants may enter the PhD program via one of two routes: 1) following completion of an MA degree; 2) direct entry following completion of a bachelor’s degree.

PhD Program

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 successfully complete a total of 5.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) with a minimum median grade of A–:

  • 2.5 FCEs or their equivalents must be completed if they have not been taken previously: JAL1145H, LIN1104H, LIN1121H, LIN1131H, LIN1145H.

    • If these have been previously taken, a balance of electives must be taken to fulfil the 2.5 FCE requirement, chosen in consultation with the Graduate Coordinator.

  • 0.5 FCE from JLP2451H, JLP2452H, LIN1070H, LIN1106H, LIN1107H, LIN1112H, LIN1156H, LIN1211H, LIN1255H, LIN1256H, LIN1271H, LIN1272H, LIN1276H.

  • Of the above courses, 1.0 FCE must be taken at the 1200 level, with 0.5 FCE in Phonology, Syntax, or Semantics.

  • 0.5 FCE: LIN2101H Junior Forum (Credit/No Credit), taken in Year 1.

  • 2.0 FCEs: LIN2201Y Generals Paper I and LIN2202Y Generals Paper II — completion in two distinct areas of study. 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

PhD Program (Direct-Entry)

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 A– average, may be admitted to the direct-entry PhD option. Admission requires a strong background in linguistics with courses in introductory phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, and a demonstration of capacity for original research.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. By the end of Year 3, students must successfully complete a total of 7.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) with a minimum median grade of A–:

  • 2.5 FCEs or their equivalents must be completed if they have not been taken previously: JAL1145H, LIN1104H, LIN1121H, LIN1131H, LIN1145H.

    • If these have been previously taken, a balance of electives must be taken to fulfil the 3.0 FCE requirement, chosen in consultation with the Graduate Coordinator.

  • 0.5 FCE from JLP2451H, JLP2452H, LIN1070H, LIN1106H, LIN1107H, LIN1112H, LIN1156H, LIN1211H, LIN1255H, LIN1256H, LIN1271H, LIN1272H, LIN1276H.

  • 2.0 elective FCEs; of these, 0.5 FCE may be taken outside the Department of Linguistics, upon consultation with the Graduate Coordinator.

  • Of the above courses, 1.0 FCE must be taken at the 1200 level, with 0.5 FCE in Phonology, Syntax, or Semantics.

  • 0.5 FCE: LIN2101H Junior Forum (Credit/No Credit), taken in Year 1.

  • 2.0 FCEs: LIN2201Y Generals Paper I and LIN2202Y Generals Paper II — completion in two distinct areas of study. Topics must be approved by the Graduate Coordinator.

• Residency. During Years 1, 2, and 3, 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

5 years full-time

Time Limit

7 years full-time