The Department is research intensive and its faculty is highly successful on the international scene. The training received by our graduate students is of an excellent quality and this is reflected in the number of prizes they have received at national and international conferences. Our graduate programs provide a balance of expertise in various empirical and formal areas of linguistics, combining different types of empirical evidence and research methodologies (experimental, corpus-based, formal). Students will become highly specialized linguists capable of pursuing academic careers or careers requiring strong analytical skills in the private sector, especially with regard to domains related to language.
Linguistics - Graduate studies
Program overview
Level
Option
LANGUAGE
Why choose this program
Studying Linguistics is an excellent opportunity to better understand how language shapes communication, thought, and human interaction. The program allows you to explore a wide range of topics, from the structure of language to multilingualism and language variation, while benefiting from a research-intensive and bilingual learning environment. It is an ideal choice for students who are curious about languages and interested in understanding one of the most fundamental aspects of human life.
Program structure
Browse program options
The University of Ottawa Master’s in Linguistics program has been in existence since 1970. This program provides students not only with a solid foundation in theoretical linguistics and an overview of the sub-disciplines of empirical linguistics but it also allows them to develop research skills. It is an intensive 12-month program consisting of six courses and a major research paper.
The M.A. in Linguistics prepares students for doctoral studies in Linguistics or related fields (e.g. audiology, speech language pathology, forensic linguistics), or for careers requiring excellent knowledge of language and linguistics (speech-recognition and speech synthesis, database and search engine development, professional writing, language teaching, development of language policies, etc.).
Overview of program requirements
Students are required to take three mandatory classes in syntax, semantics and phonology, and three optional classes from at least two sub-areas such as psycholinguistics, neurolinguistics, sociolinguistics, language documentation, phonetics. Generally speaking, students complete their coursework requirements in the two first semesters.
Upon completion of their coursework, students must write a major research paper. This original contribution of approximately 50 pages in length consists of an informed and critical review of existing literature on a given topic as well as a formal or empirical analysis of linguistic data.
Note that in accordance with the University of Ottawa’s bilingualism policy, students are free to submit their coursework, and Major research paper in either French or English and they may interact with faculty members in the language of their choice.
Students are strongly encouraged to benefit in the department's research activities by joining their reading groups, participating in research lab activities and attending presentations by invited speakers.
Admission requirements and deadlines for Linguistics
After your studies
After completing graduate studies in Linguistics, you can pursue careers in language technology, language teaching, research, professional writing, language policy development, or linguistic analysis. The program also develops valuable skills in critical thinking, data analysis, research methodology, problem-solving, and communication, which are highly valued in both the public and private sectors. In addition, it provides a strong foundation for academic careers and advanced research in linguistics and related fields such as speech-language pathology, audiology, and forensic linguistics.
Tuition and fees
Student experience
Student association of the faculty of arts (SAFA)
SAFA represents the interests of undergraduate students of the Faculty of Arts within the UOSU, the Faculty, the University, the community, and the provincial and federal governments. The students’ association also works to foster a sense of community through social, academic, and cultural events, while at the same time offering a variety of services to its members.
Research
Find out more about our Research grants and laboratories.
Graduate Student Association (ADLINGA)
The Graduate Student Association serves the interests of graduate students in the Department and represents them through the departmental assembly and various committees. The association comprises all graduate students in the Department. A president and secretary-treasurer are elected each year at the beginning of October. The association meets monthly to discuss the needs and concerns of graduate students and is active year-round, including during the summer semester.
Contact us
Department of Linguistics
Hamelin Hall, room 401
70 Laurier Ave. East
Ottawa ON Canada K1N 6N5
Map
Tel.: 613-562-5286
Fax: 613-562-5141
[email protected]
Office hours
Monday to Friday
8:45 a.m. to 12 p.m.
1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(June to August: closed at 3:30 p.m.)