The Department of Linguistics offers graduate programs leading to the degrees of MA in linguistics and PhD in linguistics. It is possible, through the selection of relevant courses, to specialize in a variety of areas of linguistic research. These include the following: theoretical linguistics (phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics), first and second language acquisition, psycholinguistics, neurolinguistics and sociolinguistics. Detailed information about the programs, for instance, the research areas of professors, course descriptions, and student advising arrangements is provided in the department's student handbook.

The BA with honours in linguistics (or the equivalent) is required for admission to the master's program.

Applicants to the master's program whose BA with honours is in an area other than linguistics may be admitted to a qualifying program which will be established for each student, taking previous preparation into account. This program will comprise up to 30 credits to ensure coverage of all the major areas of linguistics. After the requirements of the qualifying program have been satisfactorily fulfilled, students may apply for admission to the regular master's program.

The M.A. in Linguistics (or the equivalent) is required for admission to the doctoral program.

Collaborative Program in Canadian Studies at the PhD Level

The Department of Linguistics is a participating unit in the collaborative program in Canadian studies at the PhD level. This program has been established for students wishing to enrich their training in linguistics by including an interdisciplinary component in Canadian studies. The Canadian Studies Seminar (CDN 6910) fits into the departmental course requirements and does not add to the number of courses required for the PhD in linguistics.

To be admitted to the program, students must be registered in or have successfully completed at least one graduate course in linguistics with Canadian content. The mention "Specialization in Canadian Studies" will be added to the diploma of students who pass the CDN 6910 seminar and successfully defend a thesis on a Canadian topic in linguistics. For further details, please consult the Canadian studies brochure of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

PhD Degree Requirements

1. Course requirements: A total of six courses (18 credits)

1. All students must take two of the following courses (or approved equivalents):
LIN6915 PHONOLOGIE II / PHONOLOGY II (3cr.)
LIN6917 SYNTAXE II / SYNTAX II (3cr.)
LIN6918 SÉMANTIQUE II / SEMANTICS II (3cr.)

2. All students will take four additional graduate courses, chosen in consultation with their advisory committees. All linguistics graduate courses fulfill this requirement, except those which are prerequisites to required doctoral courses (LIN 5915, LIN 5917, LIN 5918)

2. Doctoral Seminar (cr.)

3. Comprehensive examination

4. Residence and Thesis

5. Language Requirements

Additional Requirements