Linguistics is a discipline that explores the structure of language, its role in human activity, and its relationship to the biological and psychological human organism. It is considered one of the humanities because it focuses on the relationship between human beings and language, but it is also an exact science because of its systematic explanation of the facts of language and its use of experimental methodology.

The Department of Linguistics offers graduate programs leading to the degrees of MA 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 Department participates in a collaborative program in Canadian Studies at the PhD level. 

The programs are governed by the general regulations in effect for graduate studies. 

For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the specific requirements webpage.

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

Language Requirements

Candidates must have an adequate knowledge of English. Most of the courses are offered in English. Under the regulations of the University of Ottawa, examinations and assignments may be written in French or in English.

Transfer from Master’s to PhD

Students enrolled in the Master of Arts in Linguistics at the University of Ottawa may, exceptionally, be allowed to transfer to the doctoral program without completing the master’s. To take advantage of this option, they must:

• Complete 3 compulsory courses (LIN 5315, LIN 5317 and LIN 5318) and an optional course in the master’s program with a minimum grade of A- or better in each;
• Provide letters in support of the fast-track from professors in two of the courses mentioned above;
• Provide a letter of recommendation from the Graduate Studies Committee of the Department;
• Provide the name of the professor who has agreed to supervise the doctoral thesis.

The transfer must take place within twelve months of initial enrollment in the master's; the student must enroll in the PhD program in the 4th term at the latest. Please note that the minimal admission average requirements for the doctoral program must also be met. Following the transfer, all the requirements of the doctoral program must be met. The total number of course units required is 30 (12 at the master’s and 18 at the doctoral level).

A total of six course (18 units) are required as follows: 

Course List

Code	Title	Units
Compulsory Courses:
6 course units from:		6 Units
LIN 6315	Phonology II
LIN 6317	Syntax II
LIN 6318	Semantics II
12 optional course units in linguistics (LIN) at the graduate level 1		12 Units
6 additional course units in French as a second language (FLS) 2
Seminar:
LIN 8398	Doctoral Seminar
Comprehensive Examination:
LIN 9998	Ph.D. Qualifying Examination
Thesis:
THD 9999	Doctoral Thesis

Note(s)

¹

All students must take 12 optional course units, chosen in consultation with their advisory committees. All linguistics graduate courses fulfill this requirement, except those which are prerequisites to required doctoral courses (LIN 5315, LIN 5317, LIN 5318).

²

All students must pass 6 course units in FLS (French as a second language), unless:

• they have completed their previous studies in French or have passed at least one university course in French (with the exception of language courses);
• they pass, while in the PhD program, a university course in which all course requirements are completed in French (with the exception of language courses);
• they successfully complete at least one of the two major papers for the qualifying examination in French;
• they write their thesis in French; or
• they obtain at least 4.5 on the TestCAN administered by the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute.

N.B. Research courses and seminar courses may be repeated if the content of the course is different.

Doctoral Seminar

The aim of this seminar is to provide doctoral students with the necessary methodological and professional tools for carrying out research in linguistics. This seminar must be taken in conjunction with their first comprehensive exam. Topics to be covered include: defining a research project; presentation of research results; poster preparation; techniques for writing academic papers, conference abstracts, and reviews; journal submission and review procedures; conference participation; research ethics. Compulsory for doctoral students. Graded S/NS.

Comprehensive Examination

All students must satisfy a comprehensive examination requirement. The requirement consists of two substantial research papers, each in a different field, selected in consultation with the student's advisory committee.

Residence and Thesis

All students must spend a minimum of six terms in residence and present a supervised thesis incorporating the results of original research. Transfer students must complete a total of nine terms in residence (master's and doctorate combined).

Additional Requirements

The requirements listed above are necessary minimums, and the department may impose additional courses if this appears desirable in view of the candidate's previous preparation. Candidates will be informed of any such additional courses at the beginning of their studies.

Minimum Standards

The passing grade in all courses is C+. Students who fail two courses (equivalent to 6 units), the thesis proposal, or the comprehensive exam or whose research progress is deemed unsatisfactory are required to withdraw.

Duration of the Program

Students are expected to complete all requirements within four years. The maximum time permitted is six years from the date of initial enrollment in the program.

Thesis Advisory Committee

During the first term of the program, a thesis advisory committee (TAC) is formed for the candidate. The Committee's membership will be determined by the specific interests of the candidate. It will be composed of the supervisor and two to three additional professors. At least one member of the thesis committee, in addition to the supervisor, must be from the Faculty of Arts. The TAC is responsible for guiding the student throughout the program, including course selection, the comprehensive examination, thesis proposal, and thesis defense.

The thesis examining board may include members who are not part of the TAC.

Research at the University of Ottawa

Located in the heart of Canada’s capital, a few steps away from Parliament Hill, the University of Ottawa ranks among Canada’s top 10 research universities. Our research is founded on excellence, relevance and impact and is conducted in a spirit of equity, diversity and inclusion.

Our research community thrives in four strategic areas:

• Creating a sustainable environment
• Advancing just societies
• Shaping the digital world
• Enabling lifelong health and wellness

From advancing healthcare solutions to tackling global challenges like climate change, the University of Ottawa’s researchers are at the forefront of innovation, making significant contributions to society and beyond.

Research at the Faculty of Arts

The Faculty of Arts is proud of the state of the art research conducted by its professors. In the spirit of showcasing its research to the university community as well as to the general public, the Faculty has created three activities: Dean's Lecture Series, Treasures of the Library, and Excellence Lectures.

Facilities, Research Centres and Institutes at the Faculty of Arts

• Centre de recherche en civilisation canadienne-française,
• Institute of Indigenous Research and Studies,
• Institute for Science, Society and Policy,
• Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI) 
• Morisset Library.

For more information, refer to the list of faculty members and their research fields on Uniweb. 

IMPORTANT: Candidates and students looking for professors to supervise their thesis or research project can also consult the website of the faculty or department of their program of choice. Uniweb does not list all professors authorized to supervise research projects at the University of Ottawa.