Masters of Arts in Linguistics concentrations

The M.A. in Linguistics is a two-year, research-based Master of Arts program. Students in the program may choose between two concentrations: Applied Linguistics or General Linguistics. These two concentrations differ in their core course requirements.

Please choose only one concentration when applying. Applicants will not be considered for both concentrations.

Applied Linguistics

The M.A. in Linguistics - Applied Linguistics involves coursework consisting of five three-credit-unit courses in linguistics and applied linguistics, as well as the writing and defense of an M.A. thesis based on independent research. Applied Linguistics focuses on the practical applications of linguistic research and takes a more interdisciplinary approach.

Graduate students in this concentration can pursue original research related to anthropological linguistics, sociolinguistics, language maintenance in Canada and abroad, heritage languages of Canada, computational linguistics, TESOL, second/ foreign/ native language acquisition, and other areas listed below. Students can also make inquiries about other possible areas of language-related studies.

Example areas of applied linguistics research include:

• Bilingualism/multilingualism
• Computational linguistics and corpus linguistics
• Pragmatics, discourse analysis, sociolinguistics, language and culture interactions
• Empirical and experimental linguistics
• Immigrant, heritage and minority language maintenance in Canada and abroad
• Second/additional/foreign/child language acquisition, language teaching, and language assessment

General Linguistics

The M.A. in Linguistics - General Linguistics involves coursework consisting of five three-credit-unit courses in linguistics and applied linguistics, along with the writing and defense of an M.A. thesis based on independent research. General Linguistics focuses on the structure, function, and historical development of language.

Graduate students in this concentration can pursue original research related to anthropological linguistics, sociolinguistics, language contact, heritage languages of Canada, Indigenous languages of the Americas, computational linguistics, morphology, syntax, phonetics, and other areas listed below. Students can also make inquiries about other possible areas of language-related studies.

Example areas of general linguistics research include:

• Core fields in linguistics: phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax (including tense and aspect), semantics
• Language contact
• Language documentation and description
• Computational linguistics, experimental linguistics
• Typological/areal linguistics
• Studies on specific languages: Doukhobor Russian, English, French, German, Inuktitut, Media Lengua, Michif, Russian, Shiwiar, Spanish, Swabian, Upper Tanana
• Studies on language families: Algonquian, Chicham, Dene, Inuit, Quechuan Romance

It is not necessary to find a potential supervisor before you begin an application. However, the list below may be helpful to learn about the research interests of our faculty.

Funding

Upon admission each student is automatically considered for all forms of available funding, which may include scholarships, teaching fellowships, and various bursaries. However, we do not guarantee funding for graduate students as the department funding is limited.

Graduate students at USask can receive funding from a variety of sources to support their graduate education.

• Scholarships

Tuition and fees

Thesis or project-based master's program

Graduate students in a thesis or project-based program pay tuition three times a year for as long as they are enrolled in their program.

Student fees

In addition to tuition above, students also pay fees for programs like health and dental insurance, a bus pass, and other campus services. The amount you need to pay depends on if you are taking classes full time or part time, and if you are on campus or not. The table below assumes you are on campus full-time.

Tuition information is accurate for the current academic year and does not include student fees. For detailed tuition and fees information, visit the official tuition website.

Financial planning estimator

Master of Arts (M.A.)

• Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English
• A cumulative weighted average of at least a 70% (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (i.e. 60 credit units)
• A four-year honours degree, or equivalent, from a recognized college or university in an academic discipline relevant to the proposed field of study
• A minimum of nine credit units of Linguistics or Applied Linguistics courses at the undergraduate level

Students with non-Linguistics B.A. degrees must have a strong background in Linguistics demonstrated in their transcripts (at least five general Linguistics courses). Contact the Graduate Chair, if you have questions about admissions requirements.

Submit an online application

Before beginning your online application, be sure that you have carefully reviewed all program information and admission requirements on this page.

During the application, you'll be asked for:

• Personal information such as your name, address, etc.
• Contact information of your three referees
  
  • For your letters of recommendation, two of your referees must be academic contacts, and the third may be academic or professional
• Your complete academic history from all previous post-secondary institutions

The application takes about 30 minutes to complete. You may save your application and return to it later.

At the end of the application, you will need to pay a non-refundable application fee: $125 for domestic students and $145 for international students. Your application will not be processed until payment is received.

• Begin an application
• How to apply

Submit required documents

Once you've submitted your online application, you will have access to upload your required documents, and provide the contact information for your references. To do this, go to the "Supplemental Items & Documents" tab in your application.

• After you apply