Master’s program
- Master's in linguistics (MA)
- Required documents
- Guidelines for MA research paper (LIN 7997)
- Graduate studies committee
- Graduate course descriptions PDF
- HandbookPDF
Required documents
- Official copies of your transcript(s) in their signed and sealed envelopes
- Two letters of recommendation in their signed and sealed envelopes
- Cheque for $75 CAN for the application fee
- A sample of written work which, in your opinion, gives an accurate indication of your academic background.
- A list of the core readings which were assigned for each course in linguistics which appears on your transcript(s).
- A one-page "statement of purpose" focusing on the reasons behing your decision to pursue graduate work in linguistics and on the reasons why you are specifically interested in the University of Ottawa.
- Up-to-date curriculum vitae
Guidelines for MA Research Paper (LIN 7997)
In keeping with the new Ontario government funding structure for graduate studies, the MA program in linguistics was redesigned to allow students to complete the requirements in three sessions. This also gives them the option of beginning a PhD after one year of graduate studies. Normally, students should complete the master's degree within 12 months. The program is intensive and involves six courses in addition to the research paper. The latter is a major research paper, 40 to 50 pages in length and of publishable quality. This usually requires the submission of several drafts and considerable discussion with the supervisor. Therefore, work on the research paper should begin early enough in the academic year to permit drafts and revisions. Students should also remember that the final version of the research paper must be approved by a second reader, but not until the supervisor has approved it.
The Department recommends the following timetable as a general guideline for students and supervisors. Students who do not follow these guidelines should not expect to finish the program within 12 months. In planning for the research paper, students should take into account a supervisor's and second reader's scheduled absence from campus, especially during the spring-summer session. Likewise, professors should make students aware of their plans to be away from campus or on holidays during the relevant period.
Suggested timetable
September-December: The student should be exploring possible research paper topics and discussing them with professors. Following preliminary readings and by the end of the fall session, a student should have selected both the topic and the professor who will supervise the research paper. The supervisor chooses the second reader. All parties must sign the LIN 7997 - MA Research Paper form, available at the Department Secretariat.
January-April: Work begins on the research paper during the winter session. The student meets with the supervisor as needed. A first draft must be submitted to the supervisor before the end of the winter session (April 30).
Mid-May: The supervisor returns the draft with comments and suggestions for revisions.
June 1: Submission of revised draft by the student to the supervisor.
Mid-June: The supervisor returns the draft to the student with comments and suggestions for revisions.
July 1: Submission of the revised draft to the supervisor by the student.
July-August: The supervisor determines if a third draft is required. As soon as approval is granted, a copy of the paper is submitted to the second reader.
September: The department sends the grade for LIN 7997 to the Faculty of Graduate and Postgraduate Studies. The deadline for grade submission usually falls sometime around September 10.
