Doctorate in Philosophy Linguistics Specialization in Canadian Studies

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. For more information on this program, see Admission Requirements.”

Because of its strength in relevant areas, its bilingual character and its location in the national capital, the University of Ottawa is uniquely positioned to offer a collaborative program leading to a specialization in Canadian Studies at the doctoral level. The program is especially designed for doctoral students in selected programs in the humanities and the social sciences who wish to enrich their training in a particular discipline by including an interdisciplinary component.

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.

Collaborative Program

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 seminars (CDN 6520 and CDN 6910) fit into the departmental course requirements and do not add to the number of courses required for the PhD in linguistics.

To be admitted to the program, students must be enrolled in or have successfully completed at least one graduate course in Linguistics with Canadian content. The mention will be added to the diploma of students who pass one of the Canadian Studies seminars (CDN 6520 and CDN 6910) and successfully defend a thesis on a Canadian topic in Linguistics.

Admission to the collaborative program in Canadian Studies at the doctoral level is determined by the coordination committee and will normally take place before the end of the first year of enrollment in the doctoral program.

Language Requirements

Students should be able to understand and read both official languages of Canada in order to participate in the bilingual interdisciplinary seminar CDN 6910.

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).

• Apply online through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC), by completing form 105.
• Declare all your current and previous postsecondary studies, completed or not, even if they are not related to your application. Failure to do so may lead to the cancellation of your application or the withdrawal of your offer of admission at any time.
• Enter your email address, making sure it is accurate. We will use this address to communicate with you for all matters. Also, check your inbox (and junk mail folder) regularly for messages from the University of Ottawa.
• Pay the application fees for all your admission applications. Applications are forwarded to the University of Ottawa only after fees are paid in full and the payment has cleared. Learn more about application fees.
• Note that OUAC is not part of the University of Ottawa. It handles applications to all Ontario universities and is responsible for transferring your application to our admission office.