Master of Arts in Linguistics

Our MA Program has three streams thesis-based, project-based, and course-based . All three streams require the completion of 35 units and are expected to take two years (six academic semesters). Students offered admission to our program are advised which stream(s) they are invited to pursue, and transferring to a different stream is only possible with the written permission of the student's faculty advisor and the Graduate Program Chair.
The Department of Linguistics at Simon Fraser University offers graduate work leading to MA and PhD degrees. Graduate students take courses, have opportunities to work as a teaching assistants and/or research assistants, and engage in research activities that, for some students, will lead to the completion of a thesis or dissertation.

Beginning in Fall 2023, we are expanding our Master's program to include three streams to better accommodate a diverse range of students interests. Some students will complete coursework and a thesis, others will complete coursework and a project, and still others will complete coursework only.

Research in linguistics at SFU is characterized by interdisciplinarity, breadth in research methodology, and diversity in theoretical perspective. All of our faculty have a specialization in one or more core areas, and serious research interests in other areas that support and enhance their main interests.

A Bachelor's degree from SFU or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
A Cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0/4.33 (B), or a grade point average of at least 3.33/4.33 (B plus) based on the last 60 units of undergraduate courses. Any graduate work is also considered. Individual graduate programs may set a higher admission grade point average.
Availability of supervisor
Admission to our MA and PhD program is dependent on suitable faculty availability and ability to supervise incoming graduate students. Applicants are not expected to have secured a suitable supervisor prior to application, however, the online application provides applicants the opportunity to indicate up to 3 faculty members with whom they share research interests. Faculty identified through this process will be asked to review the application for suitability and determine availability for supervision.
Linguistic prerequisites
An MA in linguistics
A developed area of specialization as demonstrated by a thesis, project, or extended course work.
For admission to the MA and PhD programs, students must be able to demonstrate an adequate background in linguistics. Applicants having little or no academic preparation in linguistics will not be admitted to the program. In most cases, we require applicants to have completed significant course work covering core areas in linguistics, as covered in the bullet lists above.
Strength of references
We require at least three (3) references, submitted electronically through the online application system.
Referees should include a combination of academic and professional references.
Quality of writing sample
This should preferably be a thesis, project, or paper written for a Linguistics course. Applicants should not submit co-authored papers.
The writing sample must illustrate an applicant's ability to:
Express ideas in clear and appropriate language
Sustain an argument and develop a logical conclusion.
Quality and appropriateness of statement of research interests
Applicants must upload to the online application system a brief statement (one to two pages), stating their background, motivation, research interests and career goals.
IELTS - Overall band score of 7.0 of the academic (NOT general) test with a minimum of 6.5 in each section. TOEFL IBT - 93, with a minimum score of 20 in each category. For the paper-based TOEFL test, the University normally requires a score of 580, with TWE 5. Pearson Academic (PTE) - Overall 65 minimum 60 in all of their sections.