Program description
Linguistics is the study of how human language is structured, acquired and used, how it changes over time, and how words and constructions mean what they do in human interaction. The program offers courses in a wide variety of the sub-fields of linguistics: the nature of meaning, sounds and patterns of sounds, the structure of words and sentences, anatomical foundations of language, historical linguistics, the role of language in society, signed language, and the relationship between language and gender.
Program options
Degree options
B.A. Bachelor of Arts (General) - 3 years
B.A. (Adv.) Bachelor of Arts (Advanced) - 4 years
M.A. Master of Arts in Linguistics
Ph.D. in Linguistics
Interesting courses and unique opportunities
Linguistics majors may choose general (theoretical) linguistics or a concentration in applied linguistic science.
Professional opportunities
- Second language teaching (including ESL)
- Speech/language pathology
- Audiology
- Endangered language preservation
- Artificial intelligence or natural language processing
- Interpretation and translation
- Publishing and advertising
- Curriculum planning
Admission requirements & prerequisites
Direct entry option
Direct entry is not an option for this program. Please review the Advanced entry option section for more information.
Advanced entry option
24 credit hours in U1 (or approved bachelors program).This entry option is open to students who have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours of university level study. Specific program requirements will vary; details of these requirements are available on each program’s application page.
High school prerequisites
High school prerequisites: None
Many programs will require or recommend specific high school courses over and above their admission requirements. These high school prerequisites are not always required to enter the program, but they must be completed to enrol in certain university courses within it. If a student does not have a particular prerequisite when they enter the program, they may complete an equivalent upgrading course at university that will satisfy the prerequisite requirement.
More details on admission requirements, application dates and how to apply is available on the Faculty of Arts apply for admission page.
What is unique about this program at the U of M?
The Linguistics program and its faculty offers students a range of theoretical perspectives and practices, including generative, cognitive, functional, and typological approaches to language. The program specializes in both spoken and signed language linguistics, with a particular focus on local, primarily indigenous languages. The department also houses the ASL/English Interpretation Program, a joint program with Red River College.
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