Linguistics (Applied) and Discourse Studies

Human society is grounded in language. Our broad-based MA program, housed in the School of Linguistics and Languages Studies (SLaLS), emphasizes the central role that language plays in educational, workplace, community and other social contexts. Our students can draw on one or both of the fields of Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies to suit their own study and research goals. This comprehensive graduate program is unique in North America as these two fields are typically housed in different departments or faculties at other universities. We also offer courses, including a practicum, that lead to Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) Ontario certification.

Collaborative Specializations in African Studies and Digital Humanities are also available.

Capital Advantage

Ottawa, the nation’s capital and a bilingual, multicultural centre of government, education, health care, and the headquarters for many non-profit organizations, is an ideal site for advanced applied linguistics and discourse studies. Our connections to these organizations provide our MA students with teaching and research opportunities during their program and with career options once they graduate.

Fields of Specialization

• Applied Linguistics
• Discourse Studies

Research Highlights

• Second and foreign language teaching and learning; curriculum and methodology; language testing and assessment
• Languages for academic and specific purposes, formulaic language and phraseology
• Different types of discourse analysis
• First and second language writing in academic, professional, and community contexts; biliteracy
• Language and identity; language policy and preservation; cross-cultural communication