Skip to main content Skip to local navigation
Graduate Program in Linguistics & Applied Linguistics Faculty of Graduate Studies
Home » Future Students » Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

Preparing your application to graduate studies at York University and/or other interested universities requires research and planning. Some students start preparing their plan for graduate studies as early as two years before they submit their application. Consider the following information below to help guide you through a successful application process.

MA

PhD

Quick Links

Linguistics Field

Four-year BA degree (120 university credits) in linguistics or equivalent with a minimum of a B+ grade point average in the last two years of study including:

  • Introductory-level half-courses (2000-level) in phonology and syntax are required
  • Upper-level half-courses (3000 or 4000-level) in phonology and syntax are recommended

Applied Linguistics Field

Four-year BA degree (120 university credits) with a minimum of a B+ grade point average in the last two years of study in an appropriate field, including:

  • A 6.0 Introductory Linguistics course or equivalent (as assessed by the Admissions Committee).
  • A minimum of two years of classroom-based paid language teaching experience

OR

Three-year BA degree (90 university credits) with a minimum of B+ grade point average in the last year of study combined with a university or community college administered advanced certificate in TESOL or applied linguistics, including:

  • TESOL program to be a minimum of one year of study with a minimum B+ grade point average
  • A 6.0 Introductory Linguistics course or equivalent (as assessed by the Admissions Committee).
  • A minimum of two years of classroom-based paid language teaching experience

APPLICANTS TO THE APPLIED LINGUISTICS FIELD MUST INCLUDE WITH THEIR APPLICATION:

  • A detailed chronological listing of what paid teaching positions have been held outlining the name, nature and location of the institution, the length of the position in years and months, average number of hours per week, the subjects taught, level of students and average number of students per class.
  • Letter(s) confirming a minimum of 2 years of employment.
  • When uploading your admissions material, the chronological listing of teaching positions and letter of employment should be scanned and uploaded with your resume.

APPLICANTS TO BOTH FIELDS MUST INCLUDE WITH THEIR APPLICATION:

  • A statement of interest of up to 500 words (2 pages, double spaced) indicating your primary area of interest in the Linguistics or Applied Linguistics Field.
  • Resume or CV
  • A course listing of previously taken linguistics and applied linguistics related courses with a brief course description. When uploading your admissions material, your course listing should be scanned and uploaded with your transcript.
  • 2 letters of recommendation
  • Sample of written work (maximum 1,500 words or 6 pages, double spaced). The Admissions Committee would like to see a short sample of writing. It should ideally be an excerpt of academic writing from an assignment, journal, or article, or another related document.

MA applicants to both fields who have studied at a university where English is not the official main language of instruction must, with their application, also produce proof of an English Equivalency score. An unofficial copy of the score can be scanned and uploaded with your transcript.

For a listing of acceptable English Proficiency tests and scores, please refer to the Admissions website.

Admission Requirements

  • Masters-level degree in linguistics (or equivalent) with a minimum B+ grade point average
  • Statement of Intent of up to 500 words (2 pages, double spaced) outlining your research interest and your proposed area of study
  • Resume or CV
  • A course listing of previously taken linguistics and applied linguistics related courses with a brief course description. When uploading your admissions material, your course listing should be scanned and uploaded with your transcript.
  • Letter of employment confirming a minimum of 2 years teaching experience (Applied Linguistics applicants only). When uploading your admissions material, your letter of employment should be scanned and uploaded with your resume or CV.
  • 2 letters of recommendation from university faculty who are qualified to comment on your suitability for doctoral-level work
  • Sample of written work (maximum 1,500 words or 6 pages, double spaced). The Admissions Committee would like to see a short sample of writing. It should ideally be an excerpt of academic writing from an assignment, journal, or article, or another related document.

Please Note: Applicants need not contact our Faculty members directly regarding supervisions. The supervisory process does not take place during the application process but rather once an applicant starts the program. PhD applicants are asked to review our faculty information to ensure that there are members with similar interests as theirs and to make suggestions on their application as to who they would like to work with. This information can be included with the statement of intent.

PhD Applicants who have studied at a university where English is not the official main language of instruction must, with their application, also produce proof of an English Equivalency score. An unofficial copy of the score can be scanned and uploaded with your transcript.

For a listing of acceptable English Proficiency tests and scores, please refer to the Admissions website.

Learn More

The Graduate Program in Linguistics & Applied Linguistics at York is an exciting environment to pursue innovative, socially engaging, career-ready education. Contact our Graduate Program Assistant to learn more.

Contact Us
How to Apply