Graduate Studies

Master of Arts in Bilingualism Studies (MA)

The program will begin in Fall 2014, subject to funding approval by the Ontario government

Objectives of the Program

The program focuses on several critical issues in the field of Applied Linguistics, including methodological and technological innovations in adult second language instruction, assessment of adult second language competence, as well as language policy and planning.

The primary objective of the program is to offer a strong graduate education in Bilingualism Studies. It provides students with advanced research skills achieved through a specialized research methodology course, writing extensive research papers and, where applicable, conducting thesis related research.

The program will draw upon the expertise of professors from OLBI and from other departments in the Faculty of Arts, and in the faculties of Education and Social Sciences.

Career Opportunities

Career prospects for the graduates of this program are excellent in Canada and abroad. Graduates may find employment in several areas, including the following:

  • Teaching ESL or FLS to adults in educational institutions;
  • Language planning and evaluation of language policy in government, local/national and international organizations and agencies;
  • Working in private sector organizations such as language schools or community-based programs;
  • Developing language assessment tools and tests;
  • Developing language software.

Options

  • MA with thesis;
  • MA with research paper.

Both program options will prepare students to pursue further graduate studies at the PhD level in the field.

Bilingual Program

  • The program will be offered in English and in French with an equal number of courses in each language;
  • Students will be required to take one compulsory course in English and one in French;
  • The electives can be taken in either language.

All applicants must have an excellent knowledge of either English or French and at least a receptive knowledge of the other language. However, in accordance with University of Ottawa policy, students have the right to produce their work in French or in English. Graduates of French immersion programs who are capable of studying in both official languages and motivated to maintain their French language skills are strongly encouraged to apply.

Admission Information


Studies Session for admission
Fall (as of 2014)
Full-time X
Part-time X

Who should apply to this program?

Students with an honours Bachelor of Arts in:

  • Second Language Teaching / Didactique des langues secondes (or its equivalent);
  • Applied Linguistics;
  • A related discipline.

Students with a three-year Bachelor's degree in:

  • A related discipline in addition to a university-level, university-administered advanced certificate in TESOL (Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages);
  • Applied Linguistics, representing a minimum of 30 credits.
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For further information, consult the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

To read more on the subject of the Masters Program, consult the article in the Gazette.