Linguistics: Master of Arts (MA)

This Master of Arts in Linguistics is a two-year, thirty-six semester-hour graduate program at Trinity Western University with a strong orientation toward linguistic field work. It gives students a foundation in both theoretical and applied linguistics, with particular emphasis on practical linguistic analysis applied to language program development, including language revitalization, developing writing systems (orthographies) for previously unwritten languages, building literacy programs, and translation work. The program takes a functional and typological approach to language rather than working from a single formal linguistic theory, preparing graduates to analyze language structures, create writing systems, and publish research findings. The application deadline is April 15. It suits students who want to work directly with language communities, whether in academic linguistics, literacy and development work, or translation, and who plan to use the degree either as preparation for doctoral study or as a basis for professional roles applying linguistics in the field. The program's emphasis on fieldwork distinguishes it from more purely theoretical linguistics degrees, connecting classroom study to work with living language communities around the world.