First, second and subsequent language acquisition is a complex process, with a knowledge base combining diverse areas including applied linguistics, psychology, education and assessment.
Our Master of Arts program is designed to integrate these important elements in an educational experience promoting a high level of expertise and professionalism.
We currently offer opportunities for graduate studies in Applied Linguistics for those interested in the field of Teaching English as a Second/Subsequent Language (TESL), as well as for those with an interest in applying linguistics more generally, or to other domains, including Speech Communication Disorders.
Graduates of this professional program will be well-prepared to become TESL professionals, practicing in Canada or abroad AND/OR prepared for future graduate pursuits in fields related to Applied Linguistics, including Speech Language Pathology.
Program Length: 12 months to 2 years depending on previous educational background in related disciplines and choice of program (i.e., course-based or thesis-based).
Master of Arts (MA) in Applied Linguistics with a Specialization in Teaching English as a Second/Subsequent/Foreign Language (TESL)
Program entry options:
Application Deadline:
January 15th, 2025 (September 2025 intake)
Students can apply for either our Course-based or Research-Based (Major Research Paper or Thesis) Streams. Admission and program requirements are slightly different, so please read carefully.
Course-based stream
Length: The program lasts a full 12 months. Students will complete eight courses from September to April and a two-course equivalent capping project or two electives from May-August.
To be considered for admission to the Course-based stream, a student will normally hold a four-year degree, or its equivalent, from an accredited university with a minimum 75% (mid-B) average over the last two years of full-time undergraduate study.
Specific prerequisites: Normally, we require a four-year undergraduate degree in a related discipline. However, strong applicants who lack an academic background in TESL/Linguistics/Applied Linguistics will be automatically considered for our two-year program. This includes a qualifying year, followed by the 12-month MA program.
All applicants who have not studied in a recognized institution for three years or more in Canada, the United States, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Australia or New Zealand must present an English language proficiency test score from within the last two years that meet with the entry criteria requirements noted below.
- TOEFL PBT 575
- TOEFL CBT 231
- TOEFL iBT 90
- TWE 5
- TSE 50
- IELTS 7 and writing band 7 (no individual score under 6.5)
Language of instruction waivers are not accepted for the MA Applied Linguistics (TESL) program. English language proficiency test scores are accepted for application purposes for up to 2 years from the test date.
The Course-based MA Applied Linguistics (TESL) stream does not include any financial support.
Research-based stream
Length: 12 months for Course work and Major Research Paper Streams (Candidates should anticipate commencing in September). For the Research streams, course work will normally be completed by April and the Major Research Paper completed by the end of August) OR in the case of a thesis, be completed between December and August of the student’s second year.
To be considered for admission to a Master’s program, a student will normally hold a four-year degree, or its equivalent, from an accredited university with a minimum 75% (mid-B) average over the last two years of full-time undergraduate study.
Prerequisites: Normally we require a four-year undergraduate degree in a related discipline. However, strong applicants who lack an academic background in TESL/Linguistics/Applied Linguistics will be automatically considered for our two-year program. This includes a qualifying year, followed by the 12-month MA program.
All applicants who have not studied in a recognized institution for three years or more in Canada, the United States, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Australia or New Zealand must present an English language proficiency test score from within the last two years that meet with the entry criteria requirements noted below.
- TOEFL PBT 630
- TOEFL CBT 267
- TOEFL iBT 109
- TWE 5.5
- TSE 55
- IELTS 8 and writing band 8 (no individual score under 7.5)
Language of instruction waivers are not accepted for the MA Applied Linguistics (TESL) program. English language proficiency test scores are accepted for application purposes for up to 2 years from the test date.
Direct Entry may offer funding, including paid Teaching Assistant assignments. The amount of funding will be outlined in an applicant’s offer letter.
Our unique Bridged Entry program is designed for students who would benefit from further assistance using academic English, providing hands-on, preparatory instruction plus one-on-one mentoring throughout the academic year.
While course work is taken with the Direct Entry students at the same academic and professional level, Bridged Entry students have an additional preparatory course (LING 5N01) running from the beginning of July to the end of August before coursework begins. This preparatory course covers topics from academic integrity to the appropriate construction of an academic paper for applied linguistics. In addition, from September to August, Bridged Entry students have regular access to a Writing Mentor who is able to help with the mechanics of writing effective research papers, essays and other assignments.
Application deadline:
January 15th, 2025 (July 2025 intake)
Coursework and Major Research Paper streams only
Length: 14 months (July-August) 8-week preparatory course; (September-August) Course work and Major Research Paper. Candidates joining the Bridged Entry Program should anticipate commencing courses in the month of July. Course work will normally be completed by the end of April, with either a Capstone Project, two electives, or a Major Research Paper to be completed by the end of August.
To be considered for admission to a Master’s program, a student will normally hold a four-year degree, or its equivalent, from an accredited university with a minimum 75% (mid-B) average over the last two years of full-time undergraduate study.
Prerequisites: Normally we require a four-year undergraduate degree in a related discipline. However, strong applicants who lack an academic background in TESL/Linguistics/Applied Linguistics will be automatically considered for our two-year program. This includes a qualifying year, followed by the 12-month MA program.
For applicants who lack adequate background in TESL/Linguistics/Applied Linguistics, we will automatically consider you for our two-year program, including a qualifying year, followed by the 12-month MA program.
To qualify for Bridged Entry, students must achieve the following scores on an English language proficiency test:
- TOEFL PBT 550
- TOEFL CBT 213
- TOEFL iBT 80 (no individual score under 19)
- IELTS 6.5 and writing band 6.5 (no individual score under 5.5)
Language of instruction waivers are not accepted for the MA Applied Linguistics (TESL) program. English language proficiency test scores are accepted for application purposes for up to 2 years from the test date.
The Bridged Entry program is not eligible for OSAP funding.
Master of Arts (MA) in Applied Linguistics (General)
Program entry options:
Application Deadline:
January 15th, 2025 (September 2025 intake)
Students can only apply for the Thesis Stream. Although not mandatory, we highly recommend that you identify and consult with a potentially willing supervisor before applying.
Research-based thesis stream
Length: Course work will normally be completed by April of Year One, and the Thesis completed by December and August of Year Two. Where applicable, any funding guarantees expire eighteen months after beginning the program.
To be considered for admission to a Master’s program, a student will normally hold a four-year degree, or its equivalent, from an accredited university with a minimum 75% (mid-B) average over the last two years of full-time undergraduate study.
Prerequisites: Normally we require a four-year undergraduate degree in a related discipline. However, strong applicants who lack an academic background in Linguistics/Applied Linguistics/TESL will be automatically considered for our two-year program. This includes a qualifying year, followed by the 12-month MA program.
All applicants who have not studied in a recognized institution for three years or more in Canada, the United States, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Australia or New Zealand must present an English language proficiency test score from within the last two years that meet with the entry criteria requirements noted below.
- TOEFL PBT 630
- TOEFL CBT 267
- TOEFL iBT 109
- TWE 5.5
- TSE 55
- IELTS 8 and writing band 8 (no individual score under 7.5)
Language of instruction waivers are not accepted for the MA Applied Linguistics (TESL) program. English language proficiency test scores are accepted for application purposes for up to 2 years from the test date.
Brock may offer funding, including paid Teaching Assistant assignments. The amount of funding will be outlined in an applicant’s offer letter.
Our department has strong links with national and international associations related to Applied Linguistics, and other TESL training programs and professional associations, such as TESL Canada and TESL Ontario. We also have strong links to programs and associations related to Speech Language Pathology, such as SAC and CASLPO. Our programs will prepare you for new workplace opportunities and/or for further studies.
All courses are designed to be interactive, up-to-date and pertinent to today’s workplace. Courses cover a broad range of topics to develop and challenge individual students’ knowledge base. There are also opportunities for students to participate in research with participating faculty members, many of whom have active labs.
Faculty teaching in the program bring a valuable range of attributes, including extensive international experience, hands-on proficiency in ESL teaching in Canada, capacity in a range of different languages beyond English, experience as Speech Language Pathologists, and energetic research and scholarship published and presented around the world.
The Department is committed to providing competitive funding to all qualified graduate students in the form of teaching assistantships and fellowships.
Acting Graduate Program Director
Dr. Ron Thomson
rthomson@brocku.ca
Graduate Program Assistant
Mae Leong
GradAppLingTESL@brocku.ca
