Educational Linguistics, EdD

The Educational Linguistics Ed.D prepares students with the theoretical foundations and technical expertise necessary to pursue positions as leaders of world language programs. The Educational Linguistics, Ed.D program is designed for early to mid-career world language educators who have a strong commitment to bringing research into their practice. Coursework focuses on language and learning in areas such as:

  • Linguistic, cognitive, and sociocultural aspects of additional language development and socialization.
  • Local/global perspectives on English language teaching policy and practice in K-12 and higher education
  • Multimodal discourse in social and institutional settings
  • Bilingualism, biliteracy, and bilingual education
  • Multilingual language planning and policy

Curriculum

16 CU Total Requirements. With advisor approval, up to 4 (non-Penn graduate coursework), or up to 8 (Penn graduate coursework) CUs may be transferred into the program as electives. Core courses may not be transferred in. Program will include 5 core courses, 3 research courses, 2 linguistics courses, and your choice of elective courses agreed upon with your advisor. This is a part-time only program, with students taking no more than 2 course units per semester. All courses must be at the 5000 level or above.

Core Requirements
EDUC 6205Linguistics in Education1
EDUC 6210Sociolinguistics in Education1
EDUC 5252Language Diversity and Education1
EDUC 7225Second Language Development1
EDUC 9210Issues in Second Language Acquisition1
or EDUC 9215 Genealogies of Race and Language in Educational Research
or EDUC 9205 Research Seminar: Language Policy and Education
Research Methods
Select 1 Quantitative Methods course1
Select 1 Qualitative Methods course1
Select 1 Advanced Quantitative or Qualitative Methods1
Linguistics
Select 2 Linguistics course at Penn including Linguistics dept, Anthropology dept, GSE, or other relevant linguistics course2
Electives
Select 6 electives6
Total Course Units16

Required Milestones

Qualifications Evaluation (Also known as Program Candidacy)

The purpose of program candidacy is to provide rigorous review and feedback to Ed.D students regarding their academic progress within the first two years of study. Program candidacy is a prerequisite to doctoral candidacy.

Preliminary Examinations (Also known as Doctoral Candidacy) 

The preliminary examination is a test of knowledge in the candidate’s area of specialization. The examination requires students to demonstrate knowledge and reasoning in the key content areas in their specialization as specified by the academic division. The format of the examination varies from program to program, but must include at least six hours of examination, at least three hours of which must be written.

Oral Proposal

All doctoral candidates must present their dissertation proposals orally and in person to the dissertation committee.

Final Defense of the Dissertation

The final dissertation defense is approximately two hours in length and is based upon the candidate’s dissertation.


The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.