Educational Linguistics, PhD
The Educational Linguistics Ph.D. enables students to pursue research on language learning, teaching language, and the role of language in teaching and learning.
The Educational Linguistics, Ph.D. program is rooted in the view that language must be examined within the cultural contexts and social situations in which it occurs. Faculty and students are involved in generating research on language and learning in areas such as:
- Bilingualism, biliteracy, and bilingual education
- Multilingual language planning and policy
- Linguistic, cognitive, and sociocultural aspects of (language) learning, and (second) language acquisition/socialization
- Educational and social consequences of ethnic and linguistic diversity
- Local/global perspectives on English language teaching policy and practice in K-12 and higher education
- Multimodal discourse in social and institutional settings
- Language revitalization
For more information: http://www.gse.upenn.edu/elx/phd
View the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.
The total course units required for graduation is 20. If approved by your advisor, 8 CUs may be transferred into the program; normally these will be electives. Core courses may not be transferred in. The requirements include 5 core courses, 3 research courses, 3 linguistics courses, and your choice of elective courses agreed upon with your advisor. All courses must be at the 5000 level or above.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| EDUC 6205 | Linguistics in Education | 1 |
| EDUC 5252 | Language Diversity and Education | 1 |
| EDUC 6210 | Sociolinguistics in Education | 1 |
| EDUC 7225 | Second Language Development | 1 |
| Select one of the following 9000-Level Doctoral Seminars: | ||
| EDUC 9210 | Issues in Second Language Acquisition | 1 |
| or EDUC 9215 | Genealogies of Race and Language in Educational Research | |
| or EDUC 9205 | Research Seminar: Language Policy and Education | |
| Research Methods | ||
| Select one Quantitative Methods course | 1 | |
| Select one Qualitative Methods course | 1 | |
| Select one Advanced Quantitative OR Qualitative Methods course | 1 | |
| Linguistics | ||
| Select one course from the Linguistics Dept in one of the following core areas: Phonetics, Phonology Morphology, Syntax, Semantics, Pragmatics | 1 | |
| Select two additional courses, which may be from the Linguistics Dept., Anthropology Dept., or other relevant linguistics course | 2 | |
| Electives | ||
| Select nine course units | 9 | |
| Total Course Units | 20 | |
Required Milestones
Qualifications Evaluation (Also known as Program Candidacy)
A Qualifications Evaluation of each student is conducted after the completion of 6 but not more than 8 course units. The evaluation is designed by the specialization faculty and may be based on an examination or on a review of a student’s overall academic progress.
Preliminary Examination (Also known as Doctoral Candidacy)
A Candidacy Examination on the major subject area is required. The candidacy examination is a test of knowledge in the student's area of specialization, requiring students to demonstrate knowledge and reasoning in the key content areas in their specialization as defined by their academic division. This examination is normally held after the candidate has completed all required courses.
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.