Program start date | Application deadline |
2023-09-04 | - |
2024-01-08 | - |
2024-05-10 | - |
Program Overview
The PhD in Language and Communication at Hellenic American University is a flexible program that combines intensive on-campus courses with ongoing faculty supervision. It offers specializations in Second Language Education, Intercultural and Professional Communication, or Translation and Interpreting, and provides training in quantitative and qualitative research methods. The program emphasizes research skills development, scholarly writing, and exposure to diverse perspectives, preparing graduates for careers in academia, education, and various communication-related fields.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The PhD in Language and Communication Program:
- Is a flexible program combining intensive on-campus courses with ongoing faculty supervision.
- Offers the option to specialize in Second Language Education (SLE), Intercultural and Professional Communication (IPC), or Translation and Interpreting (TI).
- Provides exposure to a broad range of research themes, including discourse analysis, foreign language teaching and assessment, and translation and interpreting.
- Offers training in quantitative and qualitative research methods and software like SPSS.
- Encourages students to publish their research and attend conferences.
- Provides faculty mentoring and personal support for academic and professional development.
The program's strengths:
- Residential, on-campus core and strand courses guiding students in formulating their research agenda.
- Internationally renowned faculty from Europe, Canada, and the USA supervising students throughout their PhD journey.
- Opportunity to specialize in one of three strands: SLE, IPC, or TI.
- Exposure to a broad spectrum of research themes covering language use beyond individual specialization.
- Opportunities to publish research and attend conferences.
Objectives:
- Equip graduates with the ability to design and conduct original research using appropriate methodologies and datasets.
- Develop advanced analytical skills enabling graduates to synthesize information for new research projects.
- Guide graduates in designing research proposals that attract funding.
Outline:
Program structure:
- 4-5 year program encompassing coursework, research, and a dissertation (totaling 58 credits).
- Includes 8 core courses with accompanying project papers, 3 discipline-specific seminars, 2 qualifying papers, and the PhD dissertation.
- First year focuses on intensive on-campus seminars covering topics like research methodology, discourse analysis, and critical applied linguistics.
- Specialization opportunities in Second Language Education, Intercultural and Professional Communication, and Translation Studies through 3 courses in the chosen strand.
- Close supervision from faculty during development of qualifying papers and the dissertation, culminating in a unique research contribution.
Content and modules:
- Core Courses: Focus on research methodology, discourse analysis, critical applied linguistics, sociolinguistics, and communication across cultures.
- Strand-Specific Courses: Offer in-depth exploration of chosen specialization (SLE, IPC, or TI).
- Students select 3 courses from their chosen strand.
- Qualifying Papers: Two in-depth research papers demonstrating mastery of chosen field and research skills.
- Dissertation: An original and significant research contribution in the chosen area of specialization, demonstrating independent research skills and knowledge advancement.
Assessment:
Assessment methods:
- Continuous assessment through coursework (including project papers and seminars).
- Presentation and defense of qualifying papers.
- Dissertation proposal defense.
- Final thesis defense before an examining committee.
Assessment criteria:
- Depth and originality of research.
- Effective use of research methods and data analysis.
- Strong theoretical foundation and critical thinking skills.
- Clear and concise written and oral communication.
Teaching:
Teaching methods:
- Intensive on-campus workshops and seminars.
- One-on-one supervision and mentorship from faculty.
- Collaborative learning environment.
- Opportunities for independent research and self-directed learning.
Faculty:
- Internationally renowned scholars with expertise in various fields within language and communication.
- Extensive experience in research, teaching, and supervision.
- Active engagement in current research and publications.
Unique approaches:
- Interdisciplinary focus on language across various professional and academic domains.
- Emphasis on developing research skills and scholarly writing.
- Exposure to diverse perspectives and theoretical frameworks.
Careers:
Career paths:
- Academia and research (postdoctoral studies, teaching positions).
- Educational leadership and policy development.
- Second language teaching and curriculum development.
- Intercultural communication consulting and training.
- Translation and interpreting in various sectors.
- Multilingual communication specialist in diverse organizations.
- Research and communication roles in government, NGOs, and think tanks.
Opportunities:
- Opportunities to work with internationally renowned faculty on research projects.
- Potential for research funding and publication.
- Networking opportunities with peers and faculty in the field.
- Career advising and support through the program.
Other:
- The program encourages students to draw upon their real-world professional experience to inform their studies and research.
- Students have opportunities to participate in international conferences and publish their research.
- The program fosters a strong and supportive community of scholars with diverse backgrounds and interests.
Hellenic American College
Overview:
Hellenic American College is an institution offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs of Hellenic American University (HAU) at its facilities in Athens, Greece. It provides a student-centered learning environment with small class sizes, diverse student body, and an internationally trained faculty.
Services Offered:
Academic Services:
- Library with extensive collections and resources, interlibrary loan services, and information literacy programs.
- Academic Center for the Enrichment of Students (ACES) offering academic support, career development, counseling, mentoring, and writing center services.
- Online learning opportunities.
Student Life:
- Student Success programs focusing on academic and career development.
- Office of Student Affairs organizing student council, activities, teams, and clubs.
- Civic Engagement opportunities.
- Events and a blog for student engagement.
Admissions:
- Undergraduate and graduate admissions processes.
- Transfer and international applicant support.
- Financial assistance programs.
- Opportunities to visit the college.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at Hellenic American College can expect a vibrant campus experience with a diverse student body and a strong sense of community. The college offers a variety of co-curricular activities, clubs, and events to foster student engagement and personal development. The college also provides extensive support services to help students succeed academically and professionally.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Guaranteed Aid for Students with Need:
The majority of students receive scholarships and financial aid.One-on-one Academic and Career Support:
Students benefit from faculty mentoring, writing tutors, career counseling, and dedicated teachers.Student-Centered Learning:
Small class sizes, diverse student body, and an emphasis on hands-on learning create an engaging and challenging environment.Academic Programs:
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Informatics
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Bachelor of Music
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics-TESOL
- Master of Arts in Conference Interpreting
- Master of Arts in Translation
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Science in Sales Management
- Master of Science in Informatics
- Master of Science in Psychology
- Master of Science in Stress & Health Management
- Ph.D. in Language and Communication
Other:
- Hellenic American University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
- The college offers a variety of study abroad programs.
- The college has a strong focus on research and teaching.
- The college offers lifelong learning programs in translation and interpretation, teacher education, and technology training.
- The college has a strong alumni network.
- The college is located in Athens, Greece, offering students the opportunity to experience a vibrant and historic city.
As a university with a mission of educating global citizens, we are committed to recruiting a talented and diverse student body. Our graduate students represent a broad array of backgrounds, accomplishments and experience, both academic and professional. Some of our students are recent university graduates; others are working professionals. We welcome applications from all parts of the globe. While the majority of the University's graduate students come from Greece, roughly 16% are international students.
You may submit an application for a Hellenic American University graduate degree program at any time during the year. The Admissions Committee processes applications as they are received. Most students in the Master’s degree programs begin their studies in the Fall term but you may decide to apply for admission for the Spring term that begins in February.
Admissions Criteria
The Admissions Committee evaluates applications and supporting material for admissions and decides upon the acceptance and placement of students at Hellenic American University.
Admission to the graduate programs of the University is based on prior academic performance, professional work experience, and proficiency in the English Language. The selection process gives particular emphasis to evidence of leadership potential along with academic excellence.
Conditional Admissions
The Admissions Committee may decide to defer the decision of admission for some candidates who show exceptional promise of successful completion of their program of choice but do not meet minimum standards for admission, in order to evaluate more accurately the actual potential of the applicant. In these cases, the Admissions Committee may grant conditional admission status to the applicant, until there is sufficient and clear evidence that the student is qualified to enter the program. Conditionally admitted students receive formal admission only if they provide the evidence requested by the Admissions Committee. The requested evidence may consist of additional letters of recommendation, evidence of professional growth potential, or additional course work. The Admissions Committee specifically informs conditionally admitted students about the time period within which the requirements for unconditional admission must be met.
Admission requirements are the same as those in all other Hellenic American University graduate programs with the following exceptions:
- You should already hold a master’s degree
- You will be asked to submit 3 reference letters
- You will also need to submit a sample of academic writing