Program Overview
The PhD program in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics emphasizes the scientific study of human language and its practical applications. Students specialize in formal linguistics, applied linguistics, or a combination of both. The program provides advanced theoretical and practical knowledge, fostering critical analysis, independent research, and scholarly writing. Graduates pursue diverse careers in academia, government, business, healthcare, law, and more.
Program Outline
Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, PhD
Degree Overview
#Program Description
This program emphasizes the scientific investigation of human language and its application. Students can specialize in formal linguistics, applied linguistics, or combine areas. The curriculum covers core areas in linguistics and applied linguistics, along with more specific fields like syntax, semantics, phonetics, phonology, pragmatics, discourse analysis, sociolinguistics, language contact and change, language planning, Indigenous American linguistics, language documentation and revitalization, second language acquisition, second language teaching and learning, teaching English to speakers of other languages, global Englishes, and computer-assisted language learning. Supervised internships, innovative mentoring, and research training opportunities contribute to student success in academic and professional endeavors. The program has a vibrant research environment.
#Objectives
The program aims to equip students with advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in various areas of linguistics and applied linguistics. The curriculum fosters:
- Critical analysis of existing scholarship
- Independent research capabilities for original research studies
- Scholarly writing at a professional level
- #Unique Features
- Internationally recognized faculty with expertise in diverse subfields
- Supervised internships
- Innovative mentoring programs
- Opportunities for research training and professional development
- Vibrant research community
Outline
#Core Requirements (18 credit hours)
- APL 555 Disciplinary Discourses (3)
- APL 601 Introduction to Applied Linguistics (3)
- LIN 511 Phonetics and Phonology (3)
- LIN 514 Syntax (3)
- LIN 515 American English (3) or LIN 516 Pragmatics and Discourse Analysis (3)
- LIN 655 Advanced Disciplinary Discourses in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics (3)
- #Specialization (21 credit hours) Students choose 21 credit hours of electives and research aligned with their chosen specialization (formal or applied linguistics).
- #Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) Students complete a dissertation (LIN 799 or APL 799) for 12 credit hours.
Assessment
- Written comprehensive exam
- Oral comprehensive exam
- Foreign language exam
- Prospectus
- Dissertation
Teaching
Teaching methods:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Individual research guidance
Faculty:
- Renowned experts in various linguistic subfields
- Active researchers with international recognition
Unique Approach:
- Emphasis on individual research and scholarly writing
- Supervised internships to apply theoretical knowledge
- Active engagement in the vibrant research community
Careers
Graduates pursue diverse professional paths:
- Academia (teaching and research)
- Government (language policy, analysis)
- Businesses (communication, research)
- Healthcare (communication specialists)
- Law (forensic linguistics)
- Publishing
- NGOs Examples:
- Computer-assisted language learning expert
- Data analyst
- Forensic linguist
- Language policy expert
- Language program director/coordinator
- Language researcher
- Linguistic consultant
- Program and curriculum developer
- Publisher
- Teacher trainer
- University professor
Other
Foreign language requirement:
Proficiency in a natural language other than modern English is necessary, demonstrated through:
- Coursework: "B" or higher in a 400- or 500-level course
- Exam: approved language exam administered by the School of International Letters and Cultures
- Native-speaker status: determined by the School of International Letters and Cultures
- Previous coursework: two years of college-level language study in the target language
