Second Language Acquisition Ph.D.
Program Overview
Second Language Acquisition Ph.D.
The Ph.D. program in Second Language Acquisition (SLA) at the University of Maryland, College Park, has a strong cognitive and psycholinguistic research focus and is designed for students working in the domain of adult second language acquisition. The program prepares its graduates to work in academia, the education sector, government and non-profit organizations, and industry.
Program Description
The research agenda centers on English as a foreign language, as well as commonly and less commonly taught languages (LCTLs), including East-Asian, Middle-Eastern, and modern European languages. The program draws upon the expertise of a distinguished cadre of faculty in the SLA program and the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, and in affiliate departments, such as Linguistics; Measurement, Statistics, and Evaluation; Hearing and Speech Science; Psychology; Curriculum and Instruction; and Human Development and Quantitative Methodology.
Areas of Specialization
There are four areas of specialization:
- Second language learning
- Second language instruction
- Second language assessment
- Second language use Students select two courses in each of two areas (for a total of four courses), plus two electives in the area of their proposed dissertation work. In addition, all students take two courses in quantitative and/or qualitative research methods.
Requirements for the Ph.D.
Prior to being accepted to candidacy for the Ph.D., students must write two qualifying papers deemed of publishable quality for a major refereed SLA journal by the examining committee of three faculty members. These papers are in lieu of comprehensive examinations. Once the two qualifying papers are successfully defended, the student is admitted to candidacy and will write and then defend a dissertation proposal before five faculty members, who will serve as the dissertation committee.
Foreign Language Requirement
Before graduation, all students completing the Ph.D. in Second Language Acquisition must demonstrate three types of experience with non-native language:
- Learning a non-native language
- Using a non-native language
- Teaching a language to non-native speakers of that language All three types of experience will be verified through official documentation and/or assessment.
Current Courses
The program offers a variety of courses across four areas:
- Second Language Learning
- Second Language Instruction
- Second Language Assessment and Research
- Second Language Use
Some of the courses include:
- SLAA610: Research and Theories of SLA
- SLAA611: Fundamentals of Language Acquisition and Instruction
- SLAA620: Second Language Research Methodology
- SLAA630: Second Language Testing and Assessment
- SLAA750: Instructed SLA
- SLAA770: Sociolinguistics in Second Language Acquisition
Advising
Students are required to meet with their advisor before they can register for classes. At the Ph.D. level, students are initially advised by the director of the program in SLA until they choose their own academic advisor.
Admissions
The SLA program requires the following supplemental materials to be uploaded as part of the application:
- Three letters of recommendation
- A statement of purpose
- Writing sample: Evidence of an ability for and desire to undertake scholarly work appropriate for the heavily research-oriented Ph.D. in SLA
Information for International Graduate Students
The University of Maryland is dedicated to maintaining a vibrant international graduate student community. The office of International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS) is a valuable resource of information and assistance for prospective and current international students. International applicants are encouraged to explore the services they offer and contact them with related questions.