Applied Linguistics, PHD


At a Glance: program details





ASU is not currently accepting applications for this program.


Program Description

Degree Awarded: PHD Applied Linguistics

Applied linguistics combines research topics in the linguistics sciences and education to pursue principled approaches to language-related concerns. The PhD program in applied linguistics is focused on simultaneous and developmental bilingualism in children and adolescents.

Faculty participate in the program from within multiple curricular units across the institution's four campuses. The program encourages transdisciplinary study, and its flexible requirements enable students to pursue those aspects of the disciplines that interest them the most.

Karen Adams, Director

Sheila Luna, Program Manager

Plan of Study

PhD Exams

FAQ



Please note: In fall 2015, the PhD in Applied Linguistics was replaced by the PhD in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics.  Therefore, individuals interested in doing doctoral studies in applied linguistics at ASU should apply to the PhD in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics.


Degree Requirements

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Foundation Coursework (18 credit hours)
Overview of the Field: A three-credit course providing a survey of the field of applied linguistics is required. (3)
Linguistics: Coursework in theoretical linguistics, including one approved linguistics elective, is required. (15)

Teaching Internship (1 credit hour)

Colloquia (8 credit hours)
A four-semester sequence of two-credit colloquium meetings is required for students in the first two years.

Research Methods (6 credit hours)
Students must take two courses in research methods, selected in consultation with the advisor.

Research Specialization (33 credit hours)
In consultation with the program director, students take 11 three-credit courses in their field of specialization.

Breadth (6 credit hours)
Two courses in a secondary concentration area are required.

Dissertation (12 credit hours)

Additional Curriculum Information
An oral defense of the dissertation is required.

There must be a minimum of 54 credit hours beyond the master's degree level, including a minimum of 12 units of dissertation credit. All students in the program must satisfy 18 credit hours of foundation coursework.

Because applied linguistics is transdisciplinary in nature, applicants may differ from one another with regard to their prior experience and preparation. For instance, while some applicants may have substantial prior training in core theoretical linguistics (foundations), others may have considerable preparation in an area related to a supported concentration. Students should consult the program director for assistance in planning their degree programs. The program director may address potential redundancies in a student's program requirements with prior academic preparation by allocating a maximum of 30 credit hours from an awarded and approved graduate degree toward the applied linguistics program requirements, or the director may permit the student to take additional elective courses in lieu of introductory courses covered in an undergraduate program.

Language Requirement: Students in the applied linguistics doctoral program must demonstrate proficiency in a second language equivalent to two years of study. A language appropriate to the student's area of interest is selected in consultation with the advisor. The language requirement must be satisfied by examination or coursework prior to advancement to candidacy. Computer or other nonhuman languages may not be used to satisfy this requirement. Students for whom English is a second language may use their first language to satisfy the requirement by examination. Course credit used to satisfy the language requirement cannot be used to satisfy other program requirements and cannot be counted toward the total required 84 credit hours.


Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. statement of purpose
  4. resume or curriculum vitae
  5. three letters of recommendation
  6. academic writing sample relevant to the field
  7. GRE general test scores
  8. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. Students should see the Department of English website for specific details about English proficiency requirements.


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Learning Outcomes

Career Opportunities

Graduates with research expertise in applied linguistics work in a variety of professional contexts, such as academia, government, business, health care, legal settings, publishing, the private sector and nongovernmental organizations.

Career examples include:

  • computer-assisted language learning expert
  • data analyst
  • forensic linguist
  • language policy or documentation expert
  • language program director
  • language researcher
  • linguistic consultant
  • teacher trainer
  • university professor

Global Opportunities

Global Experience

With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.