Coursework
In the first two years of doctoral study, students will take three required core courses (9 semester hours) in conjunction with an additional 21 semester hours of coursework and at least 21 semester hours of dissertation credit. For students whose M.A. is not in Applied Linguistics, check the website for prerequisite courses.
The courses in the program over three content areas include the following:
- Area I: Research Methods
- Area II: Language Analysis and Use
- Area III: Language Learning and Teaching
The required core courses fall in Areas I and II and are the following:
Additionally, all PhD students must have taken a course comparable to AL 8550 - Second Language Evaluation and Assessment either at the MA level or while in the PhD program in AL/ESL. If it is taken during the PhD program, it counts as 3 of the 6 hours that can be taken in courses that are aimed at both MA and PhD students (see below).
Area II
*Students are required to fulfill breadth and depth requirements in linguistic theory. The preferred way to do this is by taking both versions of AL 8970 . However, students may be exempted from one of the AL 8970 courses if they have taken AL 8240 - General Linguistics or an equivalent course from another institution. (General Linguistics itself does not count toward the 30-hour requirement.) Those who wish to teach Introduction to Linguistics need to have taken both Linguistic Theory courses.
Language Requirement
Teacher-scholars who work in the field of applied linguistics need to experience second language study and use. This experience may take different forms.
- Successful completion (a grade of “B” or higher) in a minimum of four semesters of university language study, or
- A minimum of one year living in a country where English is not the primary language and learning and using a language of the country, or
- The acquisition of additional language(s) as a child or adult.
Students whose language study does not fit one of these three categories are required to successfully complete four semesters of language study or an intensive program that covers at least four semesters of work.
Graduate Assistants
Graduate assistants are required to enroll for a minimum of 18 credit hours each semester. These credit hours will consist of courses required for the prescribed program of study, as well as additional hours of APL 8920, 8930, 8940, 8950, and 9900.
Qualifying Exam
The purpose of the Qualifying Exam is for the PhD student to demonstrate theory and content knowledge, research and methodology competence, and communication skills, as well as to develop a plan of study. It consists of a Qualifying Paper and a meeting with a faculty committee (the “exam” proper).
The Qualifying Paper is an empirical paper that is completed in a course during their first year in the program. The goals of the meeting with the faculty are to discuss the paper and to advise the student on a plan for the rest of their program.
Comprehensive Examination
After students complete their coursework, they take comprehensive exams. Students receive three topics and have two weeks to write responses to all three. The questions will require the student to address issues in theory, research methodology, research topics of importance in the field, and/or topics related to the student’s intended dissertation research. At least one of the topics will require consideration of issues that overlap the boundaries between language, cognition & communication and language teaching & language teacher development.
Dissertation
When students have passed their comprehensive exams, they officially begin work on their dissertation. The dissertation process consists of three stages: a proposal, research and writing, and an oral defense.
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