PhD in Applied Linguistics

Pursue a diverse range of issues in preparation for your career as a researcher, teacher trainer, or leader in fields related to teaching and learning second languages, including:

• Corpus linguistics
• Grammar and vocabulary
• Grammatical variation
• Language planning and policy
• Language testing and program evaluation
• Pragmatics
• Quantitative research methods
• Register and discourse analysis
• Second language acquisition
• Second language reading and writing
• Second language teaching and learning
• Speech perception and production
• Spoken discourse
• World Englishes

Our faculty works closely with individual students, helping them to develop as colleagues in applied linguistics. As a result, our Ph.D. students have an outstanding record of publication and participation in major conferences such as TESOL and AAAL. Graduates of our program have also been highly successful at obtaining tenure-track faculty positions at major universities.

What Can I Do with a Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Linguistics?

The Ph.D. program in Applied Linguistics at Northern Arizona University is designed to prepare future professors, researchers and teacher trainers to work independently and in leadership positions with the learning and teaching of second languages, the analysis of language, and the design of language-related research.

University Requirements

To receive a Doctor of Philosophy Degree (Ph.D.) at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses, from one or more disciplines, ranging from at least 60-109 units of graduate-level courses. Most plans require research, a dissertation, and comprehensive exams. All plans have residency requirements regarding time spent on the Flagstaff campus engaged in full-time study.

ADDITIONAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

• NAU Graduate Online application is required for all programs. Details on admission requirements are included in the online application.
• Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A"), or the equivalent.
• Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.
• Transcripts
• For details on graduate admission policies, please visit the Graduate Admissions Policy
• International applicants have additional admission requirements.

Individual program admission requirements include:

• GRE® revised General Test
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Writing sample
• Personal statement or essay
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Official TOEFL iBT/IELTS scores taken within the last 2 years are required for international applicants.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics, students will have:

• Advanced critical and analytical knowledge of the structure and uses of the English language, English language discourse processes and genres, the development of second language learning processes in their diverse cultural contexts, and the assessment of both language program effectiveness and individual language proficiency
• Ability to address issues of language learning in real-world settings
• Ability to address both language program effectiveness and individual language proficiency
• Ability to contribute to innovative and effective English language teaching practices in the State of Arizona and elsewhere
• Ability to integrate use of technology into language instruction and research
• Ability to synthesize information and approaches across a range of core topics in Applied Linguistics, such as language acquisition, language in society, English grammar, and the development of language curricula and programs
• Understanding of the many issues relevant to cross-cultural communication
• Comprehensive preparation and professional orientation for advanced research in Ph.D. programs
• Ability to design, conduct, analyze, and interpret original and important empirical research
• Ability to contribute as active professionals in Applied Linguistics and related fields
• Expertise and qualifications to contribute significantly in professorial positions to the growth and development of Applied Linguistics