PhD in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics

The PhD program in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics approaches the study of language from a variety of perspectives, with a primary focus on language in its social context.  Students may concentrate their research in any number of areas, ranging from core linguistics (phonetics/phonology and syntax), through sociolinguistics (discourse analysis, language contact and language variation and change) to applied linguistics (language policy and planning, culture and identity, and language teaching and learning).  The different approaches of faculty interests provide students with the opportunity to conduct research that bridges fields within the program. Our vision for the program blurs traditional concepts of what constitutes Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, which have much to learn from and to share with each other. Faculty in Linguistics work with topics related to the structure and usage of human language. Linguistics focuses on the description and explanation of patterns of phonetic, phonological, morphological and syntactic structure. Sociolinguistics links language structure with its social and cultural context, focusing on the deployment of linguistic resources in discourse, the conditioning of language use by language-internal and social factors, and the role of language contact in initiating and propagating language change. Sociolinguistics also has an interest in the social and political relationships between groups of different linguistic backgrounds and in the manipulation of language to signal social relationships, identities and attitudes. 

Faculty in Applied Linguistics examine language in society and as social practice, and research topics related to second and foreign language education.  These are broadly defined to include language pedagogy, issues of culture and identity, applied sociolinguistics, narrative inquiry, literacy and multiliteracies, second language acquisition, bilingualism discourse analysis, communicative competence and language contact studies.  Language policy and planning is an emerging area of expertise in the applied field, and critical applied linguistics or critical ESL/EFL pedagogies are areas of particular strength in the program.  Issues related to English for Academic Purposes (EAP) are reflected in several faculty research agendas, as well as in various graduate courses.

Advisors work with incoming PhD students to structure a program of study that provides them with a grounding in the field they want to work in, but which also ensures their exposure to other perspectives and issues, to broaden their understanding of how their research relates to the larger social and linguistic contexts. Through careful advising, student presentations, workshops, guest speaker series, and informal as well as formal opportunities to hear about the work of other students and faculty in the program, students work to build a broad understanding of Linguistics and Applied Linguistics as they prepare for academic careers and future leadership roles.

The program is structured on a four-year model, as follows:

Year 1: 6 three-credit courses
Year 2: Qualifying examination Dissertation proposal
Year 3: Doctoral research
Year 4: Doctoral research; dissertation completion