phd in applied linguistics usa

Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, PHD

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At a Glance: program details

• Location: Tempe campus
• Second Language Requirement: No

Program Description

Degree Awarded: PHD Linguistics and Applied Linguistics

The PhD program in linguistics and applied linguistics focuses on the scientific study of human language and the application of that study to the human condition.

Students in this program select a research specialization in formal linguistics, applied linguistics or some combination within these fields of study.

The curriculum provides professional training in linguistics and applied linguistics with focused research in several linguistic subfields, including syntax, semantics, phonetics, phonology, pragmatics, discourse analysis, sociolinguistics, language contact and change, language planning, Indigenous American linguistics, language documentation and revitalization, second language acquisition, second language teaching and learning, teaching English to speakers of other languages, global Englishes and computer-assisted language learning.

The doctoral program in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics focuses on the study of human language and the application of that study to the human condition.  Students in this program will choose a research specialization which can be formal linguistics, applied linguistics, or some combination of these areas.  The curriculum will provide training in linguistics and applied linguistics with focused research in several areas such as phonetics, phonology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics.  Second language acquisition and second language teaching and learning, TESOL (teaching English to speakers of other languages), language contact and change, including World Englishes, are also research possibilities in addition to sociolinguistics, language planning, discourse analysis, language and cognition.

Matthew Prior , Director

Kira Assad, Program Manager

Faculty in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics

Doctoral Examinations

Doctoral Procedures and Timeline

Teaching Assistantships

Degree Requirements

Curriculum plan options.

• 84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a foreign language exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (18 credit hours) APL 555 Disciplinary Discourses (3) APL 601 Introduction to Applied Linguistics (3) LIN 511 Phonetics and Phonology (3) LIN 514 Syntax (3) LIN 515 American English (3) or LIN 516 Pragmatics and Discourse Analysis (3) LIN 655 Advanced Disciplinary Discourses in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics (3)

Electives and Research (33 credit hours) LIN 501 Approaches to Research (3)

Specialization (21 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) LIN 799 or APL 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information When approved by the student's supervisory committee and the Graduate College, this program allows 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree to be used for this degree. If students do not have a previously awarded master's degree, then 30 credit hours is made up of additional electives and research coursework which must include LIN 510, if they have not previously taken it or its equivalent.

Students must demonstrate evidence of competent knowledge of a natural language other than modern English, to be selected by the student and subject to the approval of the chair of the dissertation committee. The language requirement must be completed before the student is eligible to take the doctoral examinations. This requirement may be met by any of the following:

• earning a "B" or higher (3.00 on a 4.00 scale) in a 400- or 500-level course in an appropriate (approved) language
• demonstrating comparable proficiency by taking a language examination, administered by the School of International Letters and Cultures, in a language approved by the student's supervisory committee
• demonstrating native-speaker proficiency, as determined by the School of International Letters and Cultures, in a language approved by the student's supervisory committee
• earning a "B" or higher (3.00 on a 4.00 scale) in both ENG 530 Old English and ENG 531 Old English Literature or the equivalent of each
• holding a bachelor's degree in an approved foreign language
• having fulfilled a foreign language requirement toward a previously awarded master's degree that was completed within five years of the semester for which the student was admitted to the doctoral program
• two years (four semesters) of successfully completed college-level coursework (no more than six years prior to admission to the degree program) at least at the 100 and 200 levels with a "C" or better for languages which the School of International Letters and Cultures does not offer or does not offer above the 200 level

The foreign language requirement must be in a language approved by the student's doctoral supervisory committee.

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 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 3.50 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• statement of purpose
• resume or curriculum vitae
• three letters of recommendation
• academic writing sample relevant to the field
• statement of teaching philosophy (teaching assistantship only)
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) and has not graduated from an institution of higher learning in the United States must provide proof of English proficiency. Applications will not be processed without valid proof of English proficiency. More information about English proficiency requirements can be found the school website . Please note that official scores must be sent to ASU in order for the application to be processed.

The well-considered one- to two-page statement of purpose should explain the applicant's scholarly background and training, career goals, proposed research specialization, any secondary field of interest and why the applicant wishes to pursue a PhD in linguistics and applied linguistics at Arizona State University. Applicants applying for funding must also submit a statement of teaching philosophy.

Next Steps to attend ASU

Learn about our programs, apply to a program, visit our campus, application deadlines, learning outcomes.

• Independent research expertise: Students will be able to design and carry out an original research study in their discipline and subdisciplines.
• Scholarly writing expertise: Students will demonstrate the ability to produce written scholarly work at a level expected by the profession and consistent with the degree program.
• Critical analysis expertise: Students will demonstrate the ability to explain, synthesize and critique existing scholarship in their research area.

Career Opportunities

Graduates with research expertise in linguistics and 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 or coordinator
• language researcher
• linguistic consultant
• program and curriculum developer
• 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.

• [email protected]
• 480/965-3168

Doctoral Program

The Ph.D. program emphasizes rigorous theoretical work that has at its base a firm empirical foundation in language data. 

Students are provided with a broad-based background in linguistics, teaching experience in the classroom and other forums, and opportunities for original and high-quality research.  Our Ph.D. students write dissertations on a wide range of topics spanning and bridging many subareas of the field.  See our Ph.D. Alumni  page for dissertation titles and job placement information.

Overview of the Program

Through the completion of advanced coursework and strong methodological and analytical training, the Ph.D. program prepares students to make original contributions to knowledge in linguistics, to articulate the results of their work, and to demonstrate its significance to linguistics and related fields.  At every stage in the program, students are encouraged to present and publish their research and to develop active professional profiles. 

Students generally complete the program in five years

• Coursework in core areas of linguistics, chosen by each student in consultation with faculty advisors to build the foundation that best suits their interests and goals.
• Fall Quarter: Includes seminar to introduce students to the research of faculty in the department
• Winter Quarter: Includes participation in small research groups or in one-on-one apprenticeships
• Spring Quarter: Includes beginning to work on the first of 2 qualifying research papers

Years 2 and 3

• Balance shifts from coursework to development of research skills
• Students complete two qualifying papers and then selects a principal advisor and committee for their dissertation by the end of year 3.

Years 4 and 5

• Devoted to dissertation and advanced research

Teaching Experience

As they move through the Ph.D. program, students also gain teaching experience by serving as teaching assistants in their second, third, and fourth year of graduate study. They also have access to the many programs provided by Stanford's Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning , including the varied resources of the Teaching Commons .

Offers of admission to the Linguistics Ph.D. program include funding for the full five years of doctoral study, including tuition and stipend, regardless of citizenship. 

We also encourage our applicants to apply for as many external fellowships and scholarships as they are eligible for; a compilation of funding opportunities for Linguistics graduate students can be found on our  Fellowship and Funding Information page .  Applicants should note that the deadlines for these fellowships are typically in the fall of the year prior to admission.

In addition, the  Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS) program is designed to build a multidisciplinary community of Stanford graduate students dedicated to finding creative solutions to the world's greatest challenges. Join dozens of  Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences students  who gain valuable leadership skills in a multidisciplinary, multicultural community as  Knight-Hennessy Scholars . KHS admits up to 100 applicants each year from across Stanford’s seven graduate schools, and delivers engaging experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders ready to address complex global challenges. As a scholar, you join a distinguished cohort, participate in up to three years of KHS's leadership program, and receive full funding for up to three years of your PhD studies at Stanford. Candidates of any country may apply. KHS applicants must have earned their first undergraduate degree within the last seven years, and must apply to both a Stanford graduate program and to KHS. Stanford PhD students may also apply to KHS during their first year of PhD enrollment. If you aspire to be a leader in your field, we invite you to apply. The KHS application deadline is October 9, 2024. Learn more about  KHS admission .

Additional information is available about the student budget , Stanford graduate fellowships , and other support programs .

Outside the classroom, there are many opportunities, both formal and informal, for the discussion of linguistic issues and ongoing research, including colloquia, workshops, and reading groups.

Partnership Opportunities

Although not part of the formal doctoral program, there are numerous opportunities for research and development work at the Center for the Study of Language and Information and  off-campus at local companies.  

Admissions Information

Department of Languages, Cultures & Applied Linguistics

Dietrich college of humanities and social sciences, discover the applied linguistics & second language acquisition ph.d. program, the primary goal of this program is to educate and prepare future researchers and leaders in the field of applied linguistics & second language acquisition (alsla)..

Program graduates will have developed a strong interdisciplinary approach to the investigation of the development, use, and maintenance of second languages, along with the knowledge and skills needed to conduct high-quality empirical investigations. They will learn to critically integrate old and new knowledge to produce real-world applications in the areas of language teaching, language learning, language policy, and language maintenance.

Apply for the Ph.D. program

"In this Ph.D. program, I not only learned how to answer, but also ask questions of significance to researchers from a broad range of backgrounds and disciplines. CMU truly prepared me for a life in academia where my knowledge and research skills would be valued, no matter where I ended up." — Daniel Walter (DC 2015)

Apply for the Ph.D. Program

• Admission & Application Information
• Application Portal

Attend a Virtual Info Session

Learn more about the Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics & Second Language Acquisition at our upcoming virtual info session.

October 22, 2024 8:00-9:00 p.m. (ET) register today

About the Program

Program faculty.

Current Students

Program Requirements

The Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics & Second Language Acquisition follows a four-year timeline. 

Learn More About the Ph.D. Requirements

Characteristics of the Program

Commitment to cross-linguistic and cross-cultural factors in second  language learning . Students carry out research in the context of multiple languages. Admission to the program requires advanced proficiency in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, or English as a second language.

Interdisciplinary focus linking cognitive sciences, linguistics, social  sciences, cultural studies, and education . Students work with faculty in Modern Languages, English, Philosophy, and Psychology in the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences; faculty in the Language Technologies Institute of the School of Computer Science; and faculty at the University of Pittsburgh in the departments of Linguistics and Instruction & Learning, and the Learning Research and Development Center (LRDC).

Active apprenticeship within a community of researchers . Beginning in the first year, students engage in hands-on research training and mentoring through collaboration with faculty.

Individualized course of study that builds on the student's prior  knowledge and experience . Students gradually assume greater control and responsibility over their research activities and course work, culminating in the dissertation.

Featured ALSLA News

Airemionkhale named 2024 dietrich college scholar, devon renfroe awarded fulbright for research in south korea, alumna tianyu qin supports intercultural growth, alumnus dan walter pursues interdisciplinary research in second language acquisition, uju anya receives new directions fellowship, faculty spotlight: katharine burns, contact information, senior departmental administrator.

Vera Lampley Department of Modern Languages Carnegie Mellon University 5000 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Director of Applied Linguistics & Second Language Acquisition Ph.D. Program

Seth Wiener Department of Modern Languages Carnegie Mellon University 5000 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213

View a full list of our  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) .

If you cannot find the answer to your question on our website, please contact [email protected] .

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Linguistics, PhD

The Ph.D. program in Linguistics at Penn embraces a wide range of theoretical specializations and methodologies. What unites them is a commitment to careful and explicit formal analysis of the human capacity for learning and using language.

The core of our program is the formal generative tradition, but we encourage the cross-fertilization that results from the confrontation of empirical and theoretical perspectives on language structure. By our close collaboration with other programs (such as computer science and psychology) we promote an awareness of the broad view of language that interdisciplinary study induces. In addition to broad training, students are offered and expected to master the methods and results of their chosen areas of concentration in linguistics as a prerequisite to fruitful engagement in dialogue with others, both within and outside the program.

For more information: https://www.ling.upenn.edu/graduate/

View the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs .

Required Courses

The total course units required for graduation is 20. A minimum of 12 course units must be taken at the University of Pennsylvania.

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

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Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, PhD

• Program description
• At a glance
• Degree requirements
• Admission requirements
• Tuition information
• Application deadlines
• Program learning outcomes
• Career opportunities
• Contact information

Applied Linguistics, Discourse, Educational Linguistics, Language Policy, Language Study, Linguistics, PHONOLOGY, SEMANTICS, SYNTAX, Second Language Aquisition, Second Language Writing, english

Prepare for a career in academia or a variety of other professional paths. This program boasts internationally recognized faculty with expertise in a wide range of linguistics and applied linguistics subfields. Supervised internships, innovative mentoring programs, opportunities for research training and professional development, and a vibrant research community help you succeed in your academic and professional goals.

The PhD program in linguistics and applied linguistics focuses on the scientific study of human language and the application of that study to the human condition.

Students in this program select a research specialization in formal linguistics, applied linguistics or some combination within these fields of study.

The curriculum provides professional training in linguistics and applied linguistics with focused research in several linguistic subfields, including syntax, semantics, phonetics, phonology, pragmatics, discourse analysis, sociolinguistics, language contact and change, language planning, Indigenous American linguistics, language documentation and revitalization, second language acquisition, second language teaching and learning, teaching English to speakers of other languages, global Englishes and computer-assisted language learning.

• College/school: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Location: Tempe
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a foreign language exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (18 credit hours) APL 555 Disciplinary Discourses (3) APL 601 Introduction to Applied Linguistics (3) LIN 511 Phonetics and Phonology (3) LIN 514 Syntax (3) LIN 515 American English (3) or LIN 516 Pragmatics and Discourse Analysis (3) LIN 655 Advanced Disciplinary Discourses in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics (3)

Electives and Research (33 credit hours) LIN 501 Approaches to Research (3)

Specialization (21 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) LIN 799 or APL 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information When approved by the student's supervisory committee and the Graduate College, this program allows 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree to be used for this degree. If students do not have a previously awarded master's degree, then 30 credit hours is made up of additional electives and research coursework which must include LIN 510, if they have not previously taken it or its equivalent.

Students must demonstrate evidence of competent knowledge of a natural language other than modern English, to be selected by the student and subject to the approval of the chair of the dissertation committee. The language requirement must be completed before the student is eligible to take the doctoral examinations. This requirement may be met by any of the following:

• earning a "B" or higher (3.00 on a 4.00 scale) in a 400- or 500-level course in an appropriate (approved) language
• demonstrating comparable proficiency by taking a language examination, administered by the School of International Letters and Cultures, in a language approved by the student's supervisory committee
• demonstrating native-speaker proficiency, as determined by the School of International Letters and Cultures, in a language approved by the student's supervisory committee
• earning a "B" or higher (3.00 on a 4.00 scale) in both ENG 530 Old English and ENG 531 Old English Literature or the equivalent of each
• holding a bachelor's degree in an approved foreign language
• having fulfilled a foreign language requirement toward a previously awarded master's degree that was completed within five years of the semester for which the student was admitted to the doctoral program
• two years (four semesters) of successfully completed college-level coursework (no more than six years prior to admission to the degree program) at least at the 100 and 200 levels with a "C" or better for languages which the School of International Letters and Cultures does not offer or does not offer above the 200 level

The foreign language requirement must be in a language approved by the student's doctoral supervisory committee.

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 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 3.50 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• statement of purpose
• resume or curriculum vitae
• three letters of recommendation
• academic writing sample relevant to the field
• statement of teaching philosophy (teaching assistantship only)
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) and has not graduated from an institution of higher learning in the United States must provide proof of English proficiency. Applications will not be processed without valid proof of English proficiency. More information about English proficiency requirements can be found the school website . Please note that official scores must be sent to ASU in order for the application to be processed.

The well-considered one- to two-page statement of purpose should explain the applicant's scholarly background and training, career goals, proposed research specialization, any secondary field of interest and why the applicant wishes to pursue a PhD in linguistics and applied linguistics at Arizona State University. Applicants applying for funding must also submit a statement of teaching philosophy.

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

• Critical analysis expertise: Students will demonstrate the ability to explain, synthesize and critique existing scholarship in their research area.
• Independent research expertise: Students will be able to design and carry out an original research study in their discipline and subdisciplines.
• Scholarly writing expertise: Students will demonstrate the ability to produce written scholarly work at a level expected by the profession and consistent with the degree program.

Graduates with research expertise in linguistics and 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 or coordinator
• language researcher
• linguistic consultant
• program and curriculum developer
• teacher trainer
• university professor

Department of English | RBHL 170 [email protected] 480-965-3168 Admission deadlines

Ph.D. Degree in Applied Linguistics

The Department of Applied Linguistics is an intellectually engaged community dedicated to the scholarly and professional development of its graduate students. The Ph.D. program in Applied Linguistics is shaped by the scholarship and teaching interests of the department’s outstanding faculty. Faculty members have national and international reputations in their areas of specialization and serve as journal editors, on editorial boards, and in responsible positions for national and international professional organizations. Students come from around the world to study with the faculty. Their varied backgrounds and interests contribute to a vibrant community of scholars.

Teaching and Research Apprenticeships

Faculty work with students to develop their teaching and research skills. Doctoral students have opportunities to team-teach graduate courses in their areas of specialization with faculty members. In these experiences, students work with their faculty mentors to design course materials, prepare classes and assess student learning.

In addition to teaching experiences, all graduate students have opportunities to work alongside faculty members on research projects. These opportunities provide them with practical experiences in designing research studies and collecting and analyzing data.

Research Support Grants

Financial support for conference travel and research is available on a competitive basis. Every Ph.D. student is eligible for a semester off from teaching when writing the dissertation. In addition, we actively encourage our students to apply for external grants and we provide assistance with these applications.

Community Life

Outside of the classroom, a variety of department-sponsored activities are provided to enhance the intellectual and professional lives of both faculty and students. We have regularly scheduled  departmental roundtable sessions  and guest lectures where faculty and graduate students are able to engage in discussions of research-in-progress by members of the applied linguistics community as well as by visiting speakers.  Reading and discussion groups  are also part of our activities. The graduate student body also organizes social events that bring faculty and students together in more informal settings to share ideas and develop affiliations.

The Department is building an outstanding record of placing its students in academic and professional positions. We advise and mentor our students as they consider career possibilities. We hold workshops for students to organize and refine their materials for the job market and to prepare them for interviews and campus visits.

We believe that you will find graduate study in the Department of Applied Linguistics at Penn State to be an exciting and rewarding experience.

University of South Florida

Department of World Languages

TAMPA | ST. PETERSBURG | SARASOTA-MANATEE

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Ph.d. linguistics and applied language studies (lals).

The Ph.D. program in Linguistics and Applied Language Studies (LALS) prepares students for research and teaching in the interdisciplinary field of Applied Linguistics. Applied linguists address a broad range of language-related issues, to better understand how language functions both in the lives of individuals and in society. The LALS program at the University of South Florida emphasizes multiple theoretical and methodological approaches.  We offer specializations in the following subdisciplines:  the analysis of spoken and written texts, multilingualism, second language acquisition, and sociolinguistics. Through its curriculum, as well as through close mentoring between faculty and students, the LALS program emphasizes real-world, practical applications to language-related problems and prepares students with the 21st century skills necessary to succeed in both academic and industry careers.

Why Study Here?

Faculty-Student Collaboration   Our faculty are committed to supporting student intellectual and professional development through active mentoring.  One form of mentoring is faculty-student collaborative research which allows students to work closely with faculty on research projects of common interests and to co-present/co-publish the findings with the faculty. Faculty-student collaborations have produced co-authored articles in journals as  CALICO Journal, CALL, Discourse, Context & Media, Ethnography and Education, Foreign Language Annals, Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, Journal of Sociolinguistics, International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, International Journal of Multilingualism, International Journal of Studies in Applied Linguistics and ELT, Language Teaching Research, Study Abroad Research in Second Language Acquisition and International Education, TESL–EJ, TESOL Journal, TESOL Quarterly, and  Writing Pedagogy.

Faculty-student collaborations have also produced dozens of presentations at international and national conferences such as the American Association of Applied Linguistics (AAAL) Conference, the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Conference (ACTFL), Association for Business Communication conference, the CLIC Conference on Study Abroad (for 2017), the Georgetown University Round Table (GURT), the Language Teacher Education (LTE) Conference,  the Second Language Research Forum (SLRF), the Symposium on Second Language Writing, the Convention of Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), and the Teaching and Language Corpora Conference.

Location University of South Florida is located in the vibrant and diverse Greater Tampa Bay area with a population of more than four million. The Tampa Bay area offers a multitude of cultural and recreational activities year around and boasts of one of the best airports in the world. Local attractions include beautiful beaches in Clearwater and Saint Petersburg and the world-famous Disney parks are just a short drive away in Orlando. The Tampa Bay area has much to offer to those seeking professional development opportunities in Applied Linguistics and TESOL. In particular, BART, Bay Area Regional TESOL, offers a rich array of activities for professional networking and socializing.

Non-Traditional Career Trajectories   Our curriculum provides students a solid foundation in multiple theoretical and methodological approaches to studying both language use and second language learning.  Through coursework and guided and independent research which emphasize and examine language-related problems in real-world contexts, our students are well prepared to pursue academic as well as non-traditional careers.

Funding for Qualified Students    Our Ph.D. program receives strong support from the Department of World Languages (WLE). Qualified applicants are awarded teaching assistantships and teach foreign language or applied linguistics courses in WLE. Some students will be funded by teaching in INTO-USF's ELP. Qualified applicants may also compete for the University Graduate Fellowship.  Once in the program, students have the opportunity to complete for other awards. For example, the Dissertation Completion Fellowship is awarded by the Office of Graduate Studies to qualified doctoral students completing their dissertation research and writing.

Core Faculty

Core LALS Faculty Members Page

What kind of job will I be prepared for with the Ph.D. in LALS from USF?                         As members of an applied discipline, applied linguists are language scientists who address issues related to language use in diverse contexts, ranging from understanding language choice in professional writing, to analyzing the critical role of language in doctor-patient interactions, to understanding how people from different language backgrounds are able to communicate successfully in global business environments. Focusing on the rigorous empirical analysis of language data, applied linguists address problems such as how writers in various disciplines use language to construct professional expertise, how users of a second language can make their accent intelligible to others, how and why second language learners differ in their language learning journeys, and how to define and measure specific language abilities.  The program prepares graduate to work both in academic and non-academic positions. 

How long does it take to complete the Ph.D. degree?                                                              For the LALS program, the coursework requirements should take two years to complete with an additional two years for the qualifying exam and the dissertation. The program advisors will help each student determine the coursework sequence and timing.

Can I get financial aid or an assistantship?                                                                               Our goal is to help all students admitted to the LALS program find funding for a 4-year period (unless otherwise specified in the acceptance letter).  If a student should need longer than 4 years to finish the program, we will try to help with funding when possible; however, funding priority will be given to those students in their first 4 years of study.  Based on your application, the faculty will help identify potential funding opportunities, and you will likely be asked to complete additional applications and/or go through the interview process for these positions. For loans or other types of non-USF financial aid, please contact the Office of Financial Aid .

What are the research specializations of the Applied Linguistics faculty?        The faculty have a wide range of research interests and specializations. For details, see the “people” page.

Do I have to know exactly what my research specialization will be before I apply to the program?                                                                                                                                     You will submit a statement of purpose (SOP) as part of your application package. The SOP is a discussion of why you want to pursue the LALS Ph.D., including your current research interests and faculty that you could potentially work with at USF. In other words, you would need to have some sort of tentative plan of a research topic in Applied Linguistics that you would like to pursue for your Ph.D. studies. That being said, you might become inspired by a specific class, the research of a specific faculty member at USF, or a conference that you attend during the first part of your studies.  While the information in your SOP will be an indication to the faculty of whether or not you will be a good fit for the program, the project/topic you propose in your SOP is open to modification. 

Is it possible to waive the GRE requirement?                                                                            No, all applicants must submit a GRE score from a test taken within the past 5 years.

How do I know if I need to submit a TOEFL score?                                                                       If you are an international student, you will need a TOEFL score for both admission and funding. Please note that while admissions accepts the IELTS for admissions purposes, the Office of Graduate Studies does not accept it to show English proficiency for a TA position. As such, if you are requesting funding from USF (as we expect most Ph.D. applicants will do), we require a TOEFL be submitted at the time of application.  

There are so many Ph.D. programs in Applied Linguistics.  What makes USF special?     The faculty in the LALS program at USF pride themselves on the close mentoring they give to their students.  The faculty have a long history of advising doctoral students and have many co-authored papers and conference presentations with their graduate students. 

LALS Alumni page

Current Students

Current LALS Students 

Prospective Students

Applying for Admission                                                                                                            Applying for admission can take a surprisingly long time. The actual application document is not very long, but the other documents can be very time consuming. You are encouraged to plan your admissions packet with careful attention. Your packet represents you to the Linguistics Faculty Admissions Committee, so be sure that it reflects the quality of work that you intend to give your graduate studies. If you have any questions, please e-mail the graduate director, Camilla Vasquez, PhD . 

Deadline for applying for admission                                                                                                A deadline date means date of receipt by the Graduate Admissions office or International Admissions office. The deadline date presumes a completed application packet.

Note: Our program deadline January 15 precedes the University's application deadline.  In order to be considered for admission to LALS, we must receive ALL of your information on or before January 15. International students may have earlier university deadline requirements. Please inquire with the Office of Graduate Studies .

If you do not see our program listed in the drop-down menu of the application website , please contact the graduate director, Camilla Vasquez, PhD . Do NOT choose a different program (such as English Education). Thank you, and we look forward to receiving your application.

How to apply

A list of all documents required for application can be found here . 

Please upload all documents to the application website .

Additional admissions requirements for International Applicants

For information about the process for International Applicants, including the online application, please contact the Office of International Admissions . 

• LALS Handbook
• Online Application
• Graduate Catalogue
• Residence Services - Housing

External Grants for Ph.D. Students

• American Association of University Women Grants (for US citizens and international students)
• Institute of International Education Funding Opportunities
• Linguistlist list of Funding
• NSF Dissertation Research Improvement Award
• Spenser Dissertation Fellowship
• TESOL Ruth Crymes Fellowship
• TESOL Mini Grant Awards
• TIRF Dissertation Grant
• TOEFL grant for doctoral research in assessment

Internal Grants for Ph.D. Students

• USF Dissertation completion grant

Financial Issues

• USF Office of Graduate Studies - Funding
• USF Scholarships & Financial Aid Services
• USF Tuition
• USF Testing Services

International Students

• Office of Admissions for International Students
• INTO - USF's Academic Pathway and English Language Programs

For questions regarding our PhD program, please contact:

Camilla Vasquez, Ph.D. PhD Director of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies (LALS) Office: USF Tampa campus, Cooper Hall 438 Email: [email protected] Phone: 813-974-2548