Department of English
Applied Linguistics, Doctor of Philosophy
If language is humanity's most useful tool, then applied linguistics, as the study of language, puts that tool to work. The focus of applied linguistics is on trying to resolve language-based issues that people encounter in the real world (Grabe 2002). This dissertation-based degree allows students to customize their coursework and research around such areas as second language studies, teaching and assessment of language skills, corpus linguistics, grammar and discourse, pragmatics, psycholinguistics, and speech perception and production.
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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.
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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.
The full policy can be viewed here.
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Overview
In addition to University Requirements:
- Complete individual plan requirements.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 81 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Required |
| Dissertation | Dissertation is required. |
| Oral Defense | Oral Defense is required. |
| Foreign Language | Optional |
| Research | Individualized research is required. |
Purpose Statement
Ph.D. students pursue a diverse range of applied linguistic issues in preparation for their careers as researchers, teacher trainers, or leaders in fields related to teaching and learning second languages, including:
- computer-assisted language learning (CALL)
- corpus linguistics
- grammar and discourse
- language planning and policy
- language testing and program evaluation
- language variation
- literacy
- register analysis
- second language acquisition
- second language teaching and learning
- speech perception and production
Our faculty work closely with individual students, helping them to develop as colleagues in applied linguistics. As a result, our Ph.D. students have outstanding records 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.
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
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Details
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. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy
Individual program admission requirements include:
- GRE® revised General Test
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- 2 letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
- Writing Sample
Official TOEFL iBT/IELTS scores taken within the last 2 years are required for international applicants. Please see department website for information regarding minimum score requirements.
Doctoral Requirements
Take the following 81 units:
- Master's-level work relevant to your research interests (36 units)
- Statistics, such as: ENG 668, EPS 625 and EPS 725 (9 units)
- Seminars (9 units)
- Graduate electives, chosen in consultation with your dissertation committee (12 units)
- ENG 799, for the research, writing, and oral defense of an approved dissertation (15 units)
Please note that you may end up taking more units of dissertation credit than the 15 units you can count toward your degree, because you must register for ENG 799 each semester while you work on your dissertation.
In addition you must:- Complete a screening process
- Complete a qualifying exam
- Fulfill Northern Arizona University's residency requirements (For more information about residency and other requirements that pertain to this degree, see Doctoral Requirements Policy.)
- Pass an oral exam on your dissertation (Dissertation Defense)
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also take. For prerequisite information click on the course or see your advisor.
Faculty
To see a list of faculty who teach in the program, please click here.Program Requirements
To receive a Doctor of Philosophy Degree (PhD) 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. The full policy can be viewed here.The PhD in Applied Linguistics requires 81 units:
- Master's-level work relevant to your research interests (36 units)
- Statistics, such as ENG 668, EPS 625 and EPS 725 (9 units)
- Seminars (9 units)
- Graduate electives, chosen in consultation with your dissertation committee (12 units)
- ENG 799, for the research, writing, and oral defense of an approved dissertation (15 units). Please note that you may end up taking more units of dissertation credit because you must register for ENG 799 each semester while you work on your dissertation.
In addition you must:
- Pass the PhD screening process, which comprises completion of the university MA-TESL comprehensive examination plus completion of an original empirical research paper within three semesters of provisional admission. Passing the screening process requires an overall assessment of high pass on the comprehensive exam and empirical research paper.
- Satisfy the PhD language requirement.
- Prepare PhD qualifying exam papers based on questions provided by the student's dissertation committee members.
- Prepare an oral defense of a dissertation proposal.
- Prepare an oral defense of a dissertation.
- Present a public lecture based on the dissertation, preferably immediately preceding the oral defense.
For more information, please see the MA-TESL and PhD in Applied Linguistics handbook.
How to Apply
Applications will be considered until the end of April for the following fall semester. However, first priority is given to applicants submitting their material by February 1 for the following fall semester.Applicants who are interested in teaching assistantships or tuition waivers are encouraged to apply by February 1 for first review of files for financial aid. Various forms of financial support, including graduate teaching assistantships, are available. Please click here to learn more.
Other requirements:
- undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A"), or the equivalent
International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy
1. Prepare your documents for submission to the Graduate College. Your application should include:
- recent scores for the GRE® revised General Test;
- for non-native English speakers, official iBT (TOEFL) scores taken within the last 2 years; minimum score of 100 iBT (reading: 27, listening: 24, speaking: 22, writing: 27) or IELTS scores of reading: 7.5, listening: 7, speaking: 7, writing: 7.5 required for admission;
- a curriculum vitae that describes your educational background, employment history, and professional activities;
- a letter of intent that describes why you are interested in obtaining a PhD from Northern Arizona University, what research focus you anticipate pursuing, and how you ultimately intend to use your degree;
- 2 letters of recommendation from people who can attest to your ability and potential for doctoral level work
- 1-2 sample publications or manuscripts (both hard and electronic copies); manuscripts from presentations or term papers from graduate courses are acceptable
- a copy of your transcripts with the application submission (may be unofficial); an official copy of your transcript will be required before beginning the program or being awarded financial aid
Wondering what happens next after you finish your PhD?