University of Pennsylvania

Overview

The Educational Linguistics Ph.D. program at the University of Pennsylvania delves into the intricate relationship between language learning, usage, and educational policy. This comprehensive course emphasizes how these elements influence educational practices and experiences across diverse contexts. Students will engage with a range of topics that include bilingualism, second language acquisition, and the sociolinguistic dynamics present within educational settings.

What you'll study

The curriculum is designed to provide a robust foundation in both core and specialized areas of educational linguistics. Students will participate in:

• Educational Linguistics
• Language Diversity and Education
• Sociolinguistics in Education
• Second Language Development
• Issues in Second Language Acquisition
• Genealogies of Race and Language in Educational Research
• Research Seminar: Language Policy and Education

In addition to core courses, students will engage in dissertation and research components, which include:

• Research seminars aimed at developing scholarly inquiries, methodologies, and academic writing skills
• Dissertation research that contributes original insights to the field
• Advising and degree planning in collaboration with faculty to align study with research interests

Furthermore, students have the opportunity to select elective courses tailored to their specific research focuses, such as bilingualism, language policy, sociolinguistics, multimodal discourse, or language revitalization.

Entry requirements

Admission to the Educational Linguistics Ph.D. program typically requires the submission of standardized test scores, including the GRE. Additionally, non-native English speakers may need to demonstrate proficiency through tests like the TOEFL iBT or IELTS.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Educational Linguistics program are well-equipped for a variety of career paths in academia, research, educational policy, and language consultancy. They may pursue roles in universities, governmental organizations, or non-profits focused on language education and policy development, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field of linguistics and education.