Carnegie Mellon University

Overview

The PhD in Second Language Acquisition (SLA) at Carnegie Mellon University is designed to equip researchers with the tools necessary to explore the complexities of how additional languages are acquired, utilized, and sustained across various contexts. This program places a strong emphasis on empirical research methods and interdisciplinary approaches that are pertinent to language teaching, policy formulation, and the dynamics of language communities.

What you'll study

The curriculum of the PhD program focuses on advanced studies in SLA theory and methodologies, highlighting cross-linguistic and cross-cultural dimensions. Students engage in comprehensive research training, coursework, and dissertation projects to build their expertise.

Core academic components

• Research training: Students will cultivate skills for designing, executing, and analyzing empirical research in the field of SLA.
• Language-focused scholarship: The program emphasizes research grounded in second language studies, addressing multiple language contexts.
• Seminar and academic development: Students participate in departmental activities and scholarly discussions to enhance their academic engagement.

Language requirement for research and teaching

• Students are required to demonstrate advanced proficiency in at least one of the department's offered languages, which include Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish, to fulfill research and teaching responsibilities.

Dissertation

• Capstone requirement: A dissertation that showcases original research in an SLA-related area is required to complete the program.
• Research alignment: Dissertation topics should align with students' research interests and the expertise of the program in SLA and language studies.

Entry requirements

While there are no specific GRE, GMAT, or minimum GPA cut-off requirements publicly available, applicants are encouraged to review the latest admission guidelines from Carnegie Mellon University and the SLA department for the most accurate information.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD program in Second Language Acquisition can pursue a variety of career paths in academia, language education, research, and policy-making. They are well-prepared to contribute to the understanding of language acquisition and pedagogy, engaging in roles that influence how languages are taught and learned globally.