Applied Linguistics, Ph.D.

Requirements for admission include:

• Master’s degree in applied linguistics or a related field
• Teaching experience in a second or foreign language
• A GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale at the master's level, with the strength of the M.A. program taken into consideration.
• Non-native speakers of English must submit TOEFL scores of at least 600 on the paper-based test or 250 on the computer-based test and a score of at least 5 on the Test of Written English or the TOEFL Writing Test, or if the Internet-based TOEFL is taken, a composite score of 97 and writing score of 22 and speaking score of 24 are required.

Students who demonstrate experience with adult language learners and/or English for Academic Purposes will be preferred. In addition, students who demonstrate research potential based on an M.A. thesis or research papers submitted as part of the application process will be preferred. New students will be admitted only in the fall semester.

Applicants must submit the following materials:

• Completed graduate program application form
• Two copies of official transcripts from all colleges attended
• If applicable, official scores on the TOEFL or IELTS
• Three letters from academic references
• Sample of academic writing (published or unpublished)
• Statement of professional and academic goals that includes a response to the following: Why are you seeking a Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics (specifically in the Department of Applied Linguistics and ESL at Georgia State)? What are your research interests? With which faculty member are you interested in studying?
• Current C.V.

In the first two years of doctoral study, students will take five required core courses (15 semester hours) in conjunction with an additional 15 semester hours of coursework and 21 semester hours of dissertation credit. For students whose M.A. is not in Applied Linguistics, check the website for prerequisite courses.

The courses in the program over three content areas include the following:

• Area I: Research Methods
• Area II: Language Analysis and Use
• Area III: Language Learning and Teaching

The five required core courses from Areas I through III are the following:

Area I:

• AL 8960 Quantitative Research Methods (3)
• AL 8961 Qualitative Research Methods (3)

Area II:

• AL 8970 Linguistic Analysis (phonetics-phonology topic)* (3)
• AL 8970 Linguistic Analysis (morphology-syntax-semantics topic)* (3)

Area III:

• AL 8980 Current Issues in Adult Second Language Acquisition (3)
• AL 8990 Current Issues in the Preparation of Second Language Teachers (3)

*Students are required to fulfill breadth and depth requirements in linguistic theory. The preferred way to do this is by taking both versions of AL 8970. However, students may be exempted from one of the AL 8970 courses if they have taken AL 8240 General Linguistics or an equivalent course from another institution. (General Linguistics itself does not count toward the 30-hour requirement.) Those who wish to teach Introduction to Linguistics need to have taken both Linguistic Theory courses.

Ph.D. students must have taken a course comparable to AL 8550 Second Language Evaluation and Assessment either at the M.A. level or while in the Ph.D. program in AL/ESL. If it is taken during the Ph.D. program, it counts as three of the six hours that can be taken in courses that are aimed at both M.A. and Ph.D. students.

The doctoral program anticipates the student will demonstrate mastery of a large and complex body of knowledge and a high degree of proficiency in the techniques of teaching and research. This proficiency is evidenced by the successful completion of coursework and examinations, effective performance in classroom instruction, participation in conducting research and writing articles, and the writing of a dissertation.