Educational Linguistics

Ph.D.

A pioneer in the field since its founding in 1976, the Educational Linguistics Ph.D. specialization focuses on language learning and teaching, and the role of language in learning and teaching. Its questions and concerns are situated squarely in educational policy and practice, informing and informed by interdisciplinary theory and research in linguistics, anthropology, psychology, sociology, and other fields.

This Ph.D. specialization promotes the view that language must be examined within the cultural contexts and social situations in which it occurs. Faculty and students are involved in generating research on language and learning in areas such as:

  • Bilingualism, biliteracy, and bilingual education;
  • Multilingual language planning and policy;
  • Linguistic, cognitive, and social aspects of (language) learning, both inside and outside of the classroom;
  • Adult and child language socialization;
  • The educational and social consequences of linguistic diversity at the community and national levels;
  • Local and global perspectives on English language teaching policy and practice;
  • Written and spoken language in organizational settings.

Educational Linguistics Ph.D. graduates pursue teaching, research, and administrative careers in colleges and universities worldwide, as well as government, community, and private organizations.

All students are expected to gain a solid foundation in linguistics and research methodology. Introductory courses in ESL pedagogy and sociolinguistics are strongly encouraged for students with no background in these areas. Students must complete 20 course units, the preliminary examination, a foreign language examination to show knowledge of a second language other than English, and the dissertation. A minimum of 12 courses must be taken at the University of Pennsylvania.

Courses include:

EDUC 517 Classroom Discourse and Interaction
EDUC 545 Research Design and the Study of Educational Linguistics
EDUC 546 Sociolinguistics in Education
EDUC 572 Language and Gender
EDUC 673 Issues in Language Assessment
EDUC 661 Language Diversity and Education
EDUC 670 Second Language Acquisition
EDUC 845 Seminar in Microethnography
EDUC 911 Issues in Second Language Acquisition
EDUC 927 Research Seminar: Language Policy and Education

To view GSE course offerings, click here.

 

Program Faculty

Yuko Goto Butler, Ph.D., Stanford University
Nancy H. Hornberger, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison (Program Director)
Kathryn M. Howard, Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles
Cheryl Micheau, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania
Teresa Pica, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania
Anne Pomerantz, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania
Betsy Rymes, Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles

Affiliated Faculty:

Thomas Adams, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania
Kristine Billmyer, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania
Rebecca Freeman Field, Ph.D., Georgetown University
Mary Ann Julian, Ph.D., University of Edinburgh
Ellen Skilton-Sylvester, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania
Nelleke Van Deusen-Scholl, Ph.D., University of Florida

Program Contact

Penny Creedon, LLE Coordinator
University of Pennsylvania
Graduate School of Education
3700 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6216
pennyc@gse.upenn.edu
215-898-3245 (direct) 

 

Mary Schlesinger, LLE Admissions Assistant
University of Pennsylvania
Graduate School of Education
3700 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6216
maryzs@gse.upenn.edu
215-898-7912 (direct)