“I got to work with inspiring scholars doing cutting-edge work. I had so many experiences that shaped me as a scholar and that I continue to draw on in my research and academic writing.”
Holly Link, Ph.D., GR'16
A pioneering doctoral program with an enduring legacy of research in applied linguistics, language learning, and teaching.
The Educational Linguistics, Ph.D. program focuses on language learning and teaching as well as the role of language in education. Our questions and concerns are situated squarely in educational policy and practice, informing and informed by interdisciplinary theory and research in linguistics, anthropology, psychology, sociology, history, and other fields.
Program Details
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December 1 Application Deadline
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Fall Entry Term
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Full-Time Enrollment Format
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16 Courses
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4 Years Fully Funded Dean's Fellowship and Research Apprenticeship
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On Campus Modality
Overview
The Educational Linguistics, Ph.D. program equips experienced language teachers with the theoretical perspectives, research training, and technical expertise to become leaders in language education.
Designed for mid-career educators committed to curriculum development, instructional practice, program design, teacher development, and assessment from a research-based, practitioner-oriented perspective, the program offers coursework in language pedagogy, curriculum development, teacher education, second language socialization, and development, research methods in language education, and language policy and use in various educational settings.
Take the Next Step
Application Requirements and Deadlines Tuition and Fees Ph.D. Funding
Hear From Our Alumni
Hear From Our Alumni
Holly Link, Ph.D., GR'16
Upcoming Events
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Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Location: Online
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Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Location: Online
Curriculum
Our curriculum is designed to provide a solid foundation in linguistics and research methodology. Students customize their education by working with their advisor to choose electives from a wide range of course offerings from across the Penn campus. Students complete 10 required courses and 6 electives to build expertise in their chosen areas of study. Introductory courses in language pedagogy and sociolinguistics are strongly encouraged for students with no background in these areas.
For course descriptions and requirements, visit the Educational Linguistics, Ph.D. program in the University Catalog.
Do you have questions about the plan of study or faculty research?
We're happy to help! Contact the program assistant, Erica Poinsett, epoinset@upenn.edu.
Outcomes
Graduates are prepared for teaching and research careers in colleges and universities worldwide, as well as careers in government, community, and private organizations.
Alumni Careers
- Associate Professor, Columbia Teachers College
- Associate Professor, Malmö University
- Associate Professor, University of Iowa
- Associate Professor and Chair, Adelphi University
- Director of Educational Programming and Research, Center for Cultural, Art, Training and Education (CCATE)
- Senior International Baccalaureate World Schools Manager
- Assistant Professor of TESOL and Applied Linguistics in the English Department, Illinois State University
- Research and Evaluation Supervisor, William Penn School District
- Lecturer in Language Studies, Brown University
- Founder/CEO, Brilliant Bilingual
- Language Program Director, Lecturer in Foreign Languages, University of Pennsylvania
- Language Specialist, English Language Programs, University of Pennsylvania
- Assistant Professor, ESL, Cairn University
- Lecturer in East Asian Students, Korean Language, Princeton University
- German Teacher, Wissahickon School District
- ESOL Teacher, School District of Philadelphia
Apply Now
A graduate degree from Penn GSE opens up whole new worlds, intellectually as well as professionally. If you are a passionate, innovative, impactful leader—or aspire to be one—Penn GSE is the place for you.
Affiliated Faculty
Our affiliated faculty are valued members of the Penn GSE community and are leaders in their fields and disciplines across higher education and in the private sector. In addition to teaching students, many of our affiliated faculty also contribute to curricular development, research, and serve as student mentors.
Contact Us
Do you have questions about our programs, admissions requirements, or financial aid? We're here to help!
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