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Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, PhD

Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, PhD

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, PhD

Applied Linguistics, Discourse, Education, Educational Linguistics, Interdisciplinary Studies, Language, Language Policy, Linguistics, PHONOLOGY, Research, SYNTAX, Second Language Aquisition, Social Change, english

Launch a career in academia or explore a wide variety of professional opportunities with the support of internationally renowned faculty. Benefit from hands-on internships, innovative mentorship and a vibrant, interdisciplinary scholarly community. This program is designed to help you achieve your academic and professional goals.

Program description
Degree awarded: PHD  Linguistics and Applied Linguistics

The Doctor of Philosophy program in linguistics and applied linguistics provides a deep dive into the scientific study of language and its transformative role in human society. Students may study formal or applied linguistics, or a combination of both, to develop expertise in the subfields that match their research interests.

The curriculum is designed for flexibility, offering focused training in key areas such as syntax, semantics, phonetics, phonology, pragmatics, discourse analysis and sociolinguistics. Students can also explore specialized topics, including Indigenous American linguistics, language documentation, second-language acquisition, TESOL, global Englishes and computer-assisted language learning. With a focus on theory and application, the program prepares students for impactful careers across a variety of sectors.

At a glance
  • STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Video: Learn about the Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, PhD degree program at ASUThis video provides an overview of the Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, PhD degree program at ASU.

Degree requirements

84 credit hours, a foreign language exam, a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (12 credit hours)
APL 601 Introduction to Applied Linguistics (3)
LIN 501 Approaches to Research (3)
LIN 511 Phonetics and Phonology (3)
LIN 514 Syntax (3)

Other Requirement (3 credit hours)
LIN 515 American English (3) or
LIN 516 Pragmatics and Discourse Analysis (3)

Professional Development (6 credit hours)
APL 555 Disciplinary Discourses (3)
LIN 655 Advanced Disciplinary Discourses in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics (3)

Specialization (9 credit hours)

Electives and Research (42 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours)
APL 799 or LIN 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information
With the approval of the student's supervisory committee and the Graduate College, 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree can be used for this degree. For students who do not have a previously awarded master's degree, additional electives and research coursework comprise 30 credit hours, which must include LIN 510 if the student has not taken it or its equivalent.

The specialization section includes three courses, which students can choose from an approved list of 500-, 600- and 700-level APL and LIN courses. At least one must be 600 level. These courses may be substituted with advisor approval.

Students must demonstrate evidence of competent knowledge of a natural language other than modern English, to be selected by the student and subject to the approval of the chair of the dissertation committee. The language requirement must be completed before the student is eligible to take the doctoral examinations.

The foreign language requirement must be fulfilled by a language approved by the student's doctoral supervisory committee.

Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants | International applicants | English proficiency

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. statement of purpose
  4. resume or curriculum vitae
  5. three letters of recommendation
  6. academic writing sample relevant to the field
  7. statement of teaching philosophy (teaching assistantship only)
  8. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) and has not graduated from an institution of higher learning in the United States must provide proof of English proficiency. Applications are not processed without valid proof of English proficiency. Applicants should note that official scores must be sent to ASU for the application to be processed.

The well-considered one- to two-page statement of purpose should explain the applicant's scholarly background and training, career goals, proposed research specialization, and any secondary field of interest, and describe why the applicant wishes to pursue a PhD in linguistics and applied linguistics at Arizona State University. Applicants who are applying for funding must also submit a statement of teaching philosophy.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Application deadlines
Session Modality Deadline Type
Session A/C In Person 01/01 Final
Program learning outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:

  • Critical analysis expertise: Students will demonstrate the ability to explain, synthesize and critique existing scholarship in their research area.
  • Independent research expertise: Students will be able to design and carry out an original research study in their discipline and subdisciplines.
  • Scholarly writing expertise: Students will demonstrate the ability to produce written scholarly work at a level expected by the profession and consistent with the degree program.
Career opportunities

Graduates emerge as experts in their fields, ready to make contributions in academia and beyond. They are prepared to teach and conduct research at a university, work on language policy, or apply their skills in the business or nonprofit world. Graduates have succeeded in roles across government, health care, legal systems, publishing and more.

Career examples include:

  • computer-assisted language learning expert
  • data analyst
  • forensic linguist
  • language policy or documentation expert
  • language program director or coordinator
  • language researcher
  • linguistic consultant
  • program and curriculum developer
  • publisher
  • teacher trainer
  • university professor
Contact information

Department of English | RBHL 170
enggrad@asu.edu
480-965-3168

Program term definitions

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.

Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.

The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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