Educational Linguistics, EdD
The Educational Linguistics Ed.D prepares students with the theoretical foundations and technical expertise necessary to pursue positions as leaders of world language programs. The Educational Linguistics, Ed.D program is designed for early to mid-career world language educators who have a strong commitment to bringing research into their practice. Coursework focuses on language and learning in areas such as:
- Linguistic, cognitive, and sociocultural aspects of additional language development and socialization.
- Local/global perspectives on English language teaching policy and practice in K-12 and higher education
- Multimodal discourse in social and institutional settings
- Bilingualism, biliteracy, and bilingual education
- Multilingual language planning and policy
For more information: https://www.gse.upenn.edu/academics/programs/educational-linguistics-edd
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2026 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.
Curriculum
19 CU Total Requirements. With advisor approval, up to 4 (non-Penn graduate coursework), or up to 4 (Penn graduate coursework) CUs may be transferred into the program as electives. Core courses may not be transferred in. Program will include 5 core courses, 3 research courses, 2 linguistics courses, dissertation, and your choice of elective courses agreed upon with your advisor. This is a part-time only program, with students taking no more than 2 course units per semester. All courses must be at the 5000 level or above.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| EDUC 6205 | Linguistics in Education | 1 |
| EDUC 6210 | Sociolinguistics in Education | 1 |
| EDUC 5252 | Language Diversity and Education | 1 |
| EDUC 7225 | Second Language Development | 1 |
| EDUC 9210 | Issues in Second Language Acquisition | 1 |
| or EDUC 9215 | Genealogies of Race and Language in Educational Research | |
| or EDUC 9205 | Research Seminar: Language Policy and Education | |
| EDUC 9950 | Dissertation 1 | 3 |
| Research Methods | ||
| Select 1 Quantitative Methods course | 1 | |
| Select 1 Qualitative Methods course | 1 | |
| Select 1 Advanced Quantitative or Qualitative Methods | 1 | |
| Linguistics | ||
| Select 2 Linguistics course at Penn including Linguistics dept, Anthropology dept, GSE, or other relevant linguistics course | 2 | |
| Electives | ||
| Select 6 electives | 6 | |
| Total Course Units | 19 | |
Required Milestones
Qualifications Evaluation (Also known as Program Candidacy)
The purpose of program candidacy is to provide rigorous review and feedback to Ed.D students regarding their academic progress within the first two years of study. Program candidacy is a prerequisite to doctoral candidacy.
Preliminary Examinations (Also known as Doctoral Candidacy)
The preliminary examination is a test of knowledge in the candidate’s area of specialization. The examination requires students to demonstrate knowledge and reasoning in the key content areas in their specialization as specified by the academic division. The format of the examination varies from program to program, but must include at least six hours of examination, at least three hours of which must be written.
Oral Proposal
All doctoral candidates must present their dissertation proposals orally and in person to the dissertation committee.
Final Defense of the Dissertation
The final dissertation defense is approximately two hours in length and is based upon the candidate’s dissertation.
- 1
Attempted each term after completing coursework to finish EdD milestones. Students will earn 3 CU's in the term they upload their dissertation and complete all requirements for the degree. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.
Required Milestones:
Qualifications Evaluation (Also known as Program Candidacy)
The purpose of program candidacy is to provide rigorous review and feedback to Ed.D. students regarding their academic progress within the first two years of study. Program candidacy is a prerequisite to doctoral candidacy.
Preliminary Examinations (Also known as Doctoral Candidacy)
The preliminary examination is a test of knowledge in the candidate’s area of specialization. The examination requires students to demonstrate knowledge and reasoning in the key content areas in their specialization as specified by the academic division. The format of the examination varies from program to program, but must include at least six hours of examination, at least three hours of which must be written.
Oral Proposal
All doctoral candidates must present their dissertation proposals orally and in person to the dissertation committee.
Final Defense of the Dissertation
The final dissertation defense is approximately two hours in length and is based upon the candidate’s dissertation.
Dissertation Supervision Registration
For students registered after the sixth semester of the program, registration for consecutive semesters is required in the form of dissertation supervision (EDUC 9950). Applicable Penn tuition and fees will apply.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Course Units | |
| EDUC 6205 | Linguistics in Education | 1 |
| EDUC 5252 | Language Diversity and Education | 1 |
| Course Units | 2.00 | |
| Spring | ||
| EDUC 7225 | Second Language Development | 1 |
| EDUC 6210 | Sociolinguistics in Education | 1 |
| Course Units | 2.00 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Elective | 1 | |
| Research Method | 1 | |
| Course Units | 2.00 | |
| Spring | ||
| Linguistics Course | 1 | |
| EDUC 9210 | Issues in Second Language Acquisition | 1 |
| Course Units | 2.00 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Elective | 1 | |
| Research Method | 1 | |
| Course Units | 2.00 | |
| Spring | ||
| Linguistics Course | 1 | |
| Elective | 1 | |
| Course Units | 2.00 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Research Method | 1 | |
| Elective | 1 | |
| Course Units | 2.00 | |
| Spring | ||
| Electives | 2 | |
| Course Units | 2.00 | |
| Fifth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| EDUC 9950 | Dissertation | Attempting 3 |
| Course Units | 0.00 | |
| Spring | ||
| EDUC 9950 | Dissertation | 3 |
| Course Units | 3.00 | |
| Total Course Units | 19.00 | |