Educational Linguistics, PhD

The Educational Linguistics Ph.D. enables students to pursue research on language learning, teaching language, and the role of language in teaching and learning.

The Educational Linguistics, Ph.D. program is rooted in 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 sociocultural aspects of (language) learning, and (second) language acquisition/socialization
• Educational and social consequences of ethnic and linguistic diversity
• Local/global perspectives on English language teaching policy and practice in K-12 and higher education
• Multimodal discourse in social and institutional settings
• Language revitalization

For more information: https://www.gse.upenn.edu/academics/programs/educational-linguistics-phd

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

The total course units required for graduation is 23. If approved by your advisor, 8 CUs may be transferred into the program; normally these will be electives. Core courses may not be transferred in. The requirements include 5 core courses, 3 research courses, 3 linguistics courses, your choice of elective courses agreed upon with your advisor, and dissertation. All courses must be at the 5000 level or above.

University PhD Benchmarks

In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:

For more information view the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.

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Required GSE Milestones

Qualifications Evaluation (Also known as Program Candidacy): A Qualifications Evaluation of each student is conducted after the completion of 6 but not more than 8 course units. The evaluation is designed by the specialization faculty and may be based on an examination or on a review of a student’s overall academic progress.

Preliminary Examination (Also known as Doctoral Candidacy): A Candidacy Examination on the major subject area is required.  The candidacy examination is a test of knowledge in the student's area of specialization, requiring students to demonstrate knowledge and reasoning in the key content areas in their specialization as defined by their academic division. This examination is normally held after the candidate has completed all required courses.

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. 

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Attempted each term after completing coursework to finish PhD 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)

A Qualifications Evaluation of each student is conducted after the completion of 6 but not more than 8 course units. The evaluation is designed by the specialization faculty and may be based on an examination or on a review of a student’s overall academic progress.

Preliminary Examination (Also known as Doctoral Candidacy)

A Candidacy Examination on the major subject area is required.  The candidacy examination is a test of knowledge in the student's area of specialization, requiring students to demonstrate knowledge and reasoning in the key content areas in their specialization as defined by their academic division. This examination is normally held after the candidate has completed all required courses.

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.