Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Second Language Acquisition

The program prepares its graduates to work in the academia, the education sector, government and non-profit organizations, and industry. The research agenda centers on English as a foreign language, as well as commonly and less commonly taught languages (LCTLs), including East-Asian, Middle-Eastern, and modern European languages. The program draws upon the expertise of a distinguished cadre of faculty in the SLA program and the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, and in affiliate departments, such as Linguistics; Measurement, Statistics, and Evaluation; Hearing and Speech; Psychology; Curriculum and Instruction; and Human Development and Quantitative Methodology. There are four areas of specialization: second language learning, second language instruction, second language assessment and second language use. Students select two courses in each of two areas (for a total of four courses), plus two electives in the area of their proposed dissertation work. In addition, all students take two courses in quantitative andor qualitative research methods. The eight courses (total) represent the minimum coursework requirement; some students may need extra coursework prior to starting the set of eight courses and many will wish to take courses beyond the minimum eight, based on their interests.

Note that prior to admission to the program, applicants must have successfully completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited university in a relevant field, e.g., SLA, linguistics, education, psychology, or applied linguistics. Three letters of recommendation, preferably from faculty members who have taught you recently and who can attest to your scholarly potential in the field of SLA. References from those who know you professionally are acceptable as well. A statement of purpose, in English, describing your academic and career background and future plans, specifying why you believe the SLA program at the University of Maryland is suitable for you, and you are suitable for it, and how you would expect to use the training received at UMD. The statement of purpose is in lieu of the separate "Statement of Goals and Research Interests" and "Statement of Experiences" listed on the Graduate School website. Writing sample: Evidence of an ability for and desire to undertake scholarly work appropriate for the heavily research-oriented Ph.D. in SLA, as demonstrated through a writing sample such as an excellent M.A. thesis, a seminar paper, or published articles.