Program Requirements
The Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics & Second Language Acquisition (ALSLA) is a research-intensive program that supports students in developing the theoretical expertise and methodological precision needed to conduct impactful, independent scholarship. The degree requires a minimum of four semesters of coursework, followed by the completion of a doctoral dissertation. Students are expected to maintain full-time enrollment (36 units per semester) and fulfill a two-year university residency requirement.
Course of Study
The ALSLA curriculum is designed to foster deep interdisciplinary engagement while allowing students the flexibility to pursue individual interests and goals. Students receive foundational training in linguistics, second language acquisition and cognitive psychology, alongside a robust sequence in qualitative and quantitative research methods.
Required coursework includes:
- Second Language Acquisition: Theories and Research
- Research Methods in SLA
- Language Theories
- Quantitative Methods (Statistics)
- Qualitative Methods
- Graduate Research Seminar
To ensure methodological depth, students complete at least two advanced courses in either quantitative or qualitative methods, in addition to the introductory methods courses. All students participate in the Graduate Research Seminar every semester, a space for presenting ongoing research, developing professional skills and engaging with guest speakers from across the field.
In keeping with the program’s emphasis on faculty mentorship and collaborative inquiry, students are expected to take courses with each core faculty member and complete at least four courses or guided research projects on ALSLA topics. Additional electives are selected in consultation with advisors to support the student’s area of specialization.
Full Course Listing
- Second Language Acquisition: Theories and Research
- Research Methods in SLA
- Introduction to Qualitative Methods
- Graduate Research Seminar
- Introduction to Linguistic Data Analysis Using R
- Bilingualism
- Language Policy & Planning
- Language & Identity
- Interaction and L2 Development
- Qualitative Perspectives on Context, Instruction and Learning
Ph.D. Program Timeline
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Major Benchmarks
Milestone projects guide each stage of the Ph.D. journey, providing structure, accountability and opportunities for professional development.
Research Synthesis Paper (End of Year 1)
This paper encourages students to explore a specific area of interest within ALSLA, conducting a critical synthesis of the relevant literature and identifying opportunities for future research. The process involves:
- Identifying a topic of interest
- Formulating a research problem
- Conducting a literature search and evaluating study quality
- Synthesizing findings
- Articulating directions for further inquiry
The paper is reviewed by ALSLA core faculty. Only students whose papers demonstrate clear analytical insight and academic promise will advance to the next phase of the program.
Research Project (End of Year 2)
Students then produce an original, data-driven research report based on work conducted during the first two years of residency. This paper—often a precursor to a publishable article—should:
- Define a clear research problem
- Situate the topic within broader disciplinary conversations
- Present a methodological approach
- Report preliminary results and propose next steps
Many students present this work at academic conferences or submit it for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Dissertation Proposal
Following the research report, students begin the process of preparing a dissertation proposal. The proposal should include:
- A clear statement of the research problem
- A critical review of the literature
- A detailed description of the research design and methodology
A dissertation committee—comprised of a chair from the department and at least two additional members (including one external member if desired)—reviews and approves the proposal. Upon approval, students attain All But Dissertation (ABD) status.
Dissertation and Defense
The culminating project of the program is the dissertation: an original contribution to the field that reflects rigorous scholarship and a clear theoretical and methodological foundation. After submitting the dissertation, students complete an oral defense open to the public. Final approval of the dissertation marks the successful completion of the Ph.D.