Welcome to the Study Plan
This rigorous program offers advanced instruction in linguistic theories, research methodologies, and interdisciplinary perspectives on language acquisition and use. Through structured coursework (Levels 1-3) and a dedicated research endeavor spanning the final three levels (Levels 4-6 Dissertation), culminating in a 10-credit hour project awarded upon successful defense, graduates will develop expertise that prepares them for roles in academia, research, and specialized applied linguistics positions.
Core theories, research methods, and academic writing proficiency.
Language acquisition, psycholinguistics, and technological applications.
Advanced research design and selection of specialized elective courses.
Focus on dissertation proposal development and initial research.
Intensive research, data collection, analysis, and continued writing.
Final dissertation writing, revisions, and defense. 10 credit hours awarded upon successful defense.
Program Stages Overview
Level 1: Foundation
Establishes a strong theoretical foundation and research capabilities. Key courses include:
- Advanced Topics in Applied Linguistics
- Research Methods in Applied Linguistics
- Advanced Academic Writing
- Language Assessment and Testing
Level 2: Language & Technology
Explores language acquisition, technology in language learning, and psycholinguistics. Key courses include:
- Language Acquisition
- Applied Statistics in Language Research
- Advanced Issues in Psycholinguistics
- Modern Technologies in Language Learning
Level 3: Applied & Elective Studies
Focuses on advanced research design and allows specialization through electives. Core course:
- Designing and Conducting Research
Plus two elective courses selected from areas such as Language Policy, Sociolinguistics, Second Language Teaching, Curriculum Design, or Discourse Analysis.
Level 4: Dissertation - Stage 1
This level marks the beginning of the dissertation (7514 ENG-10). Students focus on developing their research proposal, conducting extensive literature reviews, and outlining their study under faculty supervision. No credit hours are awarded at this stage.
Level 5: Dissertation - Stage 2
Students engage in intensive research for their dissertation (7514 ENG-10). This includes data collection, analysis, and the substantial drafting of dissertation chapters. Faculty supervision continues closely. No credit hours are awarded at this stage.
Level 6: Dissertation - Stage 3 & Completion
The final stage focuses on completing the dissertation (7514 ENG-10), including final revisions and preparation for the oral defense. The 10 credit hours for the dissertation are awarded upon successful defense and submission of the final approved manuscript.
Program Structure Summary
| Program Structure | Required/Elective | No. of courses | Credit Hours | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | Required | 9 | 27 | 63% |
| Elective Courses | Elective | 5 | 6 | 14% |
| Graduation Project (if any) | ||||
| Thesis (Dissertation) | Required | 1 | 10 | 23% |
| Field Experience (if any) | ||||
| Others (Comprehensive Exam) | Required (Students must complete 100% of their coursework (33 credit hours) and pass the comprehensive exam before they are eligible to register for the dissertation). | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Total | 12 | 43 | 100% |
PhD in Applied Linguistics - Detailed Course Plan
| Level | Course Code | Course Title | Req/Elective | Pre-Reqs | Hours | Requirement Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | ||||||
| 1 | 7501 ENG-3 | Advanced Topics in Applied Linguistics | Required | - | 3 | Program |
| 1 | 7502 ENG-3 | Research Methods in Applied Linguistics | Required | - | 3 | Program |
| 1 | 7201 ENG-3 | Advanced Academic Writing | Required | - | 3 | Program |
| 1 | 7503-3 | Language Assessment and Testing | Required | 3 | Program | |
| Level 2 | ||||||
| 2 | 7504 ENG-3 | Language Acquisition | Required | 7501 ENG-3 Advanced Topics in Applied Linguistics | 3 | Program |
| 2 | 7505 ENG-3 | Applied Statistics in Language Research | Required | 7502 ENG-3 Research Methods in Applied Linguistics | 3 | Program |
| 2 | 7506 ENG-3 | Advanced Issues in Psycholinguistics | Required | 7501 ENG-3 Advanced Topics in Applied Linguistics | 3 | Program |
| 2 | 7507 ENG-3 | Modern Technologies in Language Learning | Required | 7501 ENG-3 Advanced Topics in Applied Linguistics | 3 | |
| Level 3 | ||||||
| 3 | 7508 ENG-3 | Designing and Conducting Research | Required | 7502 ENG-3 Research Methods in Applied Linguistics, 7201 ENG-3 Advanced Academic Writing, 7504 ENG-3 Language Acquisition | 3 | Program |
| Learners must select two elective courses (totalling 6 credits) from the list below, subject to approval by the program committee. | ||||||
| 3 | 7509 ENG-3 | Language Policy and Planning | Elective | - | 3 | Program |
| 3 | 7510 ENG-3 | Advanced Sociolinguistics Research | Elective | - | 3 | Program |
| 3 | 7511 ENG-3 | Second Language Teaching | Elective | - | 3 | Program |
| 3 | 7512 ENG-3 | Curriculum and Materials Design | Elective | - | 3 | Program |
| 3 | 7513 ENG-3 | Multimodal Discourse Analysis | Elective | - | 3 | Program |
| Level 4 | ||||||
| 4 | 7514 ENG-10 | Dissertation | Required | Completion of Levels 1-3 Core & Comp. Exam | 0 | Program |
| Level 5 | ||||||
| 5 | 7514 ENG-10 | Dissertation | Required | Dissertation (Level 4 Progress) | 0 | Program |
| Level 6 | ||||||
| 6 | 7514 ENG-10 | Dissertation (Completion & Defense) | Required | Dissertation (Level 5 Progress) | 10 | Program |
📚 As of May 27, 2025, the study plan presented here reflects the updated course structure in line with the Program Specification approved in the English Department Council on 16 April 2025 (Ref# 9-18-46).