Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Linguistics
Mission, Goals, and Program Learning Outcomes
Program Mission
The PhD program in Applied Linguistics fosters a dynamic academic and research environment that advances linguistic knowledge, innovation, and community engagement. Committed to excellence in teaching and learning, research, and community service, the program equips scholars with advanced theoretical and methodological expertise to address contemporary linguistic challenges, contribute to global and local discourse, and develop research-driven solutions for language education and policy.
Program Goals
The PhD in Applied Linguistics program aims to:
- Develop scholars capable of conducting impactful research that addresses contemporary linguistic challenges and contributes to sustainable development.
- Equip students with advanced knowledge and research methodologies to analyze and solve linguistic issues.
- Incorporate technological advancements and interdisciplinary perspectives to enhance linguistic research and practice.
- Uphold ethical research standards while fostering linguistic diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Prepare graduates for leadership roles in academia, research institutions, government agencies, and language industries.
- Encourage contributions to language policy, curriculum development, and educational practices while fostering a culture of service and volunteerism.
Program Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Upon completing their PhD degree, students will be able to:
K1
Identify and critically discuss contemporary issues and theoretical perspectives in Applied Linguistics, while defining the field's evolving boundaries and interdisciplinary connections, positioning the field within broader global and societal contexts.
K2
Critically analyze and synthesize contemporary theoretical and methodological advancements in Applied Linguistics, demonstrating a deep understanding of foundational and emerging research in areas such as second language acquisition (SLA), language policy, sociolinguistics, and psycholinguistics.
K3
Articulate research questions that address real-world linguistic challenges, situating inquiries within relevant theoretical frameworks while ensuring methodological rigor and ethical responsibility.
Skills
Upon completing their PhD degree, students will be able to:
S1
Critically evaluate and apply various research methodologies (e.g., experimental design, corpus analysis, discourse analysis, ethnography, psycholinguistic methods) to assess their effectiveness in addressing research questions on the field of Applied Linguistics.
S2
Develop and articulate well-structured research inquiries in Applied Linguistics that address critical issues in language learning, teaching, policy, assessment, or sociolinguistics, situating them within relevant theoretical frameworks and demonstrating advanced academic writing and publishing skills for effective dissemination in peer-reviewed journals and academic conference.
S3
Conduct independent, high-quality research in Applied Linguistics, integrating appropriate qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches to investigate complex linguistic phenomena across diverse contexts.
S4
Engage in scholarly discourse by critically reading, synthesizing, and responding to cutting-edge applied linguistics research, demonstrating the ability to construct coherent arguments, challenge existing paradigms, and propose innovative theoretical perspectives.
Values, Autonomy, and Responsibility
Upon completing their PhD degree, students will be able to:
V1
Uphold ethical and responsible research practices by maintaining integrity in data collection, participant rights, and scholarly publishing, while addressing ethical dilemmas in language assessment, multilingual education, and policymaking.
V2
Advocate for linguistic diversity and social equity by promoting inclusive language policies, ensuring equal access to education, and evaluating the impact of language policies on linguistic rights and marginalized communities.
V3
Foster interdisciplinary collaboration and academic excellence by integrating research, theory, and practice to drive innovation in Applied Linguistics and collaborating with scholars in education, psychology, computational linguistics, and policy studies.