PhD Second Language Acquisition at University of Wisconsin-Madison

Programme overview

Second language acquisition (SLA) is the systematic study of learning, using, and sometimes losing any form of language beyond the mother tongue. SLA is a burgeoning research field because today there are more people on the planet who use at least two languages than there are monolinguals. For individual learners and for every community in diaspora, second language acquisition is an experience that challenges their knowledge of language, their understanding of different cultures, and their personal identities.

Department: Language Institute | Duration: 51 credits | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall (deadline December 15) | Location: Madison, WI, United States

What you will study

The degree requires a minimum of 51 credits. Courses listed in the requirements include ENGL 318 Second Language Acquisition; ENGL 711 Research Methods in Applied Linguistics; ENGL 420 Topics in English Language and Linguistics; ENGL 713 Topics in Contemporary English Linguistics; ED PSYCH 760 Statistical Methods Applied to Education I; ED PSYCH 761 Statistical Methods Applied to Education II.

Career pathways

Students in the SLA program benefit from a variety of professional development opportunities organized by students, faculty, and staff. A speaker series offers students the chance to interact with top scholars in the field.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) Not required; Letters of Recommendation Required 3. The PhD Program in Second Language Acquisition requires a master's degree in English, TESOL, English as a Second Language, a language other than English (LOTE), applied linguistics, linguistics, or education – and in specific cases (such as with a relevant undergraduate degree or graduate minor), in psychology. The master’s degree should prepare applicants for doctoral studies in a multidisciplinary field focused on how additional languages are acquired. Familiarity with the fundamentals of language study from a theoretical and empirical perspective is expected. Some knowledge of issues pertaining to language learning and teaching is preferred. Graduation requirements for our program require written and oral proficiency in English and another language.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Entry terms (spring, summer or fall) vary by programme and are listed on each programme's Graduate Guide admissions tab. An applicant may have active applications in only one entry term at a time.

Application deadlines vary by programme and are listed on the programme's Graduate Guide admissions tab. Applications are submitted through the Graduate School application portal. The application fee is $75 US, non-refundable, payable by credit card (MasterCard or Visa) or debit/ATM; international applicants pay an extra $6 processing fee. Up to three programmes in the same entry term can be applied to for one application fee.

Apply through the official page: https://grad.wisc.edu/apply/requirements/

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