The PhD Program in Applied Linguistics at UMass Boston is a critically-oriented community of scholars, researchers, and activists dedicated to understanding linguistic diversity in everyday life. Our unique program emphasizes learning-by-doing through mentorship, coursework, and community engagement. The PhD in Applied Linguistics prepares candidates for teaching and research careers at universities and in government, community, nonprofit, advocacy, and private organizations.
Our apprenticeship model combines intensive faculty mentoring from the department's globally renowned faculty with structured support from a diverse and active doctoral student community. We also draw on the interdisciplinary expertise of our colleagues across greater Boston and the world to provide opportunities for community-engaged scholarship. Applied Linguistics doctoral students are involved in a range of local and global projects and initiatives related to our areas of inquiry: bilingual/multilingual education, multilingual language policy, critical applied linguistics, social resources and social contexts in language learning, and sociocultural theory.
Our curriculum is designed to enable future researchers to study language in society. Students explore a variety of critical frameworks and cutting-edge research methods. Students develop a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical, empirical, and practical dimensions of language use, language learning, and language policy in local and transnational contexts. Simultaneously, students cultivate their own scholarly identity, develop their own inquiries, and position themselves and their projects within the field of Applied Linguistics. Students and faculty collaborate on research projects, manuscripts, advocacy work, and conference presentations.
The Department of Applied Linguistics at UMass Boston is committed to cultivating diversity in scholarship and scholar identity. We strongly encourage first-generation students, international students, students of color, and linguistically diverse students to apply.
Our PhD program requires 3 years of residency. During the first 2 years, a typical course load is 3 courses per semester (Fall & Spring). Funding, including tuition, living stipend, and health insurance, is available for up to 3 years on a competitive basis.
The application deadline is January 1 for Fall admissions.
For Information please contact: Professor Avary Carhill-Poza, Graduate Program Director
Email: [email protected]
Blog: https://blogs.umb.edu/umasslinguistics
Phone: 617 287 5760


