Second Language Acquisition and Teaching (PHD)

The Graduate Interdisciplinary Ph.D.Program in Second Language Acquisition and Teaching provides an instructional program to prepare researchers, teachers, curriculum specialists, and administrators at all levels of instruction who are concerned with aspects of second language acquisition, learning, and teaching.

The 17 cooperating departments span four colleges, and include Anthropology; Classics; Cognitive Science; Disability & Psychoeducational Studies; East Asian Studies; Educational Psychology; English; French and Italian; German Studies; Linguistics; Mexican American Studies; Middle Eastern & North African Studies; Psychology; Russian and Slavic Studies; Spanish & Portuguese; Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences; Teaching, Learning & Sociocultural Studies. Students may choose from major specializations in four areas: (1) Linguistic dimensions of L2 learning, (2) Sociolinguistic dimensions of L2 learning, (3) Cognitive dimensions of L2 learning, or (4) Instructional dimensions of L2 learning.Minor specializations include these same four areas, plus two additional twelve-unit minor options in Language Program administration or Technology in Second Language Teaching.

Admission to the program is based on the following kinds of evidence: (1) excellent prior academic performance in a related field as indicated by a transcript; (2) three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the student's performance; (3) an example of the student's scholarly writing on a topic related to the proposed area of study, or a critical review of a book which is relevant; and (4) GRE general test. In addition, a methods course specific to language teaching is prerequisite for all students, and the TOEFL examination is required of international students. Students will be required to complete a minimum of 66 units beyond the B.A./B.S. degree including 24 units of required courses, 12 units in one of the 4 areas of specialization,12 units in a minor area of specialization (unless an external minor has other credit minimum requirements), and 18 units of dissertation. It is anticipated that most students entering this degree program will hold the master's degree. Up to 24 units of prior graduate-level course work which is judged by the committee to be comparable to required courses in this program may be counted toward the 66 total units. Core course requirements include linguistics, psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, and research methodology, as well as second language acquisition theory. A detailed listing of courses and alternatives is available from the program office.

Prospective Ph.D. candidates must pass a qualifying examination after entry into the program. Before formal admittance to candidacy all students must pass a comprehensive examination in both the major and minor field of study. A final examination is required following completion of the dissertation.

• International applicants to Arizona Online campus, Global Direct campus, or a Global Microcampus should choose the Distance Learner (DL) visa type in their Application Profile.
• International applicants to the Main campus must currently hold a US visa that permits incidental study. 
• Please verify your visa eligibility with International Student Services before applying.  The application fee is non-refundable and will not be refunded if your visa status is not eligible.  
• Applicants must meet all Graduate College minimum admission requirements, including English proficiency.
• Applicants should be prepared to submit copies of their visa documents, additional transcripts, or degree documentation if requested.
• University of Arizona regulations require that all international students on non-immigrant visas carry the University of Arizona student health insurance plan.