Linguistics, PHD
Modality
On Campus
Program URL
https://linguistics.georgetown.edu/programs/phd-programs/
The Linguistics Department at Georgetown is committed to analyzing a diversity of linguistic phenomena through different modes of inquiry. We examine language through its structure, acquisition, use in context, and via computational models. By valuing the legitimacy and relevance of research at every level of analysis, and acknowledging that no one model of language can provide all the answers (or even address all the pertinent questions), we provide a foundation of linguistic study in a department that is built upon a tradition of unique pluralism.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Linguistics allows students to gain expertise in focused topics of study, allowing them to build upon skills and gain new insights. Students are admitted to one of the three concentrations: Applied Linguistics, Sociolinguistics, or Theoretical Linguistics.
Academic Policies
The academic policies and procedures of the Linguistics program outlined in the department handbook and the University Bulletin.
Program Requirements
The requirements for Ph.D. in Linguistics include 54 credits of coursework, proficiency in a foreign language, two Qualifying Papers, and a doctoral dissertation.
Students must also select one of the following concentrations: Applied Linguistics, Sociolinguistics, or Theoretical Linguistics. Requirements for each concentration are as follows:
- Applied Linguistics
- Sociolinguistics
- Theoretical Linguistics
Required Examinations
All students are required to undergo a Qualifying Review and to complete two Qualifying Papers.
Qualifying Review
Students must complete a Qualifying Review in their fourth semester of enrollment. At the time of the review, students are required to have completed or be currently enrolled in at least the Master’s level distribution requirements, but not necessarily all of the distribution requirements for the Ph.D.
Students prepare a Qualifying Review Dossier that includes: a transcript of graduate coursework, three letters of recommendation from Georgetown faculty confirming whether the student has shown superior to excellent performance in GU graduate courses, and the first Qualifying Paper.
The dossier, along with the first Qualifying Paper, will be evaluated by a committee of three faculty members. Students will receive ratings of “Pass,” “Pass with Concern,” or “Fail.”
First Qualifying Paper
The first Qualifying Paper is due with the Qualifying Review that occurs in the fourth semester of enrollment. The paper must provide evidence of superior to excellent ability to make and support relevant linguistic claims, demonstrating that the application is qualified to continue toward the Ph.D. The paper should report work which the evaluators judge that, at a minimum, would be suitable for presentation at a competitive conference in the area of interest. Examples of papers that may be appropriate for submission include Master’s Research Papers or term papers from linguistics courses (revised following faculty feedback on the term paper.
The first Qualifying Paper will be reviewed by a committee composed of three faculty members as part of the Qualifying Review. The Qualifying Paper will be rated as “Acceptable,” “Marginal,” or “Unacceptable.”
Second Qualifying Paper
The second Qualifying Paper is submitted during the candidate’s final semester of doctoral coursework. It is typically written on a topic in the area of the student’s specialization and must not be co-authored. The Second Qualifying Paper is evaluated by two faculty members who have expertise in the subject area of the paper, appointed by the Director of Graduate Studies. The criterion will be that the paper be of publishable quality in an appropriate journal in the student’s concentration. Papers are evaluated as “Pass,” “Revise and submit same paper,” or “Submit a different paper.”
Students who are rated with a pass may proceed with the Ph.D. dissertation proposal process. Students who are rated as “Revise and submit same paper” must revise the paper based upon faculty feedback.
If the first submission of the Qualifying Paper is a revise and resubmit or submit a different paper decision, the second attempt is due by the deadline set for the following semester. The second paper is rated as either Pass or Fail. Students who fail are not permitted to continue toward the Ph.D.
Thesis Requirements
During the semester following completion of the second qualifying paper (typically the 7th semester), a doctoral candidate will form a dissertation committee, submit a dissertation proposal draft to their committee, and schedule a proposal defense. The mentor of the dissertation committee must be either a tenure-line Linguistics faculty member or a tenure- line Georgetown professor officially affiliated with the Department of Linguistics.
Students should discuss the content and format for the proposal with their advisors and follow their advisor’s preferences. In general, a proposal should provide a clear discussion of the research-based background and framework together with a clear justification for the research questions or problem. A substantive review of the literature should be included, as well as information about how the work will be undertaken, and an outline of the general plan of work, potentially including the design of activities to be undertaken, and where appropriate, a clear description of methods and procedures. The implications of the research should also be clear
The mentor will provide guidance as to what the detailed version should contain. The abbreviated version must be submitted using a form available from the Graduate School’s website. Committee members indicate approval of the detailed version by signing the abbreviated version. The Proposal Defense scheduling form is due to the Graduate Program Coordinator no later than two weeks prior to the intended Proposal Defense date, and requires the mentor’s approval. The Proposal Defense, usually up to approximately two hours, is open only to the student and the committee. The student begins with an oral presentation of the proposal, and then answers questions from the committee on the relevant literature and the planned research. The student should consult with their advisor about the length of the presentation and their committee about the types of questions to prepare for. After the question period, the student leaves the room briefly and the committee consults on whether the dissertation research project is likely to be successful and whether the student is ready to proceed and renders a decision of Pass or Fail.
The committee then communicates the result to the student and discusses with them the next steps. In cases where the defense is passed, the Proposal Defense the committee will share any requests for edits to the proposal document. Once the committee considers the edits satisfactory, the members indicate their approval by signing the Graduate School Proposal document. If the retake is not successful, the student is not permitted to continue and is terminated from the program.
After the proposal has been approved, the candidate proceeds to dissertation research and writing under the guidance of the dissertation mentor and committee. The time frame between proposal and dissertation submission can vary; however, students are expected to make regular progress reports to their mentors, at least once per semester. Due dates and the dissertation process should be negotiated with the students’ mentor. Students who wish to take part in the May graduation ceremony must defend before March 1st . Their dissertation must be submitted to the Director of Graduate Studies by April 1st and to the Graduate School by April 15th .
Each student is responsible for scheduling the Dissertation Defense, including determining the availability of members of the committee at the scheduled date and time. At least two weeks before the examination date, the candidate must submit the Doctoral Dissertation Reviewers’ Report to the Graduate Program Coordinator. This form includes the names of the examination committee, their signatures (either physical or electronic) approving the dissertation is ready for defense with no more than minor revisions, the date and time of the defense agreed to by the candidate and all committee members, and the room booking information if applicable.
Dissertation defenses typically begin with a student presentation, often accompanied by slides or written materials for the committee members and others in attendance. After the presentation, the student may address questions from the committee member and the audience members. The committee members will then deliberate in private and invite the student to return to receive the final exam result. This result will be posted to the student’s academic transcript. If the student has passed the defense, they will then undertake any revisions required by the committee.
Applied Linguistics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LING 5111 | Phonology I | 3 |
| LING 5127 | Generative Syntax I | 3 |
| LING 5131 | Semantics & Pragmatics I | 3 |
| LING 5253 | SLA & Bilingualism | 3 |
| LING 5281 | Research Methods:Applied Ling | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Sociolinguistic Variation | ||
| Discourse Analysis:Narrative | ||
LING 5310 | ||
| LING 5254 | Statistics for Ling Research | 3 |
| or LING 6245 | Interpret Inquiry in Lang Stud | |
| 1 additional Research Tool course | 3 | |
| 3 Applied Linguistics Seminars | 9 | |
| 7 Electives selected in consultation with advisor | 21 | |
| Total Credits | 54 | |
Sociolinguistics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LING 5111 | Phonology I | 3 |
| LING 5127 | Generative Syntax I | 3 |
| LING 5131 | Semantics & Pragmatics I | 3 |
| LING 5253 | SLA & Bilingualism | 3 |
| or LING 5281 | Research Methods:Applied Ling | |
| LING 6301 | Sociolinguistic Field Methods | 3 |
| LING 5320 | Sociolinguistic Variation | 3 |
| LING 5310 | 3 | |
| LING 5318 | Discourse Analysis:Narrative | 3 |
| 2 Seminars in Sociolinguistics | 6 | |
| 1 Research Tools courses | 3 | |
| 7 Electives selected in consultation with advisor | 21 | |
| Total Credits | 54 | |
Theoretical Linguistics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LING 5111 | Phonology I | 3 |
| LING 5127 | Generative Syntax I | 3 |
| LING 5131 | Semantics & Pragmatics I | 3 |
| LING 5253 | SLA & Bilingualism | 3 |
| or LING 5281 | Research Methods:Applied Ling | |
| LING 5110 | Phonetics | 3 |
| LING 6112 | Phonology II | 3 |
| LING 6128 | Syntax II | 3 |
| LING 5151 | Language Acquisition | 3 |
| LING 6132 | Semantics & Pragmatics II | 3 |
| 2 Seminars in Theoretical Linguistics | 6 | |
| 2 Research Tools courses | 6 | |
| 4 Electives selected in consultation with advisor | 12 | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Sociolinguistic Variation | ||
| Discourse Analysis:Narrative | ||
LING 5310 | ||
| Total Credits | 54 | |