Western Education's PhD | Field of Applied Linguistics

The PhD program in the field of Applied Linguistics challenges you to engage with foundational theories and educational research focusing on language-related issues. As you develop expertise in a specific field of Applied Linguistics, you will contribute to existing bodies of knowledge and extend the reach of research to influence theory, policy, and educational practice.

Create your own research

Influence theory, policy and practice

Possibilities to go to conferences

Become a valued expert

What I like about my PhD program is the amazing support and guidance provided to me by experienced faculty and staff, coupled with knowledge I have learned.

My PhD program has helped me have a comprehensive understanding of the topics I am passionate about and helped me become a leader in higher education.

- Sarah Halabi, Current Student

Beyond the program details

Admissions

Tuition

Funding

Technology

Program information

Description

Milestones

Comprehensive Examination

A comprehensive exam will be implemented in the PhD program to meet requirements for the depth and breadth outcomes from the Graduate Degree Level Expectations. The goal of the exam is for students to demonstrate a depth of information concerning their specific program of research and a breath of knowledge of their focus within the field (e.g., mathematics curriculum; ESL/EFL).

Thesis Proposal and Presentation

Within six months following successful completion of the comprehensive examinations, a student must make an oral presentation to their Thesis Advisory Committee, then submit a written research proposal in which the research problem, theoretical framework and methodology are explained and satisfactorily defended. The presentation will be open to all members of graduate faculty and to all graduate students. To schedule a Proposal Presentation a student should work with their Supervisor to set a date and time then please inform the Graduate Programs Office for public announcement.

Thesis Examination/Defence

When the thesis has been completed and approved by the Supervisor and the Thesis Advisory Committee, the candidate may submit the thesis for examination. The candidate submits the Application for Thesis Examination (PDF) and the Doctoral Thesis Supervisor Approval (PDF) forms to the Graduate Programs Office. The forms have to be submitted a minimum of seven weeks prior to the defence date. The thesis is uploaded to Scholarship@Western, Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository, a minimum of six weeks prior to the defence date.

The examination includes a Public Lecture which provides both a valuable means of disseminating research findings within the academic community, and an opportunity for all graduate students of education to participate in and contribute to the scholarly discourse of the university. In accordance with the appropriate regulations, the public lecture will be advertised in the University's Western News and on the University's web site, and be open to all members of the community. The examination normally follows within 24 hours of the lecture.

Details of the examination process are located in Section 8 of Graduate Regulations.

March 2025

Term	Course/milestone
Fall Year 1	9715 - PhD Seminar and 2 elective courses
Winter Year 1	9715 - PhD Seminar (continued from Fall), 1 elective course and 1 additional research methodology course, such as: 9705 - Advanced Quantitative Research Methods 9711 - Qualitative Research in Education
Summer Year 1	Completion, submission and review of Comprehensive Examination
Fall Year 2	PhD oral Thesis Proposal Presentation, followed by written Proposal submission and ethics approval, if applicable
Winter Year 2	PhD oral Thesis Proposal Presentation, followed by written Proposal submission and ethics approval, if applicable
Summer Year 2	Thesis
Fall Year 3	Thesis
Winter Year 3	Thesis
Summer Year 3	Thesis
Fall Year 4	Thesis
Winter Year 4	Thesis
Summer Year 4	PhD Thesis examination/defence