PhD in English as a Second Language

Educators who are interested in taking their career to the next level should consider getting a PhD in English as a Second Language. As the demographics of the country continue to change, the demand for ESL educators will continue to expand as well.

In addition to domestic opportunities in the field of English language learning, globalization has lead to a tremendous explosion of ESL related work around the world. Regions of the world that were economically devastated just a few decades ago are experiencing an expanding middle class as a result of the outsourcing of service jobs from the United States and other western nations. The increase in imported industries has led to a growing need for a population of proficient English speakers in countries such as India and Pakistan. The fluidity of the world's economic and cultural relationships in the 21st century has made the study of English as a second language more important than ever.

Where to Get a PhD in English as a Second Language

While the business side of English as a second language is growing exponentially, the wheels of academia move very slowly. Higher education has started to respond to the demand for advanced degrees in ESL, but the number of programs available is not as high as you might think. Still, it is quite possible to get a PhD in English as a second language if you know which schools to choose and how to plan your course work when you get there.

One of the aspects of getting an advanced degree in English as a second language that is confusing is that there is no consistency across schools regarding which departments one would enroll in to get such a degree. In some schools, PhDs in ESL are offered through the English department; in others it’s the Linguistics or the Education departments. This lack of standardization can cause considerable confusion when you set out to find a reputable program.

Schools With PhD Programs

The following is a partial list of institutions where you can get a PhD in ESL, or in a field that is closely related, such as Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL):

  • Oklahoma State University - Oklahoma State University offers students the option to get their PhD in English with an emphasis in Teaching English as a Second Language.
  • Purdue - Purdue has one of the most respected English departments in the country, and their ESL PhD program is comprehensive.
  • Iowa State - Beginning in 2005, the Department of English at Iowa State has been offering a TESL/Applied Linguistics PhD program.
  • University of Hawaii – Manoa – For those who would like to study ESL at a high level and live in paradise at the same time, consider the Second Language Studies program at the University of Hawaii, Manoa.
  • Georgia State University - Georgia State University offers a PhD program through their Applied Linguistics and ESL department.
  • Peterson's, a popular education resource serving students and teachers for over 40 years, also posts a list of ESL schools that offer graduate programs in ESL. If the above schools aren't what you're looking for, consult this list to see if there are any other institutions that could help you get the degree you want.

Final Considerations

While ESL has become a fast growing force in the field of education, the amount of universities that offer advanced degrees in ESL is not proportionate. However, new programs are popping up each year as schools seek to meet the demands of a changing population. In time, the field of ESL studies will likely continue to standardize and will find a permanent home in English, Education, or Linguistics. Until then, contact the schools you are interested in, and see what kind of plan they have in place to get you to the upper echelon of ESL instruction.

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