Overview

The Graduate Program in Second Language Acquisition (SLA) at the University of Maryland has a strong cognitive science and empirical research focus and is designed for students interested in exploring the domain of adult second language learning.

The focus of the program is how second languages are acquired and processed in adulthood, what role instruction plays, and how individual differences and learning conditions influence the learning trajectories.

It has a strong emphasis on cognitive aspects of language acquisition, as well as research methodology and applications in the classroom. Students investigate these issues in English, as well as languages of East Asia, Middle East and Europe learned as second (or third, etc.) languages.

Careers

The program prepares its graduates to work in the academia, the education sector, government and non-profit organizations, and industry.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Second Language Acquisition: Theory, Research, and Practice
Foreign Language Acquisition and Instruction
Sociolinguistics
Second Language Testing
Psycholinguistics
Cognitive Processes in Second Language Learning
Second Language Processing

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 108 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-27 00:00:00
Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-16 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

33 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

College Park, United States

Disciplines

Cognitive Science Linguistics View 70 other PhDs in Linguistics in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

Statement of Purpose
Transcript(s)
TOEFL/IELTS/PTE (international graduate students)
Letters of Recommendation (3)
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (optional)
Writing Sample: Demonstrated evidence of ability and interest in undertaking scholarly research; could be published paper or M.A. thesis. (one required, up to one more optional)
CV/Resume
Publications/Presentations

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

6886 USD / year

≈ 6886 USD / year
Out-of-State

6886 USD / year

≈ 6886 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

3219 USD / year

≈ 3219 USD / year

Living costs

College Park

United States

1676 - 2838 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Second Language Acquisition.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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