PhD in English Language and Linguistics (ELL)
The PhD is an advanced research degree. The program assumes that an entering student has a wide knowledge of applied linguistics or linguistics or a related field. In addition, entrance into the program presumes courses in the history of English and English dialects (equivalent to English 323 and 331 respectively), and courses in English syntax and English phonology (equivalent to English 708 and 709 respectively).
The degree program has two major phases. During the first phase, the candidate undertakes course work culminating in the doctoral preliminary examination. During the second phase, the candidate writes the dissertation. The program is designed to give candidates the skills and the command of materials to do original scholarly work of a high order.
The Department recommends the degree upon a student's successful completion of
- departmental course work and seminar work, distributed as required;
- the preliminary examination;
- course work in the minor;
- the foreign language requirement;
- the dissertation.
Students must also adhere to Graduate School regulations as stated in the Graduate School Bulletin.
A Master's degree in Applied English Linguistics or a related field is a prerequisite to entering the PhD program. Courses taken at UW-Madison for the MA degree in linguistics or applied linguistics do not count toward satisfaction of the PhD course requirements, except those that satisfy prerequisites. Appropriate graduate courses taken in degree programs elsewhere may be counted as soon as the student has completed a semester of satisfactory work at Madison.
Further Information and Applications
Visit the ELL website.
For admissions information and downloadable application forms, please see the graduate admissions section of this site, or contact:
Director, Programs in English Linguistics
Department of English
5134 Helen C. White Hall
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI 53706
Telephone: (608) 263-3780
ell@mhub.english.wisc.edu
(rev. 8/2005)
