PhD in Technology in Education and Second Language Acquisition
The PhD in Technology in Education and Second Language Acquisition is an interdisciplinary program that merges expertise in language learning, instructional technology, and emerging innovations such as AI, LLMs, and AR/VR. Students work closely with faculty from both World Language Education and Instructional Technology to develop deep research skills, create and evaluate language-learning technologies, and design technology-enhanced curricula and assessments. Through collaborative research, conference participation, and cohort-based study, graduates become well-rounded scholars prepared to lead in academia, industry, and educational innovation.
What you will learn
Students learn to research how languages are acquired using technology, develop and evaluate new tech-based learning tools, and design technology-enhanced curricula and assessments. They gain expertise in integrating emerging technologies鈥攊ncluding AI, LLMs, VR, and digital learning platforms鈥攊nto language instruction and teacher preparation. The program builds strong foundations in both ESOL/bilingualism and instructional technology, ensuring deep theoretical, methodological, and applied knowledge across both fields.
Career Oppotunities
- University or college faculty member
- Researcher in language learning, instructional technology, or applied linguistics
- EdTech developer or learning experience designer
- AI/LLM curriculum and tool developer for language learning
- Language assessment designer or specialist
- Instructional technology coordinator or director
- ESOL/bilingual program leader or consultant
- Educational technology researcher (industry or research institutes)
- Developer of AR/VR or immersive language learning environments
- Corporate or government language training specialist
- EdTech product evaluator or usability/research analyst
What to Expect
Students can expect a highly interdisciplinary, cohort-based doctoral experience that integrates language acquisition, instructional technology, and cutting-edge tools such as GenAI, VR/AR, and data-driven learning analytics. They will collaborate with faculty on funded research teams, serve on committees, present at national conferences, and gain hands-on experience with curriculum innovation, technology design, and academic leadership. The program emphasizes teamwork, scholarly inquiry, problem solving, and professional growth within a supportive and internationally diverse community.
