Top PhD programs in 1st and 2nd language education

Graduate School
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<p>I have just completed my first year of an MA program in applied linguistics and I am also pursuing a certificate (focusing on adults) for TESOL. I love putting theory into practice and I love learning about the different methods and approaches to language education. I was not sure whether or not I would ever go after a doctorate but now I know that should I choose this route, i'd like to do so in education. I applied to a few schools of education for MA programs and was accepted but ultimately decided against them for reasons of funding (TC and Penn). </p>

<p>After gaining more teaching experience, I would like to start prepping for my doctorate. Are there any programs out there would allow me not only to focus on second/foreign language education, but also on first language education in such a way that I could get some kind of certification/credential? I am most interested in programs that offer some kind of reading specialist training that covers all ages in addition to a main program that is more general? Does there exist such a program or would I have to consider another MA (or MEd) and then go into a PhD ? </p>

<p>I'm on my way out the door so pardon me if this post seems a bit rushed....let me know if I need to clarify anything. I will check back later on.</p>

2

<p>For the reading specialist certificate, you are probably going to have to pick a state and go through at least an MAT or MSEd program that will get you certified to teach in that state. Maryland will (or at least used to) do a credit count which means that if you had the right courses from where ever, you could get hired with a “provisional certificate” and teach for a couple of years in order to earn your state teaching certificate so another MA, MAT, MSEd or whatever isn’t always necessary.</p>

<p>As for the PhD, read the literature, see where the people whose research you like are working, and then apply to that program.</p>

<p>Wishing you all the best.</p>

3

<p>Thanks. I think I would like to stay in the state of PA or else NY, MA, DC-metro, or IL (Chicago) I still have time so I will be on the lookout for the programs that suit me best. I am especially loving Penn’s program.</p>