On-Campus Ph.D.

Unlock your potential as a leader in language and literacy with our Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, specializing in ESOL/Bilingual Education. Our program is meticulously crafted to shape the next generation of researchers and scholars, offering a transformative journey where linguistic expertise meets educational innovation.

Program Overview

Our Ph.D. in ESOL/Bilingual Education is designed for aspiring researchers and educators dedicated to advancing scholarship in the field. We focus on preparing students to meet the requirements of the School of Teaching & Learning and the University of Florida Graduate School. For those seeking different doctoral paths, we also offer the Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with the same specialization.

Program Highlights

A key feature of our doctoral study is the Language, Education & Technology Course Pathway. This interdisciplinary track addresses the growing demand for expertise in the research and evaluation of educational technologies for language learning.

Students in this pathway have the opportunity to work with an advisory committee of faculty from both ESOL/Bilingual and Ed Tech disciplines. The curriculum integrates emerging technologies—such as GenAI, LLMs, AR, and VR—to develop new language learning tools and improve existing instructional approaches.

Course Requirements

Our foundation is built on core courses that ensure every graduate has a robust understanding of the field. Students work in consultation with their advisor to individually tailor the program to their interests.

Core Foundation

• FLE 6165: Bilingual and Bicultural Education
• FLE 6167: Cross-Cultural Communication for Educators
• TSL 6145: Curriculum and Materials Development for ESOL K-12
• TSL 6245: Principles of Language for ESOL Teachers
• TSL 6373: Methods of Teaching English as a Second Language
• TSL 6440: ESOL Testing and Evaluation
• EDF 6812: Comparative and International Education

Language, Education & Technology Pathway (15 Hours)

For those pursuing the tech-focused pathway, requirements include:

• TSL 6385: Technology for Language and Reading Education
• EME 5054: Foundations of Educational Technology
• 9 Credits of approved electives in EME, FLE, LAE, RED, or TSL prefixes that address literacies in education or educational technology.

Transformative Journey

Join us on a transformative journey where you’ll learn to shape the future of multilingual education. Dive into scholarship and become a leader in the field with our Ph.D. in ESOL/Bilingual Education. Your path to academic excellence begins here.

Ready to unlock your potential? Applicants are encouraged to apply by January for admission to the following fall semester. For scholarship and fellowship consideration, Ph.D. applicants should apply no later than mid-December

Please Note

Students seeking admission to any graduate program must meet the requirements of the School of Teaching & Learning and of the University of Florida Graduate School. The ESOL/Bilingual Education program area follows the School of Teaching & Learning deadlines posted here: School of Teaching & Learning Admissions

Applicants are encouraged to apply by January for admission the following fall semester. Applicants to the Ph.D. program who wish to be considered for scholarships and/or fellowships should apply no later than mid-December of the year prior to admission (e.g. the following fall semester).