Ph.D. Degree

Hispanic Linguistics Ph.D.

Graduation with the Ph.D. in Hispanic Linguistics requires 90 credit hours:

  • A minimum of 63 credit hours of department approved coursework and M.A. transfer credits (up to 30 credits)
  • Remaining credits completed by Ph.D. thesis hours (S805)

Coursework will be divided into three areas. Contact the Graduate Office of the department for the number of credits required for each of the following areas:

  • Major area of concentration
  • Second area of concentration
  • Third area of concentration

The Ph.D. requires knowledge of two modern foreign languages or one in-depth language. You may substitute equivalent coursework in computer science or statistics for one of the languages, with the approval of the Director of Hispanic Linguistics and Director of Graduate Studies.

See the University Graduate Bulletin and consult with the Graduate Studies Office for proficiency requirements for each language.

  • At least one 700-level seminar
  • At least three 600-level courses in Hispanic Linguistics

You should always consult the Graduate School Bulletin for official requirements.

View the Bulletin

Ph.D. Qualifying Papers

Two Publishable Written Papers

  1. Two Publishable Written Papers:
  • Requirement: The student must submit two distinct papers of publishable quality. The papers should fit the program categories: one should be data-driven, and one should reflect the primary area of study as a precursor to the dissertation (this dissertation precursor can also satisfy the data-driven focus requirement). Each paper should have a designated faculty advisor in the field who has agreed to serve in this capacity.  

Distinct Focus: The two papers must be in distinct areas of study, each with a      different faculty advisor.

Approval: The plans for each paper need approval before submission for the oral defense. This is confirmed by a draft of the cover letter (see Evaluation of the Written Paper) signed by all members of the committee no later than the first week of semester in which they plan to submit and defend the papers. This must be done individually for each paper.

  • The papers may be developed and written during course work and must be completed and defended no later than two semesters following the completion of coursework to remain in good academic standing.
  • The completed papers must be shared with the committee one month prior to the oral defense. 
  • The timeline, which should be developed with feedback from their faculty advisors, requires the student to proactively think about their course work and progress to allow time to develop the papers.

    2. Origin of Papers: 
  • Papers may stem from coursework (not a collaborative student project), ensuring the student is the primary author.
  • Faculty advisors may serve as a co-author and can provide guidance, but they should not be the primary author in contribution nor name.
  • The papers (or related projects) may have been submitted to or accepted at conferences or journals (while this is not required, it is an acceptable situation).