Most students selecting the applied option are preparing to teach English as a second language (TESL), but many students in this program have found other applications of linguistics equally rewarding, and many have decided to go on for a doctorate in linguistics.
The Ph.D. program requires the student to develop a solid understanding of the core areas of the discipline (phonetics, phonology, syntax, semantics, comparative/historical linguistics) in addition to an in-depth specialty in one of the many areas available through the research interests of the faculty and associate faculty.