Loyola University Chicago

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced coursework, practicum experiences, and an original dissertation that contributes to scholarship in bilingual, multilingual and multicultural education. Core themes include language policy and planning, bilingual and biliteracy development, sociolinguistics of schooling, culturally sustaining pedagogy, assessment of multilingual learners, and community- and family-engaged approaches to education.

• Core coursework: theoretical foundations in language and education, research design and methods (qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods), and advanced seminars on multilingual pedagogy.
• Specialist topics: second language acquisition, translanguaging and classroom discourse, curriculum development for multilingual settings, comparative and international perspectives on bilingual education.
• Research sequence: courses in research methods across paradigms, a qualifying examination or portfolio, and dissertation proposal development seminars.
• Practicum and fieldwork: supervised community- or school-based research placements and opportunities to collaborate with local districts and community organisations in the Chicago area.
• Dissertation: an original, faculty‑mentored research project that addresses a significant problem in bilingual/multilingual education and culminates in a defended dissertation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a master’s degree in education, applied linguistics, TESOL, literacy, or a closely related field, with evidence of strong academic performance. Typical supporting materials include:

• Official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate study.
• A statement of purpose that outlines research interests, relevant experience, and fit with faculty expertise.
• Curriculum vitae or résumé demonstrating professional and scholarly experience.
• Three letters of recommendation, ideally from academic referees or supervisors familiar with the applicant’s research potential.
• A writing sample that demonstrates analytical and scholarly ability (for example, a master's thesis chapter, published article, or policy brief).

Applicants may also be invited to an interview with potential faculty mentors. Standardised test requirements (such as the GRE) are determined by the university and may vary; applicants should consult the programme for current policy. Relevant professional experience in multilingual or multicultural educational settings strengthens an application.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a range of careers in higher education, research, policy and practice. Common pathways include:

• Assistant professor or lecturer positions in education, applied linguistics, TESOL, and related departments.
• Research roles in university centres, non-profit research organisations, and government agencies focusing on language education and equity.
• Leadership positions in school districts and educational NGOs developing bilingual programmes, curriculum and assessment for multilingual learners.
• Policy analyst or consultant roles advising on language policy, accountability systems and inclusive pedagogy.
• Program evaluation and curriculum development positions addressing the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse students and communities.

Why study at Loyola University Chicago

Loyola’s programme is grounded in the university’s Jesuit commitment to social justice and service, with a particular emphasis on equity for linguistically diverse learners. The university’s location in Chicago provides a rich context for research and practice, with access to diverse school communities, district partnerships and community organisations.

Students benefit from close mentorship by faculty whose expertise spans bilingual education, sociolinguistics, language policy, literacy and teacher education, as well as interdisciplinary collaboration across departments. The programme supports doctoral professional development through opportunities for teaching, funded research assistantships, conference presentation and publication.

Finally, Loyola places an emphasis on community-engaged scholarship, preparing graduates to produce research that is methodologically rigorous and directly relevant to practitioners, families and policy-makers working to improve educational outcomes for multilingual learners.