4-year Ph.D. Graduate Assistantship in Second Language Studies at MSU
About the Role
This Graduate Assistantship supports a Ph.D. student in the Second Language Studies program at Michigan State University, beginning Fall 2027. The selected student will focus on language assessment and work under the supervision of Prof. Paula Winke. The assistant will also teach in the MSU College of Education ESL Endorsement program, with potential courses including ESL teaching methods, pedagogical grammar, and introduction to second language acquisition (SLA).
Responsibilities
- Assist with research in applied linguistics and second language acquisition, with a focus on language assessment.
- Teach courses in the MSU College of Education ESL Endorsement program, such as ESL teaching methods, pedagogical grammar, and introduction to SLA.
- Dedicate 20 hours per week to assistantship duties, with the remaining time allocated to coursework and program milestones.
For details on course and teaching loads, visit the Second Language Studies Program Admission site.
Qualifications
- Typically, applicants hold an MA in a language-related field, though exceptional candidates without an MA may be considered.
- ESL endorsement or certification to teach ESL in U.S. public schools is required.
- Experience teaching K-12 ESL, particularly young learners with special needs in U.S. public schools, is highly desirable.
Benefits
- Full tuition waiver for fall and spring semesters over four years.
- 12-month health insurance coverage for the duration of the four-year program.
- Monthly stipend during the 9-month academic year (mid-August through mid-May), with amounts varying by experience and year. Annual increases are expected.
Stipend levels are typically as follows: Level 1 for assistants without an MA, Level 2 for those with an MA, and Level 3 for doctoral students who have completed coursework and exams (ABD status). See stipend ranges for details.
Contact
For questions, email Prof. Paula Winke at winke@msu.edu. Interested applicants may also contact other professors in the program to explore additional research agendas.