The PhD in Education Program is individualized, interdisciplinary, and experiential. Students may opt to specialize in multilingual/multicultural education (MME) or incorporate coursework within a self-defined interdisciplinary program of study.
Have questions? Attend an information session or contact the specialization representative, Sujin Kim.
The Multilingual/Multicultural Education (MME) Specialization prepares education researchers and practitioners across local, national, and international contexts to serve as advocates and change agents who support the empowerment of linguistically, culturally, and racially diverse students, families, and communities.
Doctoral students in this program apply cutting-edge theories and bring critical perspectives to educational inequities, embrace language as a resource, and place bilingual and multilingual students at the center of advocacy and social justice. Through rigorous scholarly training, students prepare to engage with interdisciplinary research that informs education policy and practice.
Coursework is designed to appeal to applicants from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds. We offer students from various specializations (such as education leadership, education policy, STEM education, special education, and teaching and teacher education) opportunities to explore the impact of cultural and linguistic diversity in their own fields.
What Will You Learn?
The specialization features coursework and applied internships that enable you to learn:
- Theory and research in multilingual/multicultural education across the developmental spectrum
- Foundational knowledge about multilingual/multicultural teaching and learning at all levels
- Research methodologies to address a variety of multilingual/multicultural education topics
- Specialized knowledge in multilingual/multicultural education related to your area of interest
"The most impactful aspect of the Multilingual/Multicultural doctoral program was my growth in learning. I transitioned from a well-intended, informed, good ESOL teacher to an expert in my field. No other learning experience has changed my frame of reference and developed my understandings like this program. Starting the PhD program gave me confidence to advocate stronger and push harder. Completing my PhD has allowed me to successfully transition into division leadership positions where I can affect change on a larger scale and support all students having positive experiences in order to develop a positive self-identity."~ Jennifer Santiago, 2018 graduate
"I pursued the Multilingual/Multicultural (MME) doctoral program as a social studies educator interested in exploring the civic actions of culturally and linguistically diverse students. The Multilingual/Multicultural doctoral program provided me with an opportunity to grapple with critical theories, research methodologies and pedagogies that advance anti-bias/racist education. More importantly, the brilliant scholars in the program cultivate an intellectual community rooted in caring and justice. The professors in this program truly believe and live what they teach. I am on my way as budding critical scholar and teacher educator because of the academic rigor, support and community I gained in the MME program. This program has prepared me to stand on the shoulders of the giants in the field."~ Tiffany Mitchell Patterson, 2017 graduate
"The program has strengthened my 30-year experience in education as I utilized my learning to research best practices in teaching foreign languages. Part of my job as a consultant is to provide answers to educational institutes’ existing issues. The research skills I gained during my study have helped me address them in a methodical manner." ~ Faridah Turkistani, 2019 graduate
Elisabeth Chan, PhD 2022
- Dissertation Title: Critiquing Community in “Community” College: Critical Event Narrative Inquiry into Subtractive Schooling and Culture Loss with Immigrant ESL Students
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Meagan Call-Cummings
Nasim Khawaja, PhD 2022
- Dissertation Title: The History of English as a Second Language (ESL) Testing at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA): A Critical Analysis
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Shelley Wong
Diana Meza, PhD 2022
- Dissertation Title: Latinx Immigrant Parents and Their Children’s Teacher: Family Engagement Experiences
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Marjorie Haley
Laura Tokarczyk, PhD 2022
- Dissertation Title: Exploring the Complexity of U.S. Language Teachers’ Identity Development Through the Lenses of Marginalization, Privilege, Empowerment, and Immunity
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Marjorie Haley
Asia Williams, PhD 2022
- Dissertation Title: Using an Assets-Based Approach to Explore Black Womens' Pursuit and Persistence in Undergraduate Stem Majors
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Shelley Wong
Jeremy Aldrich, PhD 2021
- Dissertation Title: Characteristics and Careers Decisions of Secondary Dual Language Teachers in the United States
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Rebecca Fox
Maria Soledad Alva, PhD 2021
- Dissertation Title: Teachers' Literacy Perspectives and Practices with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students: From Theory to Classroom
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Shelly Wong & Dr. Betsy DeMulder
Aseel Almubaddel, PhD 2020
- Dissertation Title: Culturally Responsive Teaching in the Eyes of Saudi University Faculty: A Mixed Methods Study
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Marjorie Haley
Chelseann Christopher, PhD 2020
- Specialization: Multilingual/Multicultural Education and At-Risk Populations
- Dissertation Title: A Vocabulary Intervention Utilizing Multimedia and Native Language Supports for Dual Language Learners
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Marjorie Haley
- Employment on Graduation: Adjunct Professor, George Mason University
Tiffany Williams, PhD 2020
- Dissertation Title: Mapping the Institutionalization of Evaluation in the U.S. Federal Government
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Marjorie Haley
- Employment on Graduation: Family Engagement Director, Texas
Tiah McKinney, PhD 2019
- Dissertation Title: Closing the Gap(s): A School-based Health Center Partnership Improving Health and Educational Outcomes for Low Socioeconomic Status African American Youth in an Urban Public School Academy
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Shelley Wong
Faridah Turkistani, PhD 2019
- Dissertation Title: Toward a Better Understanding of Arabic as a Heritage Language: A Case Study of a High School Arabic Language Teacher
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Marjorie Haley
- Employment on Graduation: Educational Consultant, Saudi Arabia
Dalal Al-Kandil, PhD 2018
- Dissertation Title: Thinking Beyond the Given: Case Study on Saudi Graduate Students' Reflective Learning
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Marjorie Haley
Jennifer Santiago, PhD 2018
- Dissertation Title: Newcomer ELs: How Experiences Shape Self-Identity
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Marjorie Haley
- Employment on Graduation: Director of Equity and Excellence, Falls Church City Public Schools
