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Doctoral Studies

Earn an American university Ph.D. online, with two specializations for language professionals

Choose to study in one of the following IT fields:

  • Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
  • Application and Game Development
  • Networks and Cybersecurity
  • UX (User Experience) Design

Choose to study in one of the following business fields:

  • Entrepreneurship
  • Marketing & Sales Management
  • Finance
  • General Business
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DURATION

4-5 years full-time

LANGUAGE

English

CREDITS

58

DELIVERY MODE

Online

Why Choose Our Program

  • Upon successful completion of the program, graduates may apply for Greek State recognition of their degree through the Hellenic National Academic Recognition and Information Center (D.O.A.T.A.P.).
  • Enroll in our Doctoral program to earn a PhD in Language and Communication or in Applied Linguistics.
  • Enjoy flexibility with our fully online delivery.
  • Cultivate specialized skills by taking courses in areas such as Second Language Education, Intercultural and Professional Communication, and Translation and Interpreting.
  • Learn and receive supervision from internationally acclaimed faculty members teaching in universities across Europe, Asia and the U.S.
  • Gain personal support for your academic and professional development through the University’s eLearning Platform.
  • Develop a broad perspective of language through research-focused courses, publishing opportunities and participation in conferences.
  • Be part of a supportive learning community that hears your voice so you are always seen, supported, and empowered to grow.
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An Unparalleled Faculty in Language and Communication

The PhD program offered by Hellenic American University stands out among many others in the world due to the quality of its faculty and the members of the International Advisory Board. All are world-renowned scholars who have made important contributions to research in the field.

They include:

•Vijay Bhatia (University of Hong Kong)
•† Jan Blommaert (University of Tilburg)
•Juliane House (Hellenic American University)
•Zhu Hua (University of Birmingham)
•Daniel Kadar (Dalian University of Foreign Languages, China and Research Institute of Linguistics, Hungary)
•Zohar Kampf (Hebrew University of Jerusalem)
•Gabriele Kasper (University of Hawaii)
•Claire Kramsch (University of California, Berkeley)
•Alexander Nikolaou (Hellenic American University)
•Lourdes Ortega (Georgetown University)
•Philip Scholfield (University of Essex)
•Ruth Wodak (Lancaster University)

Flexibility for Working Students

Our 100% online Doctoral Studies combine short-term intensive courses delivered via synchronous video sessions with guidance from faculty members at every stage of the students’ research. This means that professionals who already work can continue doing so while enrolled in this program.

Indeed, participants are encouraged to draw upon their work experience to highlight issues of professional practice in their coursework, and conversely, to apply insights newly gained in the PhD program to challenges they face in their work.

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Language Specialists in Leadership Positions

Through research-focused courses and applied projects, our PhD students acquire expertise in language awareness and intercultural competence that are valued in business as well.

Graduates are equipped to compete for key positions in:

•Universities
Research institutes
•Businesses
National organizations
•The diplomatic corps
NGOs
•Global media

Potential career paths include:

•Educational policy advisors and consultants
•Corporate communication specialists and executive trainers
•Editors and publishing consultants
•Curriculum supervisors, evaluators, and assessors of language and communication competence
•Senior academic staff in research centers
•Directors of translation and interpreting divisions in supranational organizations

Key Benefits

Scholarships & Financial Aid

We provide guaranteed scholarships for students based on needs, merit or early admission. 90% of our incoming students received financial aid during the 2025-26 academic year.

Ongoing Supervision & Support

Students are continuously supported on their journey through 8 core courses, 7 project papers, 3 seminars, 2 qualifying papers and their final dissertation.

Diverse Learning Experience

Hellenic American University welcomes applications from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, in order to create a rich and engaging learning environment.

Broad Research Themes

Participants gain a clear understanding of language through exposure to quantitative and qualitative research methods, discourse analysis, teaching and translation.

Request Information

Interested in the program? Fill out our form and our Admissions Team will contact you as soon as possible.You can also reach us via phone:

Athens office: +30 210 3680950 Nashua office: +1 603 577 8700

Meet some of our faculty

Dániel Z. Kádár

Zohar Kampf

Phil Scholfield

Hellenic American University is a private, non-profit American university. Hellenic American University’s degree programs are regulated, approved, and regularly monitored by the New Hampshire’s Department of Education, Division of Educator Support and Higher Education -- Higher Education Commission. Hellenic American University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Frequently Asked Questions

The Ph.D. program is normally completed in four to five years. It comprises 58 credits and includes coursework, research projects, qualifying papers, and the doctoral dissertation. Students begin with intensive core seminars before moving into their chosen area of specialization and developing their independent research under close faculty supervision.
Yes. Applicants are expected to hold a Master’s degree before applying. In addition to the standard graduate admission requirements, applicants must submit three letters of recommendation and a sample of academic writing.
Yes. The program is specifically structured to accommodate working professionals. It combines short, intensive online courses with ongoing academic guidance and supervision as students complete their project papers, qualifying papers, research, and dissertations.

Students are encouraged to draw on their professional experience in their coursework and research, while applying insights from the program to challenges they encounter in their own fields. Participants have come from areas such as education, translation and interpreting, law, business, diplomacy, political science, and linguistics.
The program offers two doctoral pathways: a Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics and a Ph.D. in Language and Communication, depending on the student’s research focus.
Students complete:
  • Eight core courses and seven accompanying project papers
  • Three discipline-specific seminars
  • Two qualifying papers
  • A doctoral dissertation
Core areas include Research Methodology, Discourse Analysis, Critical Applied Linguistics, Text, Discourse and Genre Analysis, and Communication across Cultures. Students may then specialize in areas such as Second Language Education, Intercultural and Professional Communication, or Translation and Interpreting.

The program also provides systematic training in qualitative and quantitative research methods, opportunities to publish and participate in conferences, and close mentoring from internationally recognized faculty.
Graduates are prepared for senior-level roles in academic, research, educational, governmental, corporate, and international settings.

Potential career paths include:
  • University teaching and academic research
  • Senior roles in research institutes and educational organizations
  • Curriculum development, language assessment, and program evaluation
  • Policy advising and educational consulting
  • Corporate communication and executive training
  • Diplomacy and senior government positions
  • Editing and publishing consultancy
  • Leadership roles in translation and interpreting organizations
  • Communication-related positions in NGOs, global media, and international institutions
The program is particularly relevant for professionals seeking advanced expertise in language use, discourse, intercultural communication, second language education, translation, and professional communication.

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30% OFF on tuition fees °

EARLY BIRD °

30% OFF on tuition fees °

EARLY BIRD °

30% OFF on tuition fees °