Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Forensic Linguistic Engineering
Coming Fall 2025
Questions? Contact Carmit Levin
Earn a Doctor of Philosophy in Forensic Linguistic Engineering, solve real-world investigations for security and justice.
Forensic Linguistic Engineering is an interdisciplinary field that merges the principles of linguistics with the analytical techniques of engineering to solve real-world problems in forensic contexts. This specialized field focuses on the application of language analysis to legal investigations as well as security and global intelligence, data science, and computational science industries, aiming to enhance the accuracy and reliability of evidence and data presented. Students pursuing this degree delve into topics such as linguistic profiling, validation testing, discourse analysis, and statistical methods for detecting deception or threats. By combining linguistic theory with engineering technologies, this doctoral program equips graduates with the skills to conduct sophisticated forensic investigations using technology and research methodology, contributing to the fields of criminal justice, law enforcement, security, intelligence, computational science, cyber analytics, and more.
Our Ph.D. in Forensic Linguistic Engineering prepares you to lead in these roles and more:
- Forensic Linguist
- Linguistic Expert for Legal Cases
- Cybersecurity Linguist
- Law Enforcement Consultant
- Language Data Analyst
- Criminal Profiling Specialist
- Statistical Analyst
- Speech Scientist
- Computational Linguist
- Language Pathologist
- Threat Intelligence Analyst
- Discourse Analyst
- Expert Consultant for Legal Firms
- University Faculty Member
Graduates can apply their expertise across tech and non-tech industries as specialists, technical executives, and other senior-level professionals for commercial companies, as well as state and federal governments. They can also build upon their research experience by working in academia and with research institutions as subject matter experts.
This Ph.D. degree program is suited for current professionals in the fields of forensics, criminology, justice and legal systems, theoretical or computational linguistics, psycholinguistics, speech science, security and intelligence, and more who wish to advance their research or career efforts. Through our interdisciplinary methodology, cutting-edge courses, and expert faculty, graduates obtain the skills necessary to contribute significantly to this and adjacent fields with the creation of new knowledge and ideas.
Why Capitol?
Expert guidance in doctoral research
Capitol’s doctoral programs are supervised by faculty with extensive experience in chairing doctoral dissertations and mentoring students as they launch their academic careers. You’ll receive the guidance you need to successfully complete your doctoral research thesis project and build credentials in the field.
Our location is a tech magnet
Our campus is located within the vibrant tech corridor of Washington D.C./Baltimore, Maryland, which is home to one of the largest concentrations of high-tech companies, government agencies, defense contractors, and other commercial enterprises. Many of our Capitol Tech faculty currently work with these organizations, offering students insight into current trends and in-demand skillsets.
Program is 100% online
Our Ph.D. in Forensic Linguistic Engineering is offered 100% online, with no on-campus classes or residencies required, allowing you the flexibility needed to balance your studies and career.
Degree Details
This program may be completed with a minimum of 60 credit hours, but may require additional credit hours, depending on the time required to complete the dissertation/publication research. Students who are not prepared to defend after completion of the 60 credits will be required to enroll in RSC-899, a one-credit, eight-week continuation course. Students are required to be continuously enrolled/registered in the RSC-899 course until they successfully complete their dissertation defense.
The student will produce, present, and defend a doctoral dissertation after receiving the required approvals from the student’s Committee and the PhD Review Boards.
Prior Achieved Credits May Be Accepted
Tuition & Fees
Tuition rates are subject to change.
The following rates are in effect for the 2024-2025 academic year, beginning in Fall 2024 and continuing through Summer 2025:
- The application fee is $100
- The per-credit charge for doctorate courses is $950. This is the same for in-state and out-of-state students.
- Retired military receive a $50 per credit hour tuition discount
- Active duty military receive a $100 per credit hour tuition discount for doctorate level coursework.
- Information technology fee $40 per credit hour.
- High School and Community College full-time faculty and full-time staff receive a 20% discount on tuition for doctoral programs.
Find additional information for 2024-2025 doctorate tuition and fees.