The main goal of the Master of Arts degree program is to serve the needs of prospective and practicing teachers, administrators, and researchers in the area of second and foreign language studies. Attention is given to the areas of second and foreign language acquisition, applied psycholinguistics, second language use, second language research, bilingual education, curriculum development, and teacher education, among others.
The program emphasizes theory as well as practice. In addition to the courses dealing with approaches to language teaching, materials, and testing, core courses are concerned with the linguistic, psychological, and sociological aspects of language and language learning. The core courses, which are primarily theoretical, are designed to provide an essential foundation on which the more practically oriented courses can build.
The MA in SLS does not result in teaching certification. Contact the College of Education for information regarding State of Hawaiʻi teacher certification.
Entry into the MA program is possible in both the fall and spring semesters. Most applicants whose first language is not English are required to take the TOEFL or the IELTS. The GRE is not required for MA in SLS applicants.
Application materials are required for both the Graduate Division and for the Department of Second Language Studies. For details about how to apply, see: sls/graduate/ma/ma-admissions/.
