Modern Languages Master of Arts -- Second Language Acquisition (SLA)

General Description

The 30-hour M.A. program in Second Language Acquisition (French, German, Spanish, and TEFL) integrates language, linguistics, applied linguistics, pedagogy, culture, and literature. This degree program prepares graduates to work as a language instructor in higher education or enhance K-12 teaching credentials, to pursue further study at the doctoral level, or to pursue a career where advanced proficiency in a second language is necessary (e.g. governmental agency work, international business, translation and interpretation, etc.). M.A. SLA/TEFL students are equipped to teach English in a wide range of contexts, both abroad and domestically. The SLA program is designed to strengthen target language skills and cultural awareness, develop knowledge of second language learning theories and pedagogical approaches, narrow the traditional gap in graduate study between the methods of teaching and the content areas of literature and culture, promote individual inquiry in the student’s field of interest, and develop awareness of professional standards.

In the Second Language Acquisition option, students may choose to complete the degree with 1) a minimum of 24 hours of graduate courses and a thesis; 2) 28 hours of graduate courses and a report; or 3) a minimum of 30 hours of graduate courses including such evidence of scholarly effort as term papers. In addition, the M.A. candidate completes comprehensive examinations.

How to apply?

Course Requirements

Candidate’s committee must approve program of study (chosen electives, substitute course for courses not offered during student’s tenure, etc.)

SLA in French, German, and Spanish

MLANG 710 Foreign Language Pedagogy (3 hours) MLANG 770 Theories of Second Language Acquisition (3 hours) MLANG 600 Principles of Linguistics (3 hours) 2 language-specific courses on the teaching of language and culture through literature (6 hours): French: FREN 719, 742 or 743 German: GRMN 740, 741 Spanish: SPAN 777, 778 Two 700-level literature courses in the target language (6 hours) Students without a literature background will be assigned pre-requisites for entrance to program. Electives as approved by committee (3-6 hours) Master’s report or thesis --if applicable-- (3 or 6 hours)

General Description

Students may pursue the M.A. program in Second Language Acquisition with a Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in French, German, and Spanish. As part of this program, students complete coursework in linguistics, applied linguistics, pedagogy, language, culture, and literature. In addition to the graduate coursework in the Department of Modern Languages, students complete a sequence of coursework in the College of Education in order to apply for State of Kansas K-12 licensure. Consequently, students who wish to pursue a Master’s degree in Second Language Acquisition with a Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning work with advisors in both the Department of Modern Languages and the College of Education prior to applying. Please refer to the Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning, Student Handbook for further information regarding the education requirements for this degree. The program is designed to strengthen language skills and cultural awareness, develop knowledge of second language learning theories and pedagogical approaches, narrow the traditional gap in graduate study between the methods of teaching and the content areas of literature and culture, promote individual inquiry in the student’s field of interest, develop awareness of professional standards, and pursue licensure in the State of Kansas for K-12 language instruction.

Program of study for the Master’s degree in Second Language Acquisition with Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning needs to be approved by the student's committee in Modern Languages and Dr.Leah McKeeman - leahmac@ksu.edu, in the Department of Curriculum & Instruction.

How to apply?

The Department of Modern Languages offers a 30-hour Master’s degree in Second Language Acquisition / Teaching English as a Foreign Language (SLA/TEFL). This program is intended for aspiring teachers of English or for practicing teachers who wish to enhance their credentials. Upon completion of the program, students are equipped to teach English in a wide range of contexts, both abroad and domestically. The M.A. in SLA/TEFL includes coursework in second language acquisition, the teaching of English as a second / foreign language, linguistics, and in an area of concentration of the student’s choice. The program is designed to:

• Strengthen language skills and cultural awareness;
• Develop knowledge of second language learning theories and practical experience applying pedagogical approaches;
• Develop knowledge in an area of concentration (e.g. linguistics, literary and cultural studies, pedagogy) that can be used to teach advanced English courses;
• Promote individual inquiry in the student’s field of interest;
• Develop awareness of professional standards.

Check here for admission requirements, and admission process.

The Department encourages students to apply for a position as a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) in order to gain practical experience in the classroom. Please note that positions are limited and therefore competitive. For mmore information about the SLA/TEFL Program, please contact Dr. Li Yang, lyang1@ksu.edu.