Second Language Teaching MA (SLaT)

Application and Admission Requirements

• Undergraduate GPA: a baccalaureate degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
• Statement of Intent: a one-page statement of intent, outlining your interest in the program, your potential as a scholar, and your intended contribution to the field of second language teaching
• Language of Specialization. Designated language of specialization as indicated on the “Desired Research Area” portion of the application. Normally, the SLaT program admits students of French, Italian, German, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Arabic, as these are languages for which we have graduate faculty.
• Language Proficiency Proof: ACTFL OPI rating of Advanced Low for languages in difficulty categories 1 and 2 or Intermediate High for difficulty categories 3 and 4 (see table below). If ACTFL exams are not available in the language, other proof may be considered. This does not apply to native speakers of their language of specialization.
• Scholarly Writing Sample: a 10- to 15-page scholarly writing sample in English addressing a topic relevant to second-language teaching
• 3 Letters of Recommendation: three letters of recommendation, two of which should be from persons familiar with the applicants’ skills in teaching and their proficiency in the language of specialization
• Graduate Records Exam (GRE): score at the 50th percentile or above on the verbal section of the exam and receive at least a rating of 4 on the analytical/writing section
• TOEFL: score of 90 or above on the TOEFL iBT (minimum score of 24 in Speaking and minimum score of 22 in Listening, Reading, and Writing). Contact slatma@byu.edu for information about other English test options. NOTE: This requirement only applies to non-native speakers of English.
• Prerequisites: Successful completion of a language-teaching methodology course. Exceptions may be allowed for equivalent experience, such as other extensive, formal language teaching experience.
• Complete an ecclesiastical endorsement.
• Application Fee: $50 (USD) to be paid online
• International Students: See the Graduate Studies International Students page for additional requirements

ACTFL Second Language Difficulty Categories for Speakers of English

Application Deadline: February 1st 

Funding

Scholarships

SLaT scholarships are available, depending on student performance and funding availability. Incoming students are automatically considered for scholarships. No separate application is required.

Second-year tuition scholarships are based on academic performance, student evaluations, meeting minimum registration requirements, and scholarship application. Scholarships normally range from 50%-80% of tuition.

Learn more about BYU Graduate Student scholarships.

Student Instructorships

SLaT students are often hired as graduate student instructors within the departments of their language of specialization. Graduate instructors are solely responsible for class instruction, assigning and correcting assignments, giving quizzes and exams, and awarding grades at the end of the semester.

Students applying for instructorship positions must be accepted into the SLaT program and have demonstrated prior teaching experience. Hiring takes place a few months before each semester. Each student will be required to apply through their respective language department. Often, departments require instructors to attend orientation and in-service meetings prior to the start of the semester.

Graduate students are normally hired for 10 hours/week per course, and paid on average between $12-$18/ hour, depending on experience.

Students who are interested in acquiring an instructorship should email the Assistant Director at slatgradsec@byu.edu.

Tuition Costs

Learn more about BYU tuition costs and financial aid.

Program Requirements

Visit the catalog

SLaT Handbook

View the SLaT Handbook

Reading List

The SLaT M.A. Reading List gives you broad exposure to some of the most influential research and texts in the area of language teaching. The Reading List materials are incorporated into the Written Comprehensive Exam, which aims to test your understanding of and ability to apply concepts and information presented during your program.

You will need to read and carefully consider all of the works on the list. It is recommended that you read items in conjunction with your class registrations, but you are welcome to begin reading the summer before you start your coursework.

You can read more about the Reading List and Comprehensive Exam in the SLaT Graduate Handbook.

The Center for Language Studies has compiled all of your readings for the SLaT MA Comprehensive Exam into the HBLL Course Reserve System. Many of the items can be accessed digitally, while a few are only available in hard copy at the Harold B. Lee Library.

Forms

Graduate Studies Advisement Forms (ADV Forms)

SLaT Thesis Prospective Form

Graduate Travel Assistance Application

Course Rotations

Winter 2021

SLAT 602 MW 4:00-5:15 James Hartshorn SLAT 603 MW 5:30-6:45 Mike Child
SLAT 610 TTH 5:00-6:15 Greg Thompson
SLAT 611 MWF 1:00-1:50 Lynn Henrichsen

Spring/Summer 2021

Possible proficiency course SLaT 680R

Fall 2021

SLaT 601-SLA Theory and Practice, Greg Thompson, M/W 5:00-6:15 JFSB B-164
SLaT 604-Assessment, Cherice Montgomery, T/Th 5:30-6:45 JFSB B-181
SLaT 613-Culture, Teresa Bell, T/Th 4:00-5:15 TBD

Winter 2022

SLaT 602-Linguistics, James Hartshorn
SLaT 603-Research, Mike Child
SLaT 614R - Online teaching, Julie Damron and Jennifer Bown

Spring/Summer 2022

SLaT 614R-Teaching dual immersion, Ellen Knell

Fall 2022

SLaT 601-SLA Theory and Practice
SLaT 604-Assessment
SLaT 612-Reading and Writing, Ellen Knell

The following are theses presented by previous SLaT students. Hyperlinks to online versions of the theses are organized by year. Theses prior to 2005 are available through the Center for Language Studies.