Second Language Teaching MA (SLaT)
The mission of the BYU Master of Arts program in Second Language Teaching (SLaT) is to prepare graduate students to work in the field of second language teaching with additional understanding, knowledge, and pedagogical skills beyond those acquired at the undergraduate level. This program may serve as either a terminal M.A. program or a springboard to a Ph.D.
Why SLaT?
This college-wide program uniquely prepares students with second language teaching skills, which are based on sound teaching theories that build on and go beyond the scientific study of language. The SLaT M.A. assists second- and foreign-language teachers in improving their professional qualifications in second language pedagogy, research, and assessment.
The focus is on teacher preparation, providing a skillset suitable for a variety of careers within both higher education and second language teaching. There is an industry need for teachers who are prepared to teach a variety of languages; this program helps to satisfy that need. The SLaT program also prepares a foundation for continued study in Ph.D. programs in foreign language education and eventual entry into academia.
Is SLaT for Me?
The SLaT program is ideally suited to the needs of individuals who have completed undergraduate degrees in a foreign language and have an interest in teaching their acquired language in an advanced educational setting, such as in a college or university, or in a business enterprise. The SLaT M.A. is not a public-school certification program, but the program will be beneficial to currently certified foreign language teachers as part of their continuing professional development or as preparation to pursue a Ph.D.
For more information on the program requirements, please visit the catalog.
NOTE: Those who wish to teach English, Portuguese, or Spanish should apply to the TESOL or Spanish/Portuguese MA programs rather than to SLaT.
Public School Teachers
The Second Language Teaching MA can accommodate full-time, public school teachers who are able to come to campus in the evenings and during the summer. Normally, these students complete their degree in 3 years and take 1 evening class each semester, with 1-2 courses in the summer. Most of our courses are held in the late afternoon or evening.
Those who participate in BYU Summer Institutes for Teachers of French or German may apply that coursework to the MA program. For more information, please contact us at slatma@byu.edu.
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
Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 | Category 4 |
Afrikaans, Danish, Dutch, French, Haitian Creole, Italian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Romanian, Spanish, Swahili Swedish | Bulgarian, German, Greek, Hindi, Indonesian, Malay, Urdu | Cambodian, Czech, Finnish, Hebrew, Hmong, Hungarian, Polish, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, Slovak, Tagalog, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, Vietnamese | Arabic, Cantonese, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin |
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
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)
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
Fall 2021
SLAT 610: Cherice Montgomery
SLAT 604: Greg Thompson
SLAT 613: Teresa Bell
Spring/Summer 2021
SLAT 614R (DLI): Ellen Knell?
Research Interests: Immersion education, language teaching methodology, and teaching culture.
3157 JFSB
801-422-1727
blair_bateman@byu.edu

Research Interests: Effective language teaching, perceptions of effective language teaching, written error correction, ACTFL oral proficiency for pre-service language teaching
3102 JFSB
801-422-4961
teresa_bell@byu.edu

Research Interests: Study abroad, stress, and motivation
3064B JFSB
801-422-6531
belnap@byu.edu

Research Interests: Advanced language pedagogy, assessment, and oversees study. Also, Chinese linguistics, Chinese diaspora language, and Chinese dialects
3064C JFSB
801-422-4952
dana_bourgerie@byu.edu

Research Interests: Advanced language pedagogy and assessment, second language reading, affective and social factors in language learning.
3117 JFSB
801-422-3207
jennifer_bown@byu.edu

3081 JFSB
801-422-5303
matthew_christensen@byu.edu

Research Interests: Second Language Assessment and Teaching, Language Proficiency Scales/Standards, Self-Assessment and Objective Measurement
3086C JFSB
801-422-5755
troyc@byu.edu

Research Interests: Student success in face-to-face, online, and blended language classes. Language gains during study abroad/direct enrollment
3085 JFSB
801-422-7286
julie_damron@byu.edu

Research Interests:
second language learning and agency, self-regulation, motivation, social networking (social interaction), anxiety (stress), study abroad, and testing/assessment
4067 JFSB
801-422-6005
ddewey@byu.edu

Research Interests: Second language writing
4071 JFSB
801-422-5946
grant_eckstein@byu.edu

Research Interests: Writing in a second language—written corrective feedback, self-regulated language learning, and language curriculum development.
4064C JFSB
801-422-8472
norman_evans@byu.edu

Research Interests: The teaching and learning of L2 pronunciation, listening, and speaking skills
4040 JFSB
801-422-2938
lynn_henrichsen@byu.edu
Affiliated Faculty, Second Language Teaching
Research Interests: Spanish language and culture acquisition and assessment; Spanish language and culture curriculum and materials development
3171 JFSB
801-422-3196
nieves_knapp@byu.edu

Research Interests: Dual language immersion (DLI) pedagogy, curriculum and policy, second language teacher training, bilingual literacy acquisition (English/Chinese), remote language learning, and adult literacy learners
3094 JFSB
801-422-3253
ellen_knell@byu.edu

Research Interests: Russian Linguistics
3097 JFSB
801-422-2615
grant_lundberg@byu.edu
Affiliated Faculty, Second Language Teaching
Research Interests: language teaching and learning in study abroad and other experiential learning contexts, language teaching and technology, and pronunciation teaching and learning, and proficiency oriented teaching.
3143 JFSB
(801) 422-8466
rob.martinsen@byu.edu
Research Interests: curriculum development and implementation in dual language immersion (DLI), Foreign Language Student Housing (FLSR), literacy development and the use of culturally authentic materials for language learning, project-based language learning (PBLL), and scaffolding
3177 JFSB
(801) 422-3465
cherice_montgomery@byu.edu

Research Interests: Psycholinguistics, Second Language Acquisition, Phonetics, Speech perception and production, Foreign Language Housing
4057 JFSB
801-422-4714
wendy_baker@byu.edu

Research Interests: Proficiency gains, Can-Do statements, language gains in immersion settings, second language pronunciation, influence of dialect on pronunciation, German plurals, prosody gains
3109 JFSB
801-422-3513
laurasmith@byu.edu
Department of Spanish and Portuguese
Research Interests: code-switching in the foreign language classroom; heritage language learners; service-learning and language acquisition; bilingualism and languages in contact; placement exams and language testing
3173 JFSB
801-422-2282
gregory_thompson@byu.edu

3064A JFSB
801-422-5304
paul_warnick@byu.edu

Department of Asian and Near Eastern Languages
Research Interests: Chinese linguistics, Second language acquisition, Teaching speaking and writing to advanced level learners, Material development
3073 JFSB
801-422-7353
rachelyuliu@byu.edu
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.
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Toggle Item2020
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Toggle Item2019
David Lucero
Laura Wilde
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Toggle Item2018
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Toggle Item2017
Eunsun You
Scott Dohrman
Rebecca Emery
Spaced versus Massed Practice in L2 German Listening Comprehension
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Toggle Item2016
Jeffrey Peterson
Incidental Learning of Japanese Through Reading Online, In Print, and In Digital Games
Danielle Asay
What, Why, and How Much?: The Integration of Culture in Secondary Foreign Language Classrooms
Ana-Lisa Mullen
An Investigation into the Motivational Practice of Teachers of Albanian and Japanese
Ryler Nielsen
Mahonri Manjarrez
Effects of Culture Awareness Lessons on Attitudes of University Students of French
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Toggle Item2015
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Toggle Item2014
Veronique Willardson
Elizabeth Todd
Olga Maletina
Understanding L1-L2 Fluency Relationship Across Different Languages and Different Proficiency Levels
Jessica Bryan
Teachers Observing Teachers: Factors that Contribute to Critical Thinking in Peer Coaching
Olga Ookhara
Understanding the Experience of Successful Study Abroad Students in Russia
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Toggle Item2013
Meghan Sorenson
Student Attitudes Toward Social Media Technology as and Enhancement to Language Acquisition
Celine Gaillard
The Effects of Pre-Speaking Planning on Students' Performance During Speaking Tasks
Bethany Daniel
Defining Critical Thinking for the 21st Century World Language Classroom
Li Kuo
Improving Implicit Learing and Explicit Learning of Adult and Child Learners of Chinese
Emma Top
The Role of Intonation in L2 Russian Speakers' Intelligibility, Comprehensibility, and Accentedness
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Toggle Item2012
Donna Andrus
Having Fun While Speaking French: A Foreign Language Housing Case Study
Joy Palmer
The Effect of Furigana on Lexical Interferencing of Unknown Kanji Words
Alexandra Brattos
The Effects of Stress Presentation Mode on Stress Acquisition Among Advanced Learners of Russian
Geoffrey Biesenger
Linguistic Improvements and Correlates in a Japanese Study Abroad Program
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Toggle Item2011
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Toggle Item2010
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Toggle Item2009
Ashley Ruesch
Student and Teacher Perceptions of Motivational Strategies in the Foreign Language Classroom
Brian James
Erin Gibbons
The Effects of Second Language Experience on Typologically Similar and Dissimilar Third Languages
Shu Ling Ko
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Toggle Item2008
Laila Lamani
Language Gain During Arabic Study Abroad: A Case Study of a Semester Abroad in Amman, Jordan
Ryan Rocque
Bradley York
Sarah Bakker
Shereen Salah
The Relationship Between Vocabulary Knowledge and Reading Comprehension of Authentic Arabic Texts
Tina Starr
The German Proficiency Exam at Brigham Young University: A Validation Study
Veronica Naimova
Factors Affecting the implementation of Instructional Technology in the Second Language Classroom
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Toggle Item2007
Erin Olsen
Kathryn Rimmasch
Leslie Bachelder
Valentina Dunn
The Effect of Second Language Instruction on the Acquisition in the Foreign Language Classroom
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Toggle Item2006
Chao-Chi Yang
Marisa Bellini
Michael Hilmo
Ping McEwen
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Toggle Item2005

Employment: Adjunct Faculty, Private University
"My degree and connections helped get the job."

Employment: Program Assistant
"The value of the SLaT program is in the combination of learning the latest research, having real teaching experiences where that research can be practiced, and having intimate access to professors via small classroom sizes and other opportunities for one-on-one interactions."

Employment: Substitute Teacher
"Learning to critically analyze research and statistics. This skill has gone far beyond language and teaching and had helped me in several different aspects of my life to not just believe what people tell me, but to do research and find out for myself."

Employment: Instructional Designer
“I loved my time in the SLaT program! In my daily work designing online language courses, I constantly pull from the skills and experience I gained from my studies.”

Employment: Assistant Professor, Federal Language Institute
"If you are looking for a high-quality yet affordable language teaching program. Congratulations! You have found it!"

Employment: Assistant Professor, Private University
"I value the research that I conducted in my courses and for my MA thesis. Knowing that I enjoyed research not only prepared me for my PhD program but motivated me to continue my studies. I also enjoyed the support of my advisor and other professors. What I learned through their mentorship is still valuable to me today."

Employment: Teacher, Public School
"This program helped me gain a broader appreciation for language acquisition and equipped me with very useful understanding and skills needed to teach a language. It's been six years since I graduated, but I refer back to principles I learned in this program pretty much every day at work!"

Employment: Language Program Administrator
"The SLaT program gave me the pedagogical and research knowledge needed to be successful in a variety of educational settings. I loved my time in the SLaT program, and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a top-notch, intimate, and affordable program that will allow them to work in any Foreign Language educational setting they choose."

-Jordan Wilson, 2015 SLaT graduate

-Jeremy Evans, 2015 SLaT graduate

-Yu Fang Liao, 2014 SLaT graduate