Apply to Second Language Teaching

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. If the GRE is not available in your country, please contact  slatma@byu.edu.
• 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). 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 Priority Deadline: February 1st 
Application Final Deadline: February 28th

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 $14-$20/ hour, depending on experience.

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

Tuition Costs

Learn more about BYU tuition costs and financial aid.