MA in Second Language Studies in Honolulu United States | University of Hawaii at Manoa

The MA Program in Second Language Studies (SLS) at the University of Hawaii has operated continuously since 1961. As the first and among the largest departments of its kind in U.S. higher education, the Department of Second Language Studies has earned global recognition for its distinguished faculty, comprehensive curriculum, and scholarly output. The MA program in SLS establishes these core objectives for all graduates:
Foundational Knowledge in SLS. Graduates will gain expertise in essential concepts across the discipline, encompassing: (a) applied linguistics methodologies, (b) linguistic analysis, (c) second language acquisition, and (d) sociolinguistics. They'll contextualize their specialization within broader academic, educational, and societal frameworks.
Research Application. Graduates will demonstrate proficiency in accessing, analyzing, and applying SLS research to enhance professional practice through systematic inquiry.

Professional Development. Graduates will cultivate lifelong learning habits, maintaining adaptability while developing skills for ethical collaboration and effective communication - both verbally (e.g., conference presentations) and in writing (e.g., scholarly publications).

Specialized tracks within the MA program feature additional discipline-specific outcomes.

The curriculum integrates theoretical foundations with practical applications, examining linguistic, psychological, and sociocultural dimensions alongside pedagogical methodologies. This dual emphasis prepares students with principled approaches for professional challenges.
Alumni secure prominent roles across applied linguistics fields, including education (domestic/international), teacher training, administration, research, assessment, and curriculum development. Many graduates advance to doctoral studies.