MA Second Language Studies at University of Hawaii at Manoa

Programme overview

The MA in Second Language Studies serves prospective and practicing teachers, administrators and researchers in second and foreign language studies, covering second language acquisition, applied psycholinguistics, language use, research, bilingual education, curriculum development and teacher education. It does not result in teaching certification.

Faculty: College of Arts, Languages and Letters | Department: Second Language Studies | Duration: 36 credits | Study mode: full-time | Location: Honolulu, HI, United States

What you will study

The 36-credit MA has four core courses (SLS 600, 601, 650, 660), one core seminar and electives; Plan A adds 6 thesis credits and 5 electives, Plan B has 7 electives and a scholarly paper. Optional tracks include critical second language studies, language assessment, language and social interaction, language education and second language acquisition.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Entry in fall or spring. Applicants need substantial, diverse experience of multilingualism and language learning, or must take a semester of language study (not counted toward the 36 credits). GRE not required. Most applicants whose first language is not English must take the TOEFL or IELTS. Application materials required for both Graduate Division and the department. Plan C requires contacting the Graduate Chair. Graduate Division English proficiency (applicants whose native language is not English; programme minimums may be higher): TOEFL iBT 61 (pre-2026 scale) or 3.5 (2026 scale), IELTS Academic 5.5, Duolingo 90.

Domestic applicants: USD 10,400 a year (2026-27). Graduate tuition for 2026-27 based on a typical full-time load of 8 credits per semester (indicative budget figure from the cost of attendance page); excludes fees ($934), housing, food, books and other costs. Hawaii resident rate. Source

International applicants: USD 22,432 a year (2026-27). Graduate tuition for 2026-27 based on a typical full-time load of 8 credits per semester (indicative budget figure from the cost of attendance page); excludes fees ($934), housing, food, books and other costs. Non-resident rate. Source

Graduate applications are accepted for Summer, Fall and Spring terms; Graduate Division begins processing applications from August 1 for the following Fall and Summer semester and from April 1 for the following Spring semester.

All graduate application deadlines are set by the graduate programmes and vary by programme; some programmes set priority deadlines. Most Fall applicants hear a decision by late March/early April and Spring applicants by November/December. Application fees are non-refundable.

Apply through the official page: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/graduate/

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