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The CMHC program at Missouri State University leads to a Master of Science (M.S.) degre...
Masters of Applied Second Language Acquisition
Springfield, Missouri
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The MASLA program at Missouri State University is a 33-credit-hour master's degree, typically completed in 1.5 to 2 years. It stands out for its unique blend of core knowledge in linguistics, research methods, and language teaching methodologies, combined with specialized coursework in either Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Spanish, or French. This interdisciplinary approach provides a comprehensive understanding of how languages are learned and taught. The program is particularly beneficial for current certified language teachers looking to deepen their expertise, as well as for those aspiring to teach languages in diverse contexts. An accelerated master's option is also available for qualified MSU undergraduate students, allowing for a seamless transition into graduate studies.
Curriculum: The MASLA curriculum is structured to provide a strong theoretical foundation and practical skills. It comprises a 15-hour "Second Language Acquisition core" and a 12-hour "language track" (TESOL, French, or Spanish), culminating in a 6-hour research requirement. Core courses typically include Linguistic Theory, Sociolinguistics for Language Teaching, and Principles of Second Language Acquisition, along with options for Methods in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Grammatical Analysis, and Materials and Assessment in TESOL. The language tracks delve into advanced grammar, literature, and culture pertinent to the chosen language. Students then fulfill their research requirement through a thesis, a research paper, or a creative project, providing flexibility in demonstrating their scholarly capabilities.
Research Focus: The MASLA program at Missouri State University emphasizes research related to the practical aspects of second language acquisition and pedagogy. Students are required to complete a 6-hour research component, which can take the form of a thesis, a research paper, or a creative work. This focus encourages students to investigate specific areas within second language learning, teaching, and assessment. Faculty members in the Departments of Languages, Cultures and Religions and English have diverse research interests, including psycholinguistic aspects of non-native language acquisition, language pedagogy and assessment, cross-linguistic influence, telecollaboration in language learning, and the role of machine translation tools. This breadth of expertise provides students with opportunities to engage in meaningful research that contributes to the understanding and improvement of language education.
Industry Engagement: The MASLA program at Missouri State University is highly focused on preparing graduates for direct entry into professional roles. While specific formal "industry engagement" programs like mandatory internships are not explicitly detailed for all tracks, the program's strong emphasis on practical teaching methods, materials design, and assessment directly aligns with the demands of the language education industry. The TESOL track, for instance, often includes practicum opportunities that provide hands-on teaching experience. Furthermore, the program explicitly aims to qualify graduates to teach languages in a variety of settings both in the United States and abroad, indicating a strong awareness of and preparation for global career opportunities in language instruction. Faculty members often have professional connections within the field, which can facilitate networking and career placement.
Global Perspective: The Master of Applied Second Language Acquisition program inherently carries a significant global perspective. Its core focus on how individuals learn and acquire languages transcends geographical boundaries, making it highly relevant in an increasingly interconnected and multilingual world. The inclusion of TESOL, Spanish, and French tracks directly prepares students to engage with diverse linguistic and cultural communities. Graduates are explicitly qualified to teach languages both within the United States and abroad, reflecting the program's commitment to preparing professionals for international contexts. The university's overall emphasis on cultural diversity and an inclusive campus community further enriches the learning environment, allowing students to develop a broader understanding of global communication and cross-cultural interaction.
Location
Springfield, Missouri
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 15914
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $72
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Missouri State University offers several scholarship opportunities designed specifically to support international students in pursuing their higher education goals. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and contributions to campus life, helping reduce the financial burden for international learners.
International Excellence Scholarship: This merit-based scholarship awards to outstanding first-time international freshmen. The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years. Eligibility is based on strong academic records, and recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving the award.
International Leadership Scholarship: Targeting international freshmen who demonstrate exceptional leadership and academic achievement. It is renewable for up to four years. Applicants are required to submit an essay highlighting their leadership experiences and vision. The scholarship is competitive, with only about 10 awards granted each year.
Additional Scholarships and Grants: Besides the primary scholarships, Missouri State University provides various other financial awards through departmental scholarships, honors programs, and special initiatives. Some scholarships may require separate applications or nominations based on the student's major or area of study.
Graduates of Missouri State University's (MSU) Master of Applied Second Language Acquisition (MASLA) program are equipped with a unique and valuable skill set that addresses the growing demand for language professionals in a globally interconnected world. The program's focus on both the theoretical underpinnings of language learning and practical teaching methodologies, especially within the TESOL, Spanish, or French tracks, opens doors to a diverse range of career opportunities both domestically and internationally.
English as a Second Language (ESL) Instructor (Adult/Higher Education): This is a prominent career path, where graduates teach English to non-native speakers in community colleges, universities, private language institutes, or adult education programs in the U.S.
English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Instructor (International): For those seeking international experiences, the MASLA program prepares graduates to teach English in schools, universities, and language centers abroad, particularly in countries where English is not the dominant language.
Foreign Language Teacher (K-12 or Higher Education): Graduates specializing in Spanish or French are well-prepared to teach these languages in public or private K-12 schools, or as instructors in colleges and universities.
Curriculum Developer (Language Programs): With their expertise in language acquisition theory and teaching methods, graduates can design and develop language learning materials, textbooks, and full curricula for educational institutions, publishing companies, or private language schools.
Language Program Administrator/Coordinator: Graduates can manage and oversee language programs in various settings, such as university language centers, intensive English programs, or community language initiatives. This involves curriculum oversight, teacher training, and program development.
Materials Writer (ESL/EFL/Foreign Language): Combining their linguistic knowledge with pedagogical skills, graduates can work as freelance or in-house writers, creating engaging and effective instructional materials for language learners, including textbooks, workbooks, online resources, and assessments.
Teacher Trainer (Language Education): Experienced MASLA graduates can train and mentor new or in-service language teachers, sharing best practices in second language acquisition, teaching methodologies, and classroom management. This often involves leading workshops and professional development sessions.
Academic Advisor/Student Support Specialist (Multilingual Learners): In educational institutions, graduates can advise and support multilingual students, helping them navigate academic challenges, providing language learning strategies, and connecting them with appropriate resources.
Linguistic Data Analyst/Researcher (Entry-Level): While often requiring further specialization, the MASLA program's emphasis on research methods and linguistic theory can provide a foundation for roles in analyzing linguistic data, contributing to research in areas like natural language processing, or working in language technology companies.
Translator/Interpreter (Entry-Level/Support): While specific training in translation/interpretation might be pursued through additional certifications, the advanced linguistic proficiency and understanding of cultural nuances gained from the MASLA program can serve as a strong basis for entry-level roles in translation or interpretation services, particularly if focused on one of their specialized languages (Spanish, French).
