Second Language Acquisition (SLMA)

Graduate Degree Program
College: Arts and Humanities

Abstract

The M.A. is intended primarily as a two-year program for full-time students. A very limited number of part-time students would also be admitted. It will provide students with rigorous, comprehensive training in the theory and research of second (including foreign) language learning, teaching and testing, and related areas. A major program focus includes preparation for those working, or intending to work, in programs for tertiary students and adults studying less commonly taught languages (LCTLs), e.g., East-Asian and Middle-Eastern languages, and such modern European languages as Spanish, French, Italian and German. Areas of particular faculty expertise include cognitive processes in SLA; language teaching methodology and pedagogy; psycholinguistics; language processing; individual differences in such factors as age, aptitude, and working memory; second language analysis; interlanguage studies; heritage learners; needs analysis; syllabus design; materials writing; learner training; language assessment; program evaluation; second language research methods; task-based language teaching; and uses of technology in language learning and testing.

Financial Assistance

Masters Degree and Certificate students in the College of Arts and Humanities are rarely offered funding. It is expected that students admitted to the SLA M.A. or Certificate Program will come with outside sponsorship.

Contact

Kira Gor, Ph.D.
Director of SLA Program
School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

2106E Jimenez Hall
4125 North Library Lane
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
Telephone: 301.405.0185
Email: kiragor@umd.edu

Website:  http://www.sllc.umd.edu

Courses: SLAA

General Requirements

Program-Specific Requirements

  • Letters of Recommendation (3)
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (optional)
  • CV/Resume 
  • Writing Sample (one required, up to one more optional)

Students may enter the program in the Fall semester only. Prior to admission to the program, applicants must have successfully completed a Bachelors degree from an accredited university in a relevant field, e.g., linguistics, applied linguistics, psychology, foreign languages, applied linguistics, cognitive science, anthropology or education.

For more admissions information or to apply to the program, please visit our Graduate School website.

Application Deadlines

Type of Applicant Fall Deadline Spring Deadline
Domestic Applicants
US Citizens and Permanent Residents January 17, 2025 September 27, 2024
International Applicants
F (student) or J (exchange visitor) visas; A,E,G,H,I and L visas and immigrants January 17, 2025 September 27, 2024

Other Deadlines: Please visit the program website at http://www.sllc.umd.edu

In addition to the University graduate library, the SLA program offers research facilities and resources to facilitate research and materials development, including a multimedia SLA Lab, the Language House, The Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning, the Office of Information Technology, and the Center for Teaching Excellence.

Students completing coursework with affiliate faculty in the Departments of Psychology, Communication, Linguistics, and Education as well as the Center for Advanced Study of Languages may have access to their respective resources.

Last Name First/Middle Name Graduate Faculty Status Academic Credentials Positions
Doughty Catherine J. Associate B.A., Ursinus College, 1978; M.S., University of Pennsylvania, 1982; Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania, 1988. Professor, Second Language Acquisition
Research Scientist, Second Language Acquisition
Gor Kira Full Member M.A., Leningrad State University, 1977; Ph.D., 1983; Ph.D., Bryn Mawr College, 1993. Associate Professor, Second Language Acquisition
Associate Professor, Second Language Acquisition
Jiang Nan Full Member B.A., Nanjiang Normal University, China, 1984; M.A. East China Normal University, 1987; Ph.D. University of Arizona, 1998. Associate Professor, Neurosciences and Cognitive Science
Associate Professor, Second Language Acquisition
Associate Professor, Second Language Acquisition
Kuchinsky Stefanie E. Associate B.A., Brandeis University, 2003; M.A., University of Illinois, 2006; Ph.D., University of Illinois, 2009. Associate Research Scientist, Second Language Acquisition
Research Scientist, Second Language Acquisition
Ross Steven J. Full Member B.A. Whittier College 1974; M.A. University of New Mexico 1981; Ph.D. University of Hawai'i 1995. Director, Second Language Acquisition
Professor, Second Language Acquisition