Master of Science (M.S.) Second Language Instruction

Purpose

The purpose of the Master of Science in Second Language Instruction (SLI) is to offer students an opportunity to acquire proficiency, knowledge and skills in the pedagogical process of teaching language to non-native speakers.

Program Objectives

Upon successful completion of the Master of Science in Second Language instruction, our students will demonstrate:

1. The professional skills and academic competencies required for second language instruction;
2. Knowledge of recent theories of how languages are structured and acquired;
3. Knowledge of and understanding of principles necessary to create and deliver appropriate lesson plans;
4. Knowledge of and ability to create appropriate assessments;
5. Knowledge of a wide range of research methodologies and how they rate to increased achievement for language learning students;
6. Knowledge of a wide range of cultural values and beliefs represented by different cultures and how they relate to increased achievement for all students.

Admission Requirements

To apply for admission to the Master of Science in Second Language Instruction program, applicants must submit:

1. A completed Application for Admission to the Graduate School.
2. Must hold a baccalaureate degree in English or another language, sociology, education, psychology, journalism, linguistics or any language related discipline.
3. Official transcript(s) from all universities attended.
4. Two (2) letters of recommendation submitted in English from former or current professors. The letters are expected to provide insights into the applicant’s ability and aptitude for graduate study. If working, letters from colleagues will be accepted. See web request form at: https://www.troy.edu/academics/colleges-schools/graduate-school/forms.html.

Unconditional Admission

Students should meet the unconditional admission requirements for the Graduate School with the following exceptions:

1. Applicants must have achieved at least a 3.0 GPA on all undergraduate work.
2. Students must demonstrate a strong evidence of excellence in language skills by providing an essay on a topic in literature, writing, language, linguistics, education or any related field.

Conditional Admission

Students entering the English as a Second Language Track must successfully satisfy one of the following in addition to the Conditional Admission requirements of the Graduate School:

1. Make a satisfactory score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): TOEFL: IBT (internet-based test) 70/193/ CBT (computer-based test) 193/ PBT (paperbased test) 523.
2. Make a satisfactory score on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS): score of 6.0.
3. Make a satisfactory score on the ACT COMPASS ESL exam. To pass the ACT Compass ELS, a student must attain a total of 270 on the Listening, Reading and Grammar sections, with no individual score below 85, and a minimum score of 8 out of 12 on the writing test. Note: The ACT Compass ESL may be taken only once.

Transfer Credits

A maximum of 12 credit hours taken at another regionally accredited university with a grade of “B” or better can be applied to the MSSLI degree. These courses must be comparable in catalog description to courses in the MSSLI program and must be approved by the Dean of the College of Education.

Academic Advisement

Faculty advisement for the program is required.

Degree Requirements

1. Credit hours required in major courses: 27 semester hours
2. Credit hours required in support courses: 4 to 6 semester hours (Capstone Option)
3. Credit hours in required or free electives: None
4. Credit hours for thesis: 4 to 6 semester hours (Thesis Option). Additional requirements such as preliminary qualifying examination, comprehensive examination, thesis, practicum or internship, some of which may carry credit hours included in the list above.

Curriculum

The MSSLI degree curriculum consists of 9 core required courses and 2 courses that consist of a choice of either the Thesis Option or the Capstone Option. All courses offer three semester hours (SH) of credit except the Practicum Course which offers 1 - 3 hours of credit.

• SL 6610 - Survey of SLA for SL Teachers
• SL 6615 - Intro to Linguistics
• SL 6620 - Survey of Sociolinguistics for Second Language Teachers
• SL 6630 - Principles, Techniques & Materials in SL Teaching
• SL 6635 - Methods & Approaches in SL Teaching
• SL 6640 - Teaching Language Skills
• SL 6645 - Grammar
• SL 6653 - Assessment & Evaluation
• SL 6691 - Research Methodology

Degree Plan

Master of Science in Second Language Instruction Degree Plan/Progress Record