Brigham Young University

What you'll study

The curriculum combines foundations in linguistics, language pedagogy and subject-specific language study. Core topics typically include phonetics and phonology, syntax and morphology, second language acquisition, sociolinguistics, and language assessment. Pedagogical courses cover lesson planning, teaching methodology for young learners and adults, materials design, classroom management and testing and evaluation.

Students choosing the English teaching route focus on ESL methodology, contrastive analysis between English and learners' first languages, and practicum placements in local schools or language centres. Students focusing on French study advanced French grammar and composition, Francophone cultures, methods for teaching French as a second/foreign language, and often complete speaking-intensive modules to raise oral proficiency.

Practical experience is a central component: supervised teaching practicums, microteaching workshops, peer-observation, and opportunities for practicum abroad or in community language programmes. Electives and research options allow students to explore topics such as technology-enhanced language teaching, corpus linguistics for teachers, bilingual education, or heritage language maintenance.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school diploma. Admissions typically consider academic performance across high-school subjects and evidence of English proficiency for non-native speakers. For the French pathway, demonstrated prior study of French or equivalent language proficiency is expected.

Prerequisite coursework may include introductory language, literature or linguistics classes; some programmes expect prior experience working with children or in instructional settings, which can be demonstrated through volunteering or employment. Candidates may be asked to submit a personal statement describing their reasons for studying language teaching and to participate in an interview or provide samples of written work.

Career prospects

Graduates are qualified to teach English or French in a variety of settings: primary and secondary schools, private language institutes, adult education centres, and international schools. Other career paths include curriculum and materials development, language assessment and testing, programme coordination for NGOs or government language services, and roles in international education and study abroad administration.

The degree also prepares students for postgraduate study in TESOL/TESL, applied linguistics, language education or teaching certification programmes, which many graduates pursue to gain state or national teaching credentials or to specialise in areas such as bilingual education or language testing.

Why study at Brigham Young University

Brigham Young University offers a strong tradition in language teaching and applied linguistics, with faculty experienced in classroom methodology and second language research. Students benefit from institutional language resources such as language labs, conversation cohorts and access to supervised practicum placements in on- and off-campus programmes.

BYU’s campus culture emphasises service and international engagement, providing abundant opportunities for community-based teaching, volunteering, and study abroad that strengthen language proficiency and intercultural skills. The programme’s combination of theoretical grounding and extensive hands-on practice is designed to produce classroom-ready teachers who are prepared to work in diverse linguistic contexts.