University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

The programme blends core study in second language acquisition and applied linguistics with specialist modules focused on language teaching methodology, assessment and materials development for learners of English or French. Typical topics include:

• Second Language Acquisition and Psycholinguistics
• Pedagogy and Methodology for Teaching English or French as a Second/Foreign Language
• Curriculum Design and Syllabus Development
• Language Assessment, Testing and Evaluation
• Classroom-based Research Methods and Action Research
• Phonology and Pronunciation Teaching
• Technology-enhanced Language Teaching and Materials Development
• Sociolinguistics, Multilingualism and Language Policy
• Practicum: supervised teaching in schools or language centres

Students typically complete a combination of coursework and a culminating project or thesis. Practicum placements provide supervised, hands-on teaching experience with diverse learner populations, often reflecting the multilingual Pacific context of Hawai‘i. Research-led seminars and opportunities for classroom-based action research help students link theory to practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor's degree in any discipline; a background in language, linguistics, education or a related field is advantageous. Candidates are expected to provide official transcripts, a personal statement outlining professional goals and interests in language teaching, and letters of academic or professional reference. A curriculum vitae or résumé is usually required.

Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English through an approved test (for example IELTS or TOEFL) unless exempted by prior study in English. For applicants specialising in French, documented competence in French at an appropriate level is expected. Some applicants may be invited to an interview or to provide a short teaching demonstration or sample of written work. International applicants should check additional visa and admission documentation requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers in language education and related fields. Common pathways include:

• ESL/EFL or FSL classroom teacher in schools, language institutes and adult education centres
• Language programme coordinator or director in private and public institutions
• Curriculum developer and materials writer for publishers and educational technology firms
• Language testing and assessment specialist
• Teacher trainer and professional development provider
• Research assistant or practitioner-researcher in applied linguistics and language education
• Further academic study at doctoral level leading to university teaching and research

Graduates often find roles across the Asia–Pacific region as well as in North America, international schools, NGOs and government education agencies, benefiting from the programme's applied training and research orientation.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa offers a distinctive setting for language teacher education, situated in a multilingual, multicultural Pacific context that enriches studies of multilingualism, language policy and community language practices. The campus hosts established expertise in second language studies and applied linguistics, with faculty who pursue classroom-based research and technology-enhanced pedagogy.

Students benefit from practicum partnerships in local schools and language centres, access to language laboratories and multimedia facilities, and opportunities to engage with language education initiatives across the region. The programme's emphasis on linking research and practice, together with connections to Asia–Pacific language communities, makes it a strong choice for those aiming to teach, design programmes, or lead innovation in language education.