University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

This doctoral programme is grounded in applied linguistics and second language acquisition and combines advanced theoretical study with empirical research methods. Core areas typically include second language acquisition theory, language pedagogy and curriculum development, assessment and testing, research design and advanced statistics, sociolinguistics of multilingual communities, discourse analysis, and pragmatics. Students pursue both coursework and a substantial original dissertation project, selecting specialised seminars relevant to either English or French teaching as a second or foreign language.

• Core coursework: second language acquisition, research methods, quantitative and qualitative analysis, language assessment.
• Pedagogy and materials: advanced pedagogical theory, syllabus and materials design, classroom interaction and technology-enhanced language learning.
• Language-specific study: advanced issues in teaching English as a second/foreign language or teaching French in multilingual contexts, including contrastive analysis and bilingual education.
• Electives and interdisciplinary options: sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, discourse studies, literacy and content-based instruction, language policy and planning.
• Research and dissertation: proposal development, comprehensive examinations (where required), original research under faculty supervision, and the doctoral dissertation defence.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant master's degree (for example in TESOL, applied linguistics, language education, French studies, or a closely related field) from a recognised institution. Strong academic preparation in linguistics, second language acquisition, or language teaching methodology is important. A record of university-level coursework, a substantial research paper or master's thesis, and professional experience in language teaching strengthen an application.

• Transcripts and academic references from referees who can speak to research potential and subject expertise.
• A research statement or statement of purpose outlining proposed areas of study and fit with department faculty expertise.
• A writing sample such as a master's thesis chapter, published paper, or extended research paper.
• Proof of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English (acceptable tests and score thresholds are set by the university).
• Some applicants may be asked to supply additional materials such as a curriculum vitae and evidence of teaching experience; specific departmental requirements should be checked on the programme webpage.

Career prospects

Graduates from this doctoral programme are well placed for academic careers as university lecturers and researchers in applied linguistics, TESOL or French language education. Other common career paths include leadership roles in language programme administration, curriculum and materials development, language assessment and test design, educational policy and planning, and research positions in government agencies, international organisations, and NGOs focused on language education and literacy.

Alumni also work in teacher education, professional development for language teachers, and technology companies developing language-learning software where advanced knowledge of second language acquisition and assessment is required.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Mānoa

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa offers a distinctive research environment for second language studies because of its location in the Asia–Pacific region and its long-standing focus on multilingualism, heritage languages and community language maintenance. The Department of Second Language Studies brings together faculty with expertise across applied linguistics, sociolinguistics, testing and pedagogy, and supports interdisciplinary collaboration with other departments such as linguistics, education, and East Asian and Pacific languages.

• Access to specialised facilities and language labs, and opportunities to conduct field-based research in diverse multilingual communities.
• Small cohorts and close faculty supervision, enabling tailored mentorship for dissertation research and professional development.
• Strong regional and international connections for collaborative research, conference participation and student placements in varied teaching contexts.