M.A. in Second Language Acquisition
The objective of the M.A. in Second Language Acquisition (SLA) is to prepare students for both teaching and research in the area of Slavic studies with the focus on acquisition of Slavic languages. The broad exposure to different literature/culture/linguistic courses within the department and the emerging preparation for research in SLA ensure the student’s success at the Ph.D. level where SLA becomes the main focus of education and research.
To receive an M.A., students must complete the following benchmarks:
- Required Coursework, for masters students
- M.A. Examinations, description and information
- Russian Proficiency Exam
Note on M.A. Course Load
A typical course load at the M.A. level averages 10-11 credits a semester. Any credits beyond the 33-credit minimum can be applied to the Ph.D. requirement. M.A. students are strongly encouraged to take additional courses, whenever possible, to help speed up progress toward candidacy.
Ph.D. in Second Language Acquisition
The objective of the PhD. In SLA is to prepare students for both teaching and research in the SLA/ Bilingualism area. Additional areas of specialization may include bilingual memory, autobiographical memory in immigrants, collective memory, and immigration and identity.
To receive a Ph.D. in SLA, students must complete the following requirements:
- Russian proficiency exam (if not completed at the M.A. level)
- Required coursework
- Credit hour and residency requirements, according to Graduate School rules
- Post-M.A. paper
- Written candidacy examination
- Oral candidacy examination
- Dissertation prospectus
- Dissertation and oral defense
For more information about these requirements, see the Program Benchmarks link to the right.