Graduate Certificate Program in Second Language Studies
Overview:
The purpose of the graduate certificate in Second Language Studies (SLS) is to enhance the preparation and professionalization of graduate students of languages, literatures, cultures, and linguistics in CLAS and School of Education departments. The certificate provides these students with a new opportunity to add a concentration in applied linguistics and highlight their training in research-based language pedagogy. This is an important addition for both M.A. and Ph.D. students who plan a career in language teaching at institutions of higher education and/or wish to continue their graduate education in SLS.
Certificate Requirements:
The certificate is awarded to M.A. or Ph.D. students who successfully complete 4 graduate-level courses across disciplines (12 credits total) as outlined below:
- LING 715 Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition.
- LA&S 720 Introduction to Language Teaching Research or another approved related graduate-level course, including those offered by the School of Education.
- A graduate-level course in Linguistics or another approved related graduate-level course, including those offered by the School of Education.
- Elective course in Second Language Studies. This may be fulfilled by a Teaching Methods course required of GTAs teaching in language departments (FREN 704, SLAV 824, SPAN 801) or by other approved related courses, including those offered by the School of Education.
A student who has prior coursework deemed equivalent to any of the required courses may replace the required course with an approved elective
Admissions:
A student must be in good standing with their graduate degree program in order to participate in the certificate program. A graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is required for admission. The application process entails completing the online application, payment of the $30 application fee, and submitting materials required for the Second Language Studies (SLS) Certificate:
- A C.V. or Resume.
- A personal statement declaring your interest in Second Language Studies and its relationship to your graduate course of study and/or career objectives.
- 1 letter of recommendation from your graduate degree program.
- A KU Advising report in lieu of an official transcript.
Non-KU students or KU Alumni must have a previously completed advanced degree in an applicable field with a graduate GPA of 3.0 of higher. The application process entails completing the online application, submitting materials required for the Second Language Studies (SLS) Certificate:
- A C.V. or Resume.
- A personal statement declaring your interest in Second Language Studies and its relationship to your graduate course of study and/or career objectives.
- 2 letters of recommendation from persons familiar with your academic work or potential for graduate study.
- Official transcripts from any institutions where coursework related to study in your second language was completed.
Send official sealed transcripts to:
Graduate Admissions
1450 Jayhawk Blvd.
Strong Hall, Room 313
Lawrence, KS 66045
-or-
A student must be in good standing with their graduate degree program in order to participate in the certificate program. A graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is required for admission. The application process entails completing the online application, payment of the $30 application fee, and submitting materials required for the Second Language Studies (SLS) Certificate:
- A C.V. or Resume.
- A personal statement declaring your interest in Second Language Studies and its relationship to your graduate course of study and/or career objectives.
- 1 letter of recommendation from your graduate degree program.
- A KU Advising report in lieu of an official transcript.
Non-KU students or KU Alumni must have a previously completed advanced degree in an applicable field with a graduate GPA of 3.0 of higher. The application process entails completing the online application, submitting materials required for the Second Language Studies (SLS) Certificate:
- A C.V. or Resume.
- A personal statement declaring your interest in Second Language Studies and its relationship to your graduate course of study and/or career objectives.
- 2 letters of recommendation from persons familiar with your academic work or potential for graduate study.
- Official transcripts from any institutions where coursework related to study in your second language was completed.
Send official sealed transcripts to:
Graduate Admissions
1450 Jayhawk Blvd.
Strong Hall, Room 313
Lawrence, KS 66045
-or-
