Learn more about Second Language Studies

Most speakers worldwide speak more than one language. Second Language Studies (SLS) is an interdisciplinary field that addresses the learning, teaching, analysis, and use of second (or multiple) languages. The field examines both applied and theoretical perspectives in the study of multilingualism in all of its diversity. The Department of SLS (DSLS) at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa is an internationally leading institution in its field. DSLS faculty and students examine second language use and learning from educational, linguistic, psychological, sociological, and anthropological perspectives. Faculty expertise in a wide range of research approaches and practice domains offers students exceptional opportunities to pursue their career goals as language professionals and researchers worldwide.

Until the year 2000, the DSLS was the Department of English as a Second Language (ESL). It is true even now, many professors in the department have an affinity for areas such as ESL and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Language (TESOL). Our degree and certificate programs are relevant to those interested in ESL and TESOL, and they also go well beyond those areas, in regard to languages, research, theory, and practice.

We offer the following programs:
BA in SLS
BA+MA Pathway in SLS
MA in SLS
Advanced Graduate Certificate in SLS
Advanced Graduate Certificate in SLS - Spanish Applied Linguistics
PhD in SLS