Master of Arts in Second Language Acquisition, Policy and Culture Overview

The Master of Arts in second language acquisition, policy and culture is an innovative professional program that is not currently offered at many universities in the United States. The MASPC gives you methodological knowledge and skills to teach foreign languages to English speakers and non-English speakers. USI offers you flexible course offerings including a combination of online and on-campus courses, meaning the MASPC can be completed in just 1.5 years. USI’s program also includes opportunities for you to obtain professional certifications in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and Cultural Awareness Training (CAT). The embedded certifications are a plus for employers looking to create effective workforces in increasingly global and diverse business settings. Through USI’s program, you can choose to focus on second language acquisition, language policy or cultural studies. Students at USI have participated in national conferences, hosted Cultural Awareness Training at government agencies and businesses, have included Fulbright students, and a winner of a National Human Genome Research Institute’s (NHGRI) award.

MASPC Student Research

MASPC Alumni Spotlights

Classes in the Master’s in Second Language Acquisition, Policy and Culture program have a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, giving you ample time to interact with our engaged, knowledgeable and approachable faculty. Our graduate faculty have doctorates from universities including UCLA, Washington University in St. Louis, Purdue University, Indiana University, University of Pennsylvania and Cornell University.

Our graduate program includes three focus areas to enhance your effectiveness in your chosen career:

Second language acquisition
Multilingual and multicultural policy
Culture studies (cultural awareness)

Online Learning

USI faculty and staff are dedicated to giving you the support you need no matter the modality for which you're taking classes. Check out our robust resources for online students including what online learning is, technology requirements and frequently asked questions.

Online Student Resources

30 Total Credits

Complete in 1.5 Years

100% Online or Hybrid

6 Starts a Year

College & Department Contacts

Dr. Morgan K. Stewart

Assistant Professor of Spanish

Director of Master of Arts in Second Language Acquisition, Policy and Culture

Career Outlook

Evansville Regional Data National Data

According to data collected by the Indiana Immigration Project, Indiana’s population is experiencing a steady growth of non-English speakers. The influx of multilingual immigrants is leading to an increased need for second language teachers, including TESOL teachers and administrators with greater expertise in implementing multilingual policies in schools and state agencies. The expansion of multi-national corporations (931 international companies in Indiana alone) and medical facilities in the region demonstrates further need for lingual and culturally-aware professionals who can advance Indiana’s role as a global player.

USI’s program includes exciting practicum opportunities in university language programs, multicultural centers, non-profits, immigration centers and schools. In addition, graduate students can study abroad and pursue internships and research opportunities as part of their degree program.

Evansville Regional Data National Data

Top Regional Occupations by Income

*income information provided by O*NET Online. Occupation opportunities vary by region and experience.

The University of Southern Indiana is committed to making college accessible to those wishing to further their education by providing numerous scholarships, grants, and financial aid options to assist students in managing tuition expenses.

Tuition and Fees

Scholarships and Aid

Grants

Cesar Berrios Chavarria

"One of the ways that I am using the knowledge and skills that I gained from the MASPC program is by trying to find new ways to better serve our Latino students. While conducting my research for my oral presentation, I was inspired to use some of that research in my current position to start making changes. The MASPC degree has not only made me a more culturally diverse and well-rounded professional, but it has also opened many opportunities for me." - Cesar Berrios Chavarria, USI MASPC Graduate, 2018

Helen Bryant, '23

Helen Bryant graduated in 2023 with an M.A. in Second Language Acquisition, Policy, and Culture. Although she was an online student from a different state, she felt welcomed and supported throughout her academics at USI by both her wonderful classmates and her supportive teachers with the MASPC program. Soon after graduating, she was able to get a dream job as a Japanese language instructor for a local community college in Washington State. She is also working as a virtual Japanese Mentor, where she will be helping Japanese researchers with their English language skills. The MASPC program helped her to achieve her goals of becoming both an English and Japanese teacher. Through the program's flexibility in taking classes that were both interesting and challenging, as well as being able to complete a rewarding practicum experience and completing a master's thesis involving individual research, Helen felt better prepared to put her skills to use and felt more confident to apply to jobs knowing that her educational background was solid. She is excited to continue chasing her dreams and sharing her passion for languages and cultures with her students.

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