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Apply By: August 01, 2025
Next Start Date: August 18, 2025

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:

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

Credits Breakdowns

Master's Credit
Requirements

30
Credits

Total Credits

30
Credits
Course Checksheet View in Bulletin
  1. Submit an online application and $40 application fee.
  2. Upload INSERT PROGRAM SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS (for example: current resume, personal statement, writing sample, etc.)
  3. Submit transcripts to Graduate Studies.
    1. Read the full transcript policy by clicking here.
    2. Official transcripts are required only from the institution at which your highest degree was earned. Electronic transcripts are preferred and can be emailed from the previous institution to Graduate.Studies@usi.edu or the previous institutions e-transcript portal, if applicable (i.e. Parchment or National Student Clearing House).
    3. Unofficial transcripts from other institutions attended can be submitted by the applicant via application status page or by email to Graduate.Studies@usi.edu.
    4. Applicants who wish to seek transfer credit for graduate coursework must submit an official transcript from the institution where that work was completed.
    5. Official International course-by-course evaluated transcripts must be sent from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member to the School of Graduate Studies by email (Graduate.Studies@usi.edu) or the evaluators transcript portal (if applicable).
    6. Mailed transcripts can be sent to this address: School of Graduate Studies
      University of Southern Indiana
      8600 University Blvd.
      Evansville, IN 47712
  4. International applicants may be required to submit:
    1. An official IELTS or TOEFL score no less than two years old.
    2. Copy of current Visa or Passport.
    3. Additional information and requirements can be found by clicking here.

Incoming Students

  • Start Date:
    August 18, 2025
    Application Deadline:
    August 01, 2025
    Document Deadline:
    August 08, 2025
    Registration Deadline:
    August 15, 2025
  • Start Date:
    October 25, 2025
    Application Deadline:
    October 03, 2025
    Document Deadline:
    October 10, 2025
    Registration Deadline:
    October 17, 2025
  • Start Date:
    January 12, 2026
    Application Deadline:
    December 26, 2025
    Document Deadline:
    January 02, 2026
    Registration Deadline:
    January 09, 2026
  • Start Date:
    March 16, 2026
    Application Deadline:
    February 27, 2026
    Document Deadline:
    March 06, 2026
    Registration Deadline:
    March 13, 2026
  • Start Date:
    May 11, 2026
    Application Deadline:
    April 24, 2026
    Document Deadline:
    May 01, 2026
    Registration Deadline:
    May 08, 2026
  • Start Date:
    June 29, 2026
    Application Deadline:
    June 12, 2026
    Document Deadline:
    June 19, 2026
    Registration Deadline:
    June 26, 2026
  • Start Date:
    August 17, 2026
    Application Deadline:
    July 31, 2026
    Document Deadline:
    August 07, 2026
    Registration Deadline:
    August 14, 2026
  • Start Date:
    October 19, 2026
    Application Deadline:
    October 02, 2026
    Document Deadline:
    October 09, 2026
    Registration Deadline:
    October 16, 2026
  • Start Date:
    January 11, 2027
    Application Deadline:
    December 25, 2026
    Document Deadline:
    January 01, 2027
    Registration Deadline:
    January 08, 2027
  • Start Date:
    March 15, 2027
    Application Deadline:
    February 26, 2027
    Document Deadline:
    March 05, 2027
    Registration Deadline:
    March 12, 2027
  • Start Date:
    May 10, 2027
    Application Deadline:
    April 23, 2027
    Document Deadline:
    April 30, 2027
    Registration Deadline:
    May 07, 2027
  • Start Date:
    June 28, 2027
    Application Deadline:
    June 11, 2027
    Document Deadline:
    June 18, 2027
    Registration Deadline:
    June 25, 2027

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

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

Top Regional Occupations by Income

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

Related Career Fields

  • Education/Teaching languages at home and abroad
  • Human resources
  • Public relations
  • Government
  • International trade
  • Independent consulting
  • Accommodation and food service
  • Healthcare and social service
  • Manufacturing
  • Retail
  • Post-secondary education

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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