Brigham Young University is known for having one of the world’s best foreign language study programs. 121 languages are spoken on BYU’s campus, with more than 60 percent of the student body speaking a second language. Additionally, 84 languages are taught at BYU, and 21 language certifications are offered. This year, BYU’s online learning program will make history as it extends the opportunity of second language acquisition to high school students across the world through BYU Online High School (OHS) and BYU Independent Study high school courses.
BYU OHS and BYU Independent Study high school students already enjoy a wide array of language learning opportunities, with courses currently available in nine foreign languages. However, as of now, three years of language instruction are available only for Spanish and American Sign Language. The BYU CE World Language Team is excited to announce its plans to offer three years of courses for six more languages.
This change comes about as the demand for three years of high school language instruction grows among online high school programs. Sherry Cowen, BYU CE’s associate director of instructional design, said, “Some school districts are seeing that a third year of language really gives those college-bound kids a strong edge in the application process.” Recently, some school districts have begun requiring three years of a foreign language for graduation. While this currently represents a minority of districts throughout the country, Cowen commented, “Our product manager and marketing team saw a need in the market. A lot of schools are really looking for a provider who can offer that third year.”
Seeing this opportunity to meet the needs of students across the country, BYU CE’s World Language Team began to discuss the creation of third-year language courses. Instructional designers Analize Chavez, Courtney Stephens, and Michael Young comprise the team that is working diligently in collaboration with authors specializing in each foreign language to design these new online courses. This Fall, a third year of language instruction will become available for Japanese, Chinese, German, and French. Additionally, the World Language Team anticipates the completion of third-year courses for Korean and Russian by 2026.
In 2026, BYU CE will offer three years of language instruction for eight foreign languages, a remarkable feat for an online high school program. This advancement will extend the reach and influence of BYU Independent Study and BYU OHS as they work with an increasing number of individuals, families, and school districts across the country.
This development is a significant landmark in the growth of BYU Online High School and BYU Independent Study. Furthermore, this achievement further establishes BYU’s reputation as an exceptional university in foreign language study. Cowen declared, “We’re BYU. We’re known for our gift of languages and how we teach them... We would love to be known as the leader in world languages across online high school programs. That’s our goal.”
