Dr. Barry Griner

Assistant Professor

Build a Statement of Purpose

Generate a tailored SOP for Dr. Barry Griner. Improve your application with a focused, well-structured draft.

Biography

Barry Griner is a Master Lecturer at the University of Southern California, teaching Applied Linguistics and TESL. He has a rich background in education, having initially taught for ten years in Hiroshima, Japan. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education and completed his Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics and TESL from UCLA in June 2000. Griner is also pursuing a PhD in Applied Linguistics with research focused on morphophonotactics in Japanese. His teaching experience includes positions at the American Language Institute at USC and the Centre for English Language Communication at the National University of Singapore. Throughout his career, he has been involved in various workshops and presentations, contributing to the field of English language education. Griner has previously worked as an item writer for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and served as an academic specialist in the Public Affairs Section of the State Department. He is a member of both the California Association of Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (CATESOL) and Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

Research Interests

Experience

Master Lecturer

2012-07-01 — Present

American Language Institute, University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Teaching various courses in Applied Linguistics and TESL.

Lecturer

2010-07-01 — 2012-07-01

Centre for English Language Communication, National University of Singapore • Singapore

Coordinated and taught English language courses.

Lecturer

2005-08-01 — 2011-07-01

American Language Institute, University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Taught English language courses.

Item Writer

2007-08-01 — 2010-05-01

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) •

Developed test items for IELTS.

Academic Specialist

2003-10-01 — 2005-05-01

Public Affairs Section, State Department •

Provided educational advice and guidance.

Instructor/Head Teacher

1987-08-01 — 1997-06-01

Berlitz, Japan, Inc. • Japan

Led English language instruction.

Awards

#

Commendation for Teaching Excellence

#

Commendation for Teaching Excellence

#

Outstanding ESL Teaching Assistant

Requirements for University of Southern California

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
GRE General
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Math, or Hard Science
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Letters of Recommendation (not required for MS CS, but allowed)
Specialization Notes

GRE is NOT required for Master's applicants for 2025-2026.