Graduate Programs of Study

Bilingual/Bicultural Education Program

Program Description
The Bilingual-Bicultural Education Program is designed for educators who are or will be working with second language learners in multiple educational contexts. The program offers students a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of second language acquisition and Bilingual/English as a Second Language educational theories and practices. The program prepares educators to address the linguistic, academic, social and cultural needs of second language learners and to advocate for bilingual education programs that foster bilingualism and biliteracy. The program will help students develop an understanding of the sociocultural and political aspects of, as well as curricular and pedagogical approaches to, language and literacy learning.

The Bilingual-Bicultural Education Program core courses prepare educators who will:

• Understand and implement a wide-range of learning strategies and assessments that are academically rigorous and culturally sensitive.
• Examine the sociopolitical implications of various approaches to language education and language policies.
  
• Study the relationship of language, culture, and identity within social, educational and political contexts.
  
• Understand the processes involved in first and second language acquisition and language and literacy development.
  
• Develop collegiality and collaboration among educators, programs, and schools that support activism, education, and social change of traditionally underserved students, families, and communities.

The Bilingual-Bicultural Education Program leads to a Master of Arts or a Master of Education degree with a state of Illinois endorsement in Bilingual Education, English as a Second Language (ESL), or both. The program provides advanced multidisciplinary study in language, literacy and culture with concentrations in Bilingual-Bicultural Education and ESL. Students with a concentration in Bilingual-Bicultural Education must show proficiency in a second language. Students with a concentration in ESL are not required to show proficiency in a second language.

Degrees Offered and Program Options

• Master of Arts (M.A.)
  • with two endorsements: bilingual education and ESL = 13 courses (52 quarter hours) and completion of Master's thesis
    
  • with one endorsement: bilingual education or ESL (includes a thesis course) = 13 courses (52 quarter hours) and completion of Master's thesis
• Master of Education (M.Ed.)
  • with two endorsements: bilingual education and ESL = 13 courses (52 quarter hours) and completion of Master's paper
    
  • with one endorsement: bilingual education or ESL = 13 courses (52 quarter hours) and completion of Master's paper
• Master of Education or Master of Arts with State Teaching Certification
  • with two endorsements: bilingual education and ESL = 17-21 courses (68-84 quarter hours)and completion of Master's Thesis or Master's paper
  • with one endorsement: bilingual education or ESL = 17-20 courses (68-80 quarter hours)and completion of Master's Thesis or Master's paper
• Endorsement Only
  • in bilingual education and ESL = 8 courses (32 quarter hours)
  • in bilingual education or ESL = 7 courses (28 quarter hours)

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Admission Requirements

• A completed School of Education graduate application.
• A bachelor's degree conferred by an accredited, recognized institution.
• A previous grade point average of 2.75 or above on a 4.0 scale.
• A resume or curriculum vita
• Two letters of recommendation from professors or supervisors.
• One official transcript from each college or university attended.
• Statement of purpose indicating professional development goals and related experience (750 words)

Learn about:

• Degree Requirements
• Bilingual and ESL Endorsement Requirements
• Schedule of Courses
• Faculty
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Apply Now
• Application Deadlines

For More Information
Please direct questions to edgradadmissions@depaul.edu
or call (773) 325-4405.

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