The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Bilingual Education with a Specialization in Dual Language and Biliteracy (M.Ed.) - Online Program

CIP Code

13.0201.00

Overview

UTRGV’s innovative and unique Master of Education (MED) in Bilingual Education is designed to develop master teachers and advocates with a thorough understanding of effective enrichment bilingual education and practices that meet the educational needs of Spanish speakers as well as, enrichment opportunities for all children. Students in this degree program take coursework in language development, second language acquisition, and models of effective practice, linguistics, and assessment. Unique among master’s degrees in bilingual education, the MED in Bilingual Education prepares "dual experts" in various areas to promote and support enrichment bilingual education. Students completing the degree will be able to provide expert instruction, advise administrators, participate in program development, and lead professional development for schools and districts. Above all, students will become agents of change by advocating for bilingual learners and equitably implementing education policy for their communities. The Dual Language and Biliteracy Specialization, is delivered in Spanish and focuses on dual language Spanish/English settings.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the graduate program in bilingual education, prospective candidates must first meet all requirements for graduate admission to UT Rio Grande Valley, as well as the other requirements listed below.

  1. Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 in the last 60 semester credit hours. If applicant does not meet the minimum undergraduate GPA criterion of 3.0, the applicant will be evaluated holistically using a Likert scale reflecting professional goals, GPA, professional success from resume, and success on related prior course work.
  2. Personal statement essays (complete both a and b). Essay A: Write 250 words in English explaining your interest in graduate studies. Essay B: Write 250 words for your chosen specialization: Dual Language and Biliteracy Specialization: En español, explique su interés en ambientes y aulas bilingües
  3. Resume which includes educational background and work experience
  4. Documentation of one of the following:

    (a) i. UTRGV bachelor’s degree in education with a concentration in Bilingual Education or ESL or bachelor’s degree in Spanish, or

         ii. UTRGV bachelor’s degree in any field with a minor in ESL instruction, or

    (b) Teacher certification in the U.S. or,

    (c) Licenciatura or equivalent from another country, in a field related to education or language, or

    (d) Employment in a charter school, private school, or a community college.

    For other applicants, conditional admission may be considered.

Application for admission must be submitted prior to the published deadline. The application is available at www.utrgv.edu/gradapply.

Program Requirements

Non-Thesis Option

Required Courses - 24 Hours

EDFR 6300Research Methods in Education

3

EDFR 6388Introduction to Historical and Sociocultural Foundations of Education

3

EDBE 6322Bilingual/Multilingual Critical Issues

3

EDBE 6324Dual Language Enrichment Education

3

EDBE 6335Bilingual Content Area Across the Curriculum

3

EDBE 6350The Bilingual Reading Process

3

EDBE 6365Action Research in Dual Language and ESL Education

3

EDBE 6367Assessing Emergent Bilinguals

3

Specialization Courses - 6 Hours

These courses are taught in Spanish.

Choose two from the following:

EDBE 6363Literatura Infantil

3

EDBE 6364Principles and Practices of Biliteracy Development in Spanish and English

3

EDBE 6366Academic Spanish Across the Content Area

3

Capstone Requirement

Students must pass the departmental written comprehensive exam.

Thesis Option

Required Courses - 21 Hours

Choose seven from the following:

EDFR 6300Research Methods in Education

3

EDFR 6388Introduction to Historical and Sociocultural Foundations of Education

3

EDBE 6322Bilingual/Multilingual Critical Issues

3

EDBE 6324Dual Language Enrichment Education

3

EDBE 6335Bilingual Content Area Across the Curriculum

3

EDBE 6350The Bilingual Reading Process

3

EDBE 6365Action Research in Dual Language and ESL Education

3

EDBE 6367Assessing Emergent Bilinguals

3

Specialization Courses - 3 Hours

These courses are taught in Spanish.

Choose one from the following:

EDBE 6363Literatura Infantil

3

EDBE 6364Principles and Practices of Biliteracy Development in Spanish and English

3

EDBE 6366Academic Spanish Across the Content Area

3

Thesis - 6 Hours

EDBE 7300Thesis I

3

EDBE 7301Thesis II

3

Total Credit Hours: 30