FAQs
About Dual Language and Development
The Dual Language Development (DLD) program fosters the development of critical educators who apply research-based knowledge in designing and implementing a culturally and linguistically affirming dual language/immersion curriculum for a variety of language learners (i.e., native English speakers, multilingual speakers, emergent bilinguals). Candidates develop strategies and approaches for building students’ literacy and language development in multiple languages. The DLD program continues to develop teacher leaders and advocates of linguistically diverse students, families, communities, and the field.
The program offers candidates opportunities to examine how language is used to construct race and how ideas of race influence language and language use. Candidates will engage in interdisciplinary coursework to explore how the relationship between race and language impacts domains like politics and education. To promote multilingualism and cultural affirmation in K-12 classrooms, candidates will critically reflect on issues that impact dual language classrooms and students to identify approaches that support students’ academic, social-emotional, and socio-political growth through instruction.
Our program consists of 30 semester units and includes both fully online and in-person courses. Two pathways are offered to meet individual needs.
- Pathway 1 is designed for classroom teachers who completed an accredited post-baccalaureate credential program with a Bilingual Authorization (BILA) at an accredited U.S. university. These students complete 7 core classes and would potentially use 9 post-baccalaureate semester units to reach the 30 unit minimum required for the degree. Students may finish the program in three semesters.
- Pathway 2 is designed for classroom teachers who completed an accredited post-baccalaureate credential program but do not hold a BILA. These students also complete the 7 core classes as well as an additional 3 classes (9 units) to reach the 30 unit minimum required for the degree. Students may finish the program in three or four semesters.
Each Fall and Spring semester, Pathway 1 students typically enroll in 2 courses, while Pathway 2 students may enroll in 2-3 courses
The program offers two pathways: Pathway 1 is completed in 3 semesters; Pathway 2 is completed in 2 years (4 semesters, may include some summer classes). Seven classes in the program are offered in a cohort model in which everyone takes the same classes at the same time. Students on Pathway 2 have an additional 3 classes that are taken beyond the cohort requirements.
Typical Pathway 1
- CSULB alumni who completed a Bilingual Authorization and reserved credential courses for post-baccalaureate credit , or took classes in post-baccalaureate status, from an accredited university
- Non-CSULB alumni who completed a Bilingual Authorization credential program and reserved credential courses for post-baccalaureate, or took Bilingual Authorization credential classes in post-baccalaureate status, from an accredited university
- Classes may not have been used toward another degree and must have been completed within 7 years
- Final review and guarantee of what will count toward Pathway 1 is made after students are offered admission
Typical Pathway 2
- Classroom teachers who completed an accredited post-baccalaureate credential program but do not hold a Bilingual Authorization
- Completed requirements for a teaching credential but did not earn post-baccalaureate units from an accredited university. For example, someone who completed a BA+credential program but did not reserve units for post-baccalaureate use or completed requirements through a district
- Private school teacher who does have a teaching credential
- International students who do not have a California teaching credential with post-baccalaureate units from an accredited university
- Classroom support staff who do not have a teaching credential
- Teach for America or other K-12 education professionals
- Those who have post-baccalaureate teaching credential units from an accredited university but completed more than 7 years ago
No, this program does not lead to earning a teaching credential. If you are interested in earning a teaching credential, please contact the CSULB Teacher Preparation Advising Center (TPAC). CSULB does not offer any programs that combine a teaching credential and master's degree.
DLD graduates are highly sought experts and enter professions such as classroom teachers, curriculum specialists, staff developers, and teacher educators.
Applying
Please visit the Application Process page.
Visit the GSO Tips & Tutorials for Applying page for an application flow chart, advice on how to be a competitive applicant, and free resources and tips on the statement of purpose, letters of recommendations, and resume.
The GPA requirement is a minimum 2.85 overall grade point average in last degree (not credential or certificate) earned from an accredited institution of higher education. For more information please see the Eligiblity page.
Two. For additional information on recommendations, please visit the Online Application Submission website.
Recommendations are due by the MyCED application deadline. For additional information on recommendations and the MyCED application deadline, please visit the Online Application Submission website.
You must submit one set of official transcripts from the college or university from which you earned your bachelor's degree. Pathway 1 applicants who did not complete coursework at CSULB will also submit official transcripts from the college or university from which you completed your post-baccalaureate teaching credential program. Please visit the Submit Official Transcript website for more information.
Graduate school fees are set by the CSU Board of Trustees each academic year. The approximate cost as of Fall 2024 ranges from an estimated cost of $8,580 for students on pathway 1 and $14,305 for pathway 2 for residents in California. The current fee structure may be found on the Enrollment Services website.
The MA in Dual Language Development is a fully online program. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires International applicants (F1 visa) to be enrolled in at least 8 units every semester, and must take at least 6 units of coursework with an in-person or hybrid modality. This program is fully online and does not meet this requirement. We would like to encourage you to consider applying to one of our CSULB College of Education graduate programs that has in-person or hybrid classes, as that this program will not meet the requirements for a student visa. Please visit the International Applicants tab for more information.
Degree Requirements
A program planner will be provided to each student upon admission. Each Fall and Spring semester, Pathway 1 students typically enroll in 2 courses, while Pathway 2 students may enroll in 2-3 courses. Dual Language Development program core courses are fully online and are typically offered weeknights from 4:00-6:45PM or from 7:00-9:45PM, subject to change. A limited number of courses for Pathway 2 students is available for optional summer enrollment.
