FAQs

Pathway 1 is a fully online program designed for credentialed teachers who completed a credential program or credential students who have nearly completed their credential program.  Pathway 1 students can transfer 4 credential courses (12 semester units), with approval, towards the DLD MA degree with only 6 core courses remaining (18 units) for obtaining the DLD MA.

Pathway 2 is designed for non-credential individuals who wish to improve their knowledge about culturally and linguistically diverse student populations at an advanced preparation level for seeking employment in the private, public, or non-profit sectors. These students also complete 6 core classes as well as an additional 4 classes (12 units) that support their educational interests to reach the 30 unit minimum required for the degree. Students may finish the program in three or four semesters and the additional 4 classes are offered in a combination of online, hybrid and in-person instruction. 

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). Six 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 4 classes that are taken beyond the cohort requirements. 

Typical Pathway 1

• CSULB alumni who reserved credential courses for post-baccalaureate credit , or took classes in post-baccalaureate status, from an accredited university
• Non-CSULB alumni who reserved credential courses for post-baccalaureate, or took 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

• 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. 

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.