This Master of Arts program emphasizes the preparation of highly qualified middle and high school teachers to conduct quality bilingual and intercultural education for a variety of student populations. This combined master program fulfills all the requirements for the Master of Arts degree in Bilingual Education and the 2042 Single Subject Preliminary Teaching Credential Program with a Bilingual Authorization in Spanish or Mandarin.
The combined Bilingual Single Subject Preliminary Credential and Master of Arts in Secondary Education program is designed for graduate students who are seeking teaching positions in grades 9-12, or in 6-8 school settings that require teachers to teach in departments (traditional secondary candidate) or students who are currently contracted to teach in grades 9-12, or in 6-8 school settings that require teachers to teach in departments (Intern/Practitioner secondary candidate).
The following Single Subject Preliminary credentials are offered through the School of Education:
- Art
- French
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Physical Education (Dance)
- Social Science
- Earth Science
- Spanish
- English
Candidates who complete this program will be able to:
- Meet the demand for highly qualified and bilingually certificated teachers in California’s public and private schools
- Advocate for the educational needs and subsequently assist in improving home-school communication
- Secondary teachers, the Bilingual Credential prepares you to teach Spanish or Mandarin to native speakers
- Provide cultural and instructional knowledge, skills, and dispositions in meeting the needs of Latino or Chinese native or heritage speakers in California.
- Acquire and demonstrate expertise in academic Spanish or Mandarin
Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting all of the application requirements for Graduate admission all students must demonstrate minimum language competency in Spanish or Mandarin prior to starting the Bilingual Authorization program. Bilingual Authorization candidates can meet this language requirement by providing an official transcript showing completion of a Spanish major or minor, passing an approved language examination (such as the one offered by LMU’s Department of Modern Languages and Literatures), transcript showing extensive schooling in a Spanish/Chinese speaking country, or appropriate Peace Corps experience in a Spanish- or Chinese-speaking country.
1. Attendance at an Information Session (for Credential Candidates Only)
Please contact the School of Education Admissions Coordinator to attend an information session. Applicants will receive an information packet that includes:
- Graduate Application
- Candidate Information Sheet
- Three Recommendation Forms
- Technology Self-Verification Form
- Fingerprint Clearance Form
- Program information
2. Submission of Graduate Application and Application Fee
Applicants may either submit the application to the Graduate Division or complete the online application.
3. Candidate Information Sheet
Applicants must submit the Candidate Information Sheet to the Graduate Division.
4. Statement of Intent
Applicants must write a 3- to 5-page essay describing how their experiences, qualities, and goals reflect the School of Education’s motto-REAL (Respect, Educate, Advocate, Lead). See website for additional information on REAL. The Statement of Intent should be submitted to the Graduate Division with the application and Candidate Information Sheet.
5. Letters of Recommendation
Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation to the Graduate Division. At least one letter must verify the applicant’s experience and familiarity with the secondary school age group.
6. Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirement
A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.8 or higher or a GPA of 2.85 or higher in the last 60 units of the applicant’s undergraduate degree or a GPA of 3.0 or higher obtained in 9 units of graduate work. Students who do not meet this requirement may be recommended to the Exceptions Committee by the Academic Program Director.
7. Transcripts
Applicants must submit, to the Graduate Division, two sets of official transcripts with their bachelor’s degree posted. If applicants are in the process of completing their degree, they must submit official transcripts with their degree posted by the start of registration for the following semester. Candidates must submit two sets of official transcripts from each college/university attended.
8. Observation/Volunteer Hours Plan of Action
Candidates must complete at least 20 hours of experience working with culturally diverse youths 13-19 years of age.
9. Basic Skills Proficiency Requirements
All Single (Secondary) Subject applicants must meet the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing requirements for basic skills. An official passing score on the CBEST examination to demonstrate proficiency in basic skills. A passing score report must be submitted to the School of Education.
10. Subject Matter Competency Test (CSET) Plan of Action
Candidates must demonstrate mastery of the required subject matter by passing the appropriate subject matter exam (CSET). Candidates will provide a Plan of Action, written statement, on when the CSET will be taken. Candidates must provide an original passing score report to the School of Education.
Secondary Candidates may provide a letter verifying 100% completion of the subject matter coursework from a 2042 approved program.
11. Certificate of Clearance (COC): Official results of the Certificate of Clearance must be received by the Credential Office prior to enrolling in teacher education courses. All fees associated with the fingerprint clearance application are the responsibility of the student.
12. Tuberculin Test: Candidates must submit an official copy of their tuberculin skin test results, given within one year.
13. Technology Requirement: Candidates may satisfy the technology requirement by either completing a self-verification form or verifying the completion of an approved 2042 course through another institution. Candidates must register for ePortfolio during the first prerequisite course. The fee is assessed during the first semester of enrollment.
14. Interview: The candidate will be asked to schedule a personal interview with the Director/Assistant Director of the academic program to which the candidate is applying. The interview will not be scheduled until all letters of recommendation have been received.