Is this program for me?

The M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction – Bilingual/ESL Education prepares teachers and other professionals to become leaders and change agents in this increasingly important field. Students gain cutting-edge knowledge and expertise in learning theories and curricular design and implementation specific to bilingual/ESL education in K-12 classrooms and higher education settings.

The program focuses on analysis of theories and approaches in bilingualism/second language acquisition, curriculum development and implementation, language assessment, sociocultural context and policies. 

The Bilingual/ESL Education specialization offers tracks for two different populations of teachers:

• 30-hour M.Ed. Traditional Track: This track is a 30 credit-hour program, with a capstone project, designed for teachers and other professionals who desire to remain in the K-12 system. Students interested in this route may be previously certified to teach or interested in learning more about current research and practices in the bilingual/ESL education field.

• 36-hr M.Ed. Dual Credit Track:This track is a 36 credit-hour program, with a capstone project, designed for those seeking credentials to teach at the community college or university level or to teach Spanish dual credit courses in high schools.

  • High school Spanish teachers or those with a B.S. or B.A in Spanish may be interested in this option. This track is in collaboration with the UH Department of Hispanic Studies, where students will take 18 hours in the discipline (Spanish) and 18 hours in Curriculum and Instruction Bilingual/ESL Education. M.Ed. students in this track also will earn the Certificate in Spanish as a Heritage Language .
  • To teach college-level academic dual credit courses, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) requires that instructors have a master’s degree or doctoral degree with 18 graduate hours in the discipline being taught. Applicants for this M.Ed. dual credit track are responsible for meeting prerequisite coursework needed for the Spanish courses in the Department of Hispanic Studies.

How long does the program take to complete?

Completion time is typically under 2 years and as quickly as 14 months (9 hours per semester).

What will I learn?

The master’s program in Curriculum & Instruction – Bilingual/ESL Education includes:

• Core coursework
• Specialized electives
• Capstone project

The program emphasizes development of the following skills:

• Analysis of theories and models of bilingual education
• Analysis of curriculum development and implementation
• Evaluation of principles and tools in assessing language proficiency
• Analysis of current issues and trends in bilingual education
• Development of reflective thinking toward ongoing improved instructional practices

Since degree plans change periodically, students will follow the degree plan in place at the time in which they complete an official, approved degree plan. This is the most current sample degree plan for the M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction — Bilingual/ESL:

• 30-hour Traditional Degree Plan and 36-hour Dual Credit Degree Plan

What can I do with my degree?

A master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction – Bilingual/ESL Education provides invaluable preparation for careers as leaders in schools and child-related agencies.

Our graduates will be qualified for the following careers:

• Bilingual curriculum specialist
• Bilingual/ESL teacher (grades 4-8 or 8-12)
• Community college instructor

To apply for this program, please visit Graduate Admissions.