University of Texas at El Paso Academic Catalog

Academic Catalog

Graduate Certificate in K-12 Bilingual Education Online

This program is offered through UTEP Connect.

The Bilingual Education Graduate Certificate offers intensive training for teachers to serve K-12 emergent bilingual students (English learners) in Bilingual Education and Dual Language classrooms, as well as in other content-area classrooms. It includes 12-credit hours of graduate level coursework that can be completed fully online, often in as little as two semesters. Coursework in this certificate program emphasizes the practical application of current theory, research, and pedagogy in Bilingual Education and Dual Language instruction, with particular attention to first and second language acquisition processes, linguistic diversity, translanguaging pedagogy, biliteracy and the design and implementation of culturally sustaining bilingual education curriculum and practices. Certificate completers develop a critical perspective and gain deeper knowledge in Bilingual Education theories and pedagogies. The Bilingual Education Graduate Certificate program provides the content knowledge base needed for currently certified elementary, middle school and high school teachers who wish to seek State of Texas Bilingual Education Supplemental Certification.

All 12 course hours in the Bilingual Education Graduate Certificate program can be applied towards UTEP's M.Ed. in Bilingual Education. 

Program Requirements

Students must complete 12 semester credit hours (SCH) with a grade of "B" or better to satisfy the requirements of the K-12 Bilingual Education Graduate Certificate. 

Admission Requirements

  • Acceptance to the Graduate School (includes 3.0 GPA* and transcripts) 
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • A statement of purpose outlining applicant's interest in the Certificate (a 500-word statement describing previous education-related experience, reasons for pursuing the Bilingual Education Graduate Certificate, and future career plans) 

These requirements were established so that the application process would be reasonable for the candidate profiles outlined above. In accordance to Graduate School guidelines for admission procedures, this certificate uses a holistic approach in the admission of applicants. *The Graduate Program Committee will review applications below a 3.0 GPA and may decide to admit an applicant using a holistic approach. 

Degree Plan

Required Courses
BED 5331Found of Bil and Teach Emr Bil3
BED 5334Teach Content & Lit in Spanish3
BED 5336Biliteracy3
BED 5339Acad Language in DL Settings3
Total Hours12