Equity, Bilingualism and Biliteracy (EBB) offers a course of study devoted to the critical examination of theory, practice and policy in two major areas of emphasis: the education of culturally and linguistically diverse students and the education of students with disabilities. The program stresses analysis, evaluation and implementation of educational programs for students who represent diverse learning needs within the public school system. School culture, language policies and the social and political context of schooling are examined across emphases. Policies that affect the assessment, placement and services provided for exceptional children also are examined.

Areas of Emphasis

Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education Emphasis

The School of Education offers the master's degree in EBB with an emphasis in Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education. Completion of this program qualifies one for a Colorado endorsement in the area of Culturally & Linguistically Diverse education (K-12). Some candidates may also be eligible for the Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education Specialist: Bilingual Education endorsement. Please contact the School of Education for details.

The program provides a range of direct experiences in bilingual/multicultural/ELD education with the opportunity to develop skills and expertise essential to the work of educators of the bilingual/emerging bilingual learner. The overall purpose of the program is to develop sound bilingual/multicultural/ELD competencies in teachers and school leaders. Program coursework includes foundations of bilingual/ multicultural education, assessment practices and issues, methods in bilingual and ELD, biliteracy, family/community engagement, and a field- based practicum. Participation in the program may be on a part-time basis. International students seeking participation in this program should consult with a faculty advisor before applying for admission and must complete a practicum in a U.S. K-12 public school. This program is not appropriate for individuals wishing to teach English as a foreign language in other countries

Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Ed/Special Ed Generalist Emphasis

The School of Education offers the master's degree in EBB with an emphasis in bilingual/ELD special education. Completion of this program qualifies one for teacher license endorsements in two areas of Special Education Generalist (K-12) and Culturally & Linguistically Diverse education (K-12). Program graduates are employed in both general and special education programs. The program offers courses in foundations in special and ELD/bilingual/multicultural education; assessment issues and practices in bilingual/ELD special education; methods of bilingual, ELD and special education; biliteracy; family and community engagement; and a field-based practicum. This program is not suitable for international students seeking preparation in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). This is a part-time program for practicing educators with courses offered evenings and summers. This program is designed to be completed over a three-year period.

Social/Multicultural/Bilingual Education Emphasis

This program is a non-endorsement degree with an interdisciplinary focus. The program offers courses in foundations of bilingual/multicultural education, curriculum and methods in multicultural education, and curriculum theory. Participation in the program may be on a part-time or full-time basis.

Requirements

Social/Multicultural/Bilingual Education (Non-Endorsement) Plan

Program Requirements

Students must successfully complete 30 credit hours of approved coursework while maintaining at least a B (3.0) average in all work attempted while enrolled. Students must also successfully pass their Comprehensive Exam and complete the master's degree within four years.

This program does not lead to an added endorsement in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education. This program is most appropriate for those who do not have a teaching license, or for licensed teachers who already have the endorsement in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education but need a master's degree.

Required Courses and Credits

The program requires 15 credit hours in bilingual, ELD and multicultural education. The remaining 15 credit hours are electives that may be taken either in the School of Education or in other CU departments, but should be discussed with and approved by an advisor. Education courses must be at the 5000 level or above. GRTE courses may not count toward a master’s degree. A maximum of 6 credit hours may be completed in Arts & Sciences courses taken at the 3000 or 4000 level. The frequency of individual course offerings varies; therefore candidates should plan ahead so that the required 30 credit hours are completed within the four-year limit.

Core Requirements
EDUC 5525/5605Research Issues in Special Education3
Suggested bilingual, ELD and multicultural education courses include the following:12
Proseminar: Parent and Community Involvement
Introduction to Bilingual/Multicultural Education
Curriculum for Multicultural Education
Literacy for Linguistically Different Learners
Diagnostic Testing in ELD and Bilingual Education
Second Language Acquisition
Methods of Teaching English Language Development
Electives15
Total Credit Hours30

Comprehensive Exam/Capstone Project

A written comprehensive examination or capstone research study must be completed prior to the completion of the master's degree. The project will reflect the content of all work in the program. Students transferring coursework from other institutions to this program (up to 9 credit hours may be taken at other approved institutions) are responsible for the same knowledge as those whose work has been taken entirely at CU Boulder. Students must be enrolled in a course in the same semester they present their final project.

Transfer of Credit

Transfer credit is defined as any credit earned at another accredited institution, credits earned on another campus of the CU system, or credits earned as a nondegree student within the CU system including the Boulder campus. Students who have transfer credits must complete the transfer-of-credit paperwork approval process.

The maximum amount of work that may be transferred from another accredited institution to CU Boulder is 9 credit hours and is accepted only after approval of the program director and under the special conditions outlines in the Graduate School Rules. All courses accepted for transfer must be graduate-level courses. A course in which a grade of B- or lower was received will not be accepted for transfer. Transfer coursework must have been completed in the five years prior to acceptance to the program. Credit may not be transferred until the student has completed 6 credits of graduate-level coursework as a degree-seeking student on the CU Boulder campus with a 3.0 GPA.

Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education (CO CLD Endorsement) Plan

Program Requirements

Student must successfully complete 31 credit hours of approved coursework while maintaining at least a B (3.0) average in all work attempted while enrolled. Students must also successfully pass their capstone project and complete the master's degree within four years.

Required Courses and Credits

Students develop a degree plan in consultation with their faculty advisor, typically in their first semester. The frequency of individual course offerings varies; therefore, candidates should plan ahead so that the required 31 credit hours are completed within the four-year limit.

Approved coursework meets the following course requirements:

Courses and Minimum Required Credit Hours
Course or Requirement:
EDUC 5425/5465Introduction to Bilingual/Multicultural Education3
EDUC 5445Curriculum for Multicultural Education3
EDUC 5035Proseminar: Parent and Community Involvement3
EDUC 5435Materials and Methods in Bilingual/ Multicultural Education3
EDUC 5455Literacy for Linguistically Different Learners3
EDUC 5535Diagnostic Testing in ELD and Bilingual Education3
EDUC 5605Research Issues in Bilingual Education3
EDUC 5615Second Language Acquisition3
EDUC 5625Methods of Teaching English Language Development3
Comprehensive Exam/Capstone Course4
Practicum in Linguistically Different: English Language Development
Total Credit Hours31

Capstone Project

A capstone project must be completed prior to the completion the MA degree. The project will reflect the content of all work in the program. Students transferring coursework from other institutions to this program (up to 9 credit hours may be taken at other approved institutions) are responsible for the same knowledge as those whose work has been taken entirely at CU Boulder.

  • Practicum in Linguistically Different: English Language Development (EDUC 5595): (4 credit hours) Practicum includes 200 hours of in-school work (can be taken over two semester blocks)

Transfer of Credit

Transfer credit is defined as any credit earned at another accredited institution, credits earned on another campus of the CU system, or credits earned as a nondegree student within the CU system including the Boulder campus. Students who have transfer credits must complete the transfer-of-credit paperwork approval process. 

The maximum amount of work that may be transferred from another accredited institution to CU Boulder is 9 credit hours and is accepted only after approval of the program director and under the special conditions outlines in the Graduate School Rules. All courses accepted for transfer must be graduate-level courses. A course in which a grade of B- or lower was received will not be accepted for transfer. Transfer coursework must have been completed in the five years prior to acceptance to the program. Credit may not be transferred until the student has completed 6 credits of graduate-level coursework as a degree-seeking student on the CU Boulder campus with a 3.0 GPA.

Special Education Generalist and Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education (CO Dual Endorsement) Plan

Program Requirements

Students must successfully complete 36–37 credit hours of approved coursework while maintaining at least a B (3.0) average in all work attempted while enrolled. Students must also successfully pass their comprehensive exam and complete the master's degree within four years.

Students develop a degree plan in consultation with their faculty advisor, typically in their first semester. The frequency of individual course offerings varies; therefore, candidates should plan ahead so that the required 36–37 credit hours are completed within the four-year limit.

Approved coursework meets the following distribution requirements:

Courses and Minimum Required Credit Hours
Course or Requirement:
EDUC 5035Proseminar: Parent and Community Involvement3
EDUC 5455Literacy for Linguistically Different Learners3
EDUC 5465Introduction to ELD/Bilingual and Special Education3
EDUC 5505Education of Students with Learning and Behavior Disorders3
EDUC 5515Curriculum and Assessment for Special Learners3
EDUC 5525Research Issues in Special Education3
EDUC 5535Diagnostic Testing in ELD and Bilingual Education3
EDUC 5545Strategies for Teaching Students with Special Needs3
EDUC 5615Second Language Acquisition3
EDUC 5625Methods of Teaching English Language Development3
EDUC 7105Collaboration to Meet Special Needs3
Comprehensive Exam/Capstone Course3-4
Practicum in Bilingual/Special Education
Total Credit Hours36-37

Comprehensive Exam

A written comprehensive examination must be completed during the student's last term of study for the master's degree. The examination will cover the content of all work in the program. Students transferring coursework from other institutions to this program (up to 9 credit hours may be taken at other approved institutions) are responsible for the same knowledge as those whose work has been taken entirely at CU Boulder.

  • Practicum in Bilingual/Special Education (EDUC 5555): 3-4 credit hours

Transfer of Credit

Transfer credit is defined as any credit earned at another accredited institution, credits earned on another campus of the CU system, or credits earned as a nondegree student within the CU system including the Boulder campus. Students who have transfer credits must complete the transfer of credit paperwork approval process. 

The maximum amount of work that may be transferred from another accredited institution to CU Boulder is 9 credit hours and is accepted only after approval of the program director and under the special conditions outlines in the Graduate School Rules. All courses accepted for transfer must be graduate-level courses. A course in which a grade of B- or lower was received will not be accepted for transfer. Transfer coursework must have been completed in the five years prior to acceptance to the program. Credit may not be transferred until the student has completed 6 credits of graduate-level coursework as a degree-seeking student on the CU Boulder campus with a 3.0 GPA.

Learning Outcomes  

Students in the Educational Equity and Cultural Diversity MA program will:

  • Develop pedagogical expertise in planning for instruction and effectively teaching bi/multilingual students and/or students with identified special needs in PK-12th grade settings.
  • Understand the complex interaction of language, culture, identity and learning in and out of schools.
  • Develop the knowledge and skills to advocate on behalf of culturally and linguistically diverse learners in schools.
  • Build effective partnerships with communities and families in the pursuit of educational equity and opportunity.
  • Embrace a holistic/dynamic bilingual lens and an anti-racist stance in making decisions regarding policy, programs, assessment, curriculum and instruction.
  • For CLD and Dual Endorsement Programs: Meet requirements for the State of Colorado Endorsement in Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Education.
  • For Double Endorsement Program: Meet requirements for the State of Colorado Endorsement in Special Education.