Master of Arts in Bilingual Education (Self-Paced)

Mission Statement 

The mission of the University of Massachusetts Global’s Master of Arts in Bilingual Education program is to provide students with accessible, flexible, high-quality, graduate education that integrates real-world, experiential learning. The program is designed to strengthen candidates’ professional skill sets, inspire innovative pedagogical approaches, and foster leadership and advocacy in bilingual and multilingual education. Graduates are prepared to serve as effective educators, advocates, and leaders in diverse linguistic and cultural settings- locally, nationally, and globally.  

Self-paced programs measure progress by what students know and can do, not by the amount of time spent in class as in traditional credit hour programs. Students advance by demonstrating mastery of specific learning outcomes through assessments. Skills and knowledge gained through work or life experience can help students move through a self-paced program more quickly than a credit hour program. However, all students, regardless of pace, must demonstrate mastery of every required course to earn the degree.

Pending U.S. Department of Education and WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) approval, this program will be offered in Spring 2027.

Program Learning Outcomes 

• PLO 1:  Foundations: Analyze the foundations of multilingualism and multiculturalism to address factors shaping learner identity in educational settings.   
• PLO 2:  Intercultural Competencies: Demonstrate advanced intercultural competencies to effectively empower learners and communities from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.    
• PLO 3: Theoretical Application: Apply theories in language and literacy development to inform practice in bilingual/multilingual educational settings. 
• PLO 4: Assessments: Apply equitable assessments to meet the needs of learners in multicultural and multilingual contexts.   
• PLO 5: Leadership and Advocacy: Propose meaningful change in global bilingual educational contexts through leadership and advocacy efforts. 

Admission Requirements 

Satisfactorily fulfill graduate admission requirements for University of Massachusetts Global as stated in the catalog (see the Graduate Admissions section) including meeting the grade point average for a graduate program.   

Program Information and Requirements 

The Master of Arts in Bilingual Education(self-paced) program requires 30 semester credits of coursework.  

Transfer Policy 

A maximum of nine (9) semester credits may be transferred into the Master of Arts in Bilingual Education self-paced program. (See the Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures section of this catalog for additional information.) 

CTEL and BILA Credits 

Candidates who have completed the CTEL Authorization or Bilingual Authorization (BILA) program at University of Massachusetts Global will have 6 credits satisfied, BILC 601 and BILC 602, in the Master of Arts in Bilingual Education self-paced program. These credits count toward the maximum 9-credit transfer.   

Degree Requirements