Program FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

The DLE M.A. Program provides teachers and those in the education profession with skills to transform current school programs from a social equity and social justice perspective. The program is designed to . . . .

1. Develop school-wide curriculum change focused on critical literacy, aligned with current standards and accessible to all students. 
2. Integrate language, culture, and codes of power as part of the development of school programs.
3. Examine curriculum from a constructivist perspective that recognizes the voices of students, community and teachers as one learning community who inform curriculum and program design.
4. Introduce participants to the concepts and the authors of critical pedagogy; a theory of education that gives professionals the opportunity to reflect on their own educational beliefs, practices, and processes in the context of standard curriculum, high stakes testing, and curriculum reform.
5. Give teachers the voice and tools to reflect upon their teaching methodology vis-a-vis their students’ language development and critical thinking.
6. Promote equality and social justice through action research within the school and community.

* Attention to English Learners and other emergent bilinguals are embedded throughout the courses.

The M.A. program is 30-36 units and can be completed in about 5 semesters. Students with DLE or other graduate-level transfer credits can accelerate the program and finish in one year (3 semesters). The last two semesters involve completing a field research project.

The courses you take depend on whether you already have experience in the US educational context, which option you select and the current class schedule. The course sequence for the two options are available at Master of Arts in Dual Language and English Learner Education.

The DLE M.A. program can be completed online. Some specialization electives may be available on campus (optional). Our online courses typically include both Canvas modules and live online meetings, usually on alternate weeks. Note. When you apply, you will see the program listed as hybrid. Don’t panic -- you can complete the DLE MA without having to commute to campus.

For information about the cost of graduate programs and Financial Aid, check out the SDSU Admissions website. 

The estimates provided there are for full-time tuition across an entire year.  Certificate and M.A. students taking 6 units or less (the standard load in our program) pay Part-Time Graduate Tuition. Your part-time costs per semester will be significantly less. For the tuition and fees breakdown for part-time students, visit Money Matters.

We are looking for candidates who are passionate about Dual Language and English Learner Education. Our students will be required to reflect on their current practice and conduct action research to benefit their students and school community. Educators and administrators who apply should have an attitude of continuous improvement and excel at working collaboratively with their colleagues.

Students enter our program from a variety of contexts. A teaching credential is not required as long as you have a bachelor's, experience in education and an interest in Social Justice.

English Language Development for Academic Literacy Advanced Certificate: This certificate program provides education professionals with specialized preparation for developing academic literacy assessment, curriculum, and teaching methods specifically designed to meet the needs of English Language Learners (ELLs). 

Dual Language Advanced Certificate: The purpose of this certificate program is to provide bilingual  PK-12 teachers and other bilingual education professionals with specialized coursework in Dual Language programming. This construct provides instruction in two languages and helps PK-12 students develop competencies in bilingualism, biliteracy and biculturalism/multiculturalism. 

No, these are advanced certificates for practicing teachers. Applicants are expected to already have their EL or Bilingual authorizations. 

The certificate program is 12 units and can be completed in two semesters or spread out over four semesters.

Yes! We are very excited to offer the Certificate courses online.

If you took your certificate classes stateside, all four certificate courses can be counted toward the DLE Master's Degree Program. If you took them via College of Extended Studies, only three of the courses can apply as there is a 9-unit transfer limit. To find out if the certificate coursework would apply in another school or department, please communicate directly with that department. 

New cohorts start every fall. Applications for the following year open October 1 and close in the spring. Submit two applications, one to the CSU and one to DLE. (Your DLE program application link will be sent to you after you submit your CSU application.)  

For the latest info on deadlines for applications and transcripts, visit the program admissions page.

For the most current admissions information, visit College of Education Graduate Admissions and select your program.

If applying to the M.A., the Program of Study is listed as Dual Language and English Learner Education - Critical Literacy & Social Justice (MA) (Hybrid). If you are having trouble finding it, apply filters for San Diego State University and Fall semester.

If applying for a DL or ELD Certificate, choose: Post Baccalaureate Certificate, then select Main Campus and choose Dual Language for Academic Literacy or English Language Development for Academic Literacy. Be aware that your program options won't show up until applications open October 1st.

Yes. Apply to M.A. first. If you are also interested in the Dual Language (DL) or English Language Development (ELD) certificate, there is one extra step to follow once you are admitted. Google SDSU graduate forms and follow the links to the online form  “Request for permission to enter an advanced certificate program.” Fill it out in your first semester, and submit it electronically. This makes sure that you are properly recorded as being in both the M.A. and certificate programs.

Please talk to your advisor as soon as possible if you need to defer. You will need to reapply upon your return.

Letters of recommendation should be requested electronically, as part of the supplemental department application process.

Tip: Check back often, as not everyone submits on time! If you are having trouble getting a letter from one recommender, switch to another.

No. Just consult the advisor about completing a second Program Application for the DL or ELD advanced certificate. Once you are accepted to the other program, Google SDSU graduate forms and follow the links to the online form “Request for permission to enter an advanced certificate program.” Fill it out, and submit electronically. This makes sure that you are properly recorded as being in both the M.A. and certificate programs.

You do not need to submit SDSU transcripts. You only need to submit additional transcripts for coursework that was completed after your time at SDSU. The transcripts sent in with your original application and coursework while at SDSU are all on file. Exception: if you graduated more than 5 years ago, your transcripts from outside institutions will have been purged, and only the SDSU transcripts will remain. In that case, you will need to make sure new transcripts are sent from the outside institutions. 

If you applied to the wrong program, please contact Graduate Admissions at 619-594-6336 [email protected] as soon as possible to amend your application.

Yes. There is no need to write a separate Statement of Purpose. On the CSU application, write in "See department application."