Dual Language Development

CSULB opened doors for me and my commitment for working with English learners and bilingual students.

-Bonnie Bishop, Consultant, Center for Accelerated Learning

Welcome to the Master of Arts Degree in Education with a specialization in Dual Language Development (DLD) web site! Our Master's degree is a 30 unit (10 classes) program designed for those who have a Bachelor of Arts degree, a teaching credential, or are pursuing a CSULB teaching credential. If you don't hold a teaching credential, then it is important to have experiences related to our specialization.

Our interdisciplinary program examines the literacy and language development of native English speakers, bilingual speakers, English language learners, and/or speakers of non-standard English in grades K-12, including adult education. Literacy and language issues are also examined within a global context.

It is also possible to pursue a teaching credential and our Master's degree program simultaneously with all of the requirements completed within a two-year period. Applicants should demonstrate a second language proficiency, or have completed 6 units of language study, or equivalent. Our DLD master degree works closely with the Spanish and Asian bilingual authorization credential programs. For additinal information regarding the Spanish or Asian bilingual authorization credential (BILA), please visit the BILA website at http://www.ced.csulb.edu/credentials/bilingual-authorization-bila

Our applicants speak a variety of languages including Arabic, French, Italian, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, and Tagalog. If you don't have a second langauge proficiency, please contact Professor Trini Lewis, the DLD Coordinator, for additional information regarding possible alternatives for meeting this requirement, such as a desire for working with English Language Learners.

Additionally, our graduates are highly sought experts and enter professions such as classroom teachers, curriculum specialists, staff developers, and teacher educators. Other graduates are also consultants, or hold related positions in the private sector.  

Our unique dual language program features include:

• Flexible scheduling options with courses meeting only 1 day a week.
• Combination of in class and online course work.
• Assignments synthesize current research and theory with practical classroom applications
• Insights into contemporary global language issues
• 3 units of elective semester credit can be applied from credential programs towards the required 30 units, thus only 9 classes are typically needed for credential students.
• Customized program compatible with school district's professional development needs.
• Alumni professional network
• Collaboration with faculty on professional projects.
• Faculty specializing in literacy, linguistics, language development, second language acquisition, and English language learners.

Two separate applications are required for admission, one to the university, and one to the DLD program. Our program application is a paper copy that needs to be mailed in to the address noted on the application.

Application to the university is available only as an online process through CSU Mentor or at Enrollment Services in Brotman Hall (562-985-4571).

For financial aid information contact the financial aid office at Financial Aid

We admit for the Fall Semester only of each academic year. Our program application deadline has been extended to June 1, 2013.

International student applicants need to also apply for university admission through the Center for International Education (CIE). Please check the Center for International Education office for the international student admission deadline which is typically earlier than our program application deadline.

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early possible for consideration. If you would like to meet with me to discuss your interest in the program, please contact me at your earliest convenience. Email is my best contact method.

For information or advisement, please contact:

Dr. Trini Lewis
Associate Professor, DLD Program Coordinator &
FIPSE Grant Co-principal Investigator
California State University, Long Beach
Department of Teacher Education
1250 Bellflower Blvd, MS 2201
Long Beach, CA  90806-2201

Office Location:  ED2-256