COURSE CURRICULUM

This graduate program in bilingual and bicultural elementary education requires the completion of 30 credit hours, combining core coursework, a thesis component, and a minor field of study. The required courses are designed to build both theoretical knowledge and practical teaching skills for diverse, multilingual classrooms. Key subjects include Bilingual/ESL Academic Content Instruction, Principles and Practices in the Elementary School, Multicultural Teaching and Learning, Methods and Materials for Teaching English as a Second Language, and Bilingual Education: Principles and Practices. These courses help educators understand how to effectively teach students from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds while promoting inclusive learning environments.In addition to the core courses, students must complete a thesis, which is a significant academic research project. The thesis process begins with CI 5399A (Thesis) and continues with at least 3 additional credit hours selected from advanced thesis courses (such as CI 5199B, CI 5299B, CI 5399B, CI 5599B, or CI 5999B). This component allows students to explore a specific topic in depth, develop research skills, and contribute knowledge to the field of bilingual education.Students are also required to choose a 6-credit-hour minor, which must be approved by an academic advisor. This minor provides an opportunity to specialize in an additional area of interest, further enhancing professional expertise and career flexibility.Finally, the program includes a comprehensive examination requirement to assess students’ overall understanding of the coursework and their readiness to apply their knowledge in real-world educational settings. Overall, the curriculum is structured to ensure that graduates are well-prepared for teaching in bilingual and multicultural classrooms while also gaining research and specialization experience.