This Master of Arts in Bilingual/Bicultural Education is for you if you are interested in the role of bilingualism and biculturalism in or outside of schools, but who are not interested in teacher certification, and if you fit into any of the following categories:
Displaying requirements for the Spring 2024, Summer 2024, and Fall 2024 terms.
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Major Codes - Be sure to put the correct one on your application.
The major code for Master of Arts - Academic Track is MA-BILG.
Fluency in English and a Language Other than English (LOTE) are required for the Program in Bilingual/Bicultural Education, as well as for the courses of study leading to NY State certification in Bilingual Education.
Students whose first language is English must provide proof of proficiency in a LOTE. During the admissions process, some students may be selected for further language testing by the Program in Bilingual/Bicultural Education. This testing is free to applicants, and is meant to verify written and oral language skills. Students must also submit a supplemental essay in their LOTE.
International students must submit TOEFL scores UNLESS they have received an Undergraduate degree (not Masters or Doctoral) from a school at which English is the primary language of instruction. The minimum TOEFL exam score required by Teachers College is 100 on the internet-based exam (IBT). Applicants may obtain further information on TOEFL at www.toefl.org or from their local overseas educational advising center. IELTS scores may be accepted in lieu of the TOEFL. The minimum IELTS overall band score is 7.0. Score reports must be officially submitted by the testing center. Current and former TC students do not need to submit new scores unless requested by the program to do so.
For information on the interpretation of TOEFL scores, please go to the ETS website.
For information on the interpretation of IELTS scores, please go to the IELTS website.
Students seeking New York State Teacher Certification must also satisfy the Liberal Arts & Sciences Certification Requirements - this consists of undergraduate coursework in four basic content areas. Your undergraduate transcript will be evaluated during the admissions process, and you will be notified if you are deficient in one or more areas. For more information, see the Liberal Arts & Sciences Requirement page under Resources on the BBE website.
Displaying catalog information for the Fall 2023, Spring 2024 and Summer 2024 terms.
All courses of study require three core foundational courses and a bilingual inquiry course. M.A. programs require an integrative project. Students are strongly urged to consult with an academic advisor on all degree requirements.
Foundation and Inquiry Courses:
MA in Bilingual/Bicultural Education (Academic track, not leading to certification)
In addition to the four Foundational courses, students in the Academic track also need an additional course within the BBE program during their first semester, which can be selected from the following courses:
Each student will choose courses with advisor assistance. The following shows a sample of recommended courses for potential concentrations. For other courses not listed here, consult with your academic advisor.
Area of Focus on Research for Academic Track Students - Choose among the following courses:
Area of Focus on Policy for Academic Track Students - Choose among the following courses:
Area of Focus on Teaching for Academic Track students:
Students interested in teaching but not in the NYS teaching certification, and who aspire to be placed in a teaching context for the Practicum, should take 3 BBE methods courses. They are encouraged to follow the Stream A courses as closely as possible and choose from the following courses: