(Major Code: 08015) (Academic Plan Code: 331966MAS)
The Dual Language and English Learner Education Master of Arts degree program (DLE MA) provides education professionals with skills to transform current school programs and practices from a social equity and social justice perspective. It is a variable unit program (30-36 units) focused on multilingual learners in a diverse society. Students share a common core of six courses (18 units) and take four additional elective courses (12 units). This constitutes the base of 30 units. Students also have an experience requirement, via DLE 798- Special Study , where they apply what they are learning in the U.S. educational context (an additional 0-6 units).
Within the DLE MA, students may elect to specialize in Critical Literacy and Social Justice. This option is for individuals interested in applying the concepts of critical theory to their work in curriculum change, school reform, or student, parent and community advocacy and those who would benefit from an all on-line program. Students who choose this option select their 12 elective units from specific options within the Department of Dual Language and English Learner Education. Courses are held primarily online with synchronous meetings via Zoom and additional material on the online course platform.
Note. Three to four courses from the professional development certificates at DLE: Bilingual Added Authorization, Dual Language for Academic Literacy or in English Language Development for Academic Literacy Certificate (taken concurrently or previously), can be applied to elective units for the DLE MA: Specialization in Critical Literacy and Social Justice as long as they are graduate level and meet recency requirements as well as limits on transfer units.
How to Apply
Applicants must satisfy the general requirements for admission to the university with classified graduate standing, as described in Admission and Registration. The MA in Dual Language and English Learner Education does not require the GRE or GMAT. However, applicants must satisfy program admission requirements as described in the Program Application.
In addition to the Cal State application, submit the supplementary program application and attach (or request) the following:
- One to two letters of recommendation.
- A C.V., resume or work history form that includes experience with bilingual or multicultural learners.
- Either a statement of purpose that includes your background working with diverse populations and your goals as a graduate student and education professional or a two-page academic writing sample.
For more information: Contact the Department of Dual Language and English Learner Education at dle@sdsu.edu or 619-594-5155. See our web page at http://go.sdsu.edu/education/dle/.
Requirements
In addition to meeting the requirements for admission to the university with classified graduate standing, the student must satisfy the basic requirements for the master’s degree described in Requirements for Master’s Degrees as well as the requirements specified for the Master of Arts in dual language and English learner education (described below). Students in the critical literacy and social justice specialization must also meet specific elective requirements described in that section. There are two plan options:
Plan A (can be requested via petition to the DLE program coordinator)
Which requires students to write a thesis and complete
or
Plan B (standard plan)
Which requires students to pass a comprehensive examination and complete
Selection of Plan A or Plan B
In general, applicants will be programmed for Plan B, the seminar plan. Plan A is designed for students who have a particular research problem they wish to investigate in detail. Once the student is half way through the program, coordinator approval for transfer to Plan A may be requested. If approved, the student must secure an adviser and establish a thesis plan, then request graduate studies permission to transfer to Plan A. Requests for transfer to Plan A must be prepared as an official change in program for the master’s degree, countersigned by the faculty adviser, and submitted to the Office of Graduate Programs in the College of Education.
Plan B provides students the opportunity to (a) have experiences which emphasize research and writing, (b) participate actively in the projects of the other members of the seminar, and (c) subject their own work to critical evaluation by the other seminar members. Both plans require the ability to formulate and define research or evaluation problems, to assemble data pertinent to the problem, to draw conclusions, and to present the study in acceptable written form. It is expected that the two seminars will be at least as demanding as the thesis with respect to the difficulty and quantity of work required.
Experience Requirement: Special Study in the US. Educational Context
Students take an additional 0-6 units (via DLE 798 , Special Study) to apply what they are learning in the U.S. educational context. Contact the DLE MA adviser or the DLE Department at dle@sdsu.edu for Special Study contracts and details. (If you are currently working/volunteering in education, or have extensive experience in the U.S. educational context, contact the graduate adviser for a review of your professional experience and/or placement to determine the possibility of waiving some or all of this requirement.)
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