Become a Bilingual Teacher in California

In response to the growing need for bilingual teachers, we are proud to offer a bilingual authorization in Mandarin or Spanish. This two-course CTC-designated authorization is designed to empower bilingual teachers to not only meet the linguistic needs of their students, but also to contribute to the creation of multilingual school environments that celebrate diversity and create a sense of belonging. This bilingual authorization is intended for bilingual educators who already hold a California Teaching Credential and would like to add an authorization in either Spanish or Mandarin.

  • Learn to Provide These Types of Instruction:
    • Instruction for English Language Development (ELD)
    • Instruction for Primary Language Development
    • Specially Designed Academic Instruction Delivered in English (SDAIE)
    • Content Instruction Delivered in Primary Language
  • Online Coursework + Integrated Fieldwork: To streamline your credential, this program is fully online with 20 hours of required fieldwork embedded in the courses.
CA Only

At a Glance

Online
6 Credits
$750/Credit
Help me estimate my cost
Next Start Date
Spring I (Jan 12, 2026)

Program Benefits that Benefit You.

Standards

CTC Designated

Upon successfully completing and passing the coursework, the candidate may apply to be recommended to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) for the authorization.

California Teaching

Preparing California's Teachers

UMass Global is California’s second largest provider of teaching credentials; our history of support for education goes back to our founding in 1958.

Fast Track

Make a Difference Sooner

This two-course program can be completed in just 8 to 16 weeks, allowing you to quickly step into bilingual classrooms to make a meaningful impact on students’ lives.

Career Outlook for California Bilingual Authorization

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Results for:
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring

Data source: Lightcast™ 2025 www.lightcast.io

The pathway information provided through this website is based partly on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data licensed by the University of Massachusetts Global from Lightcast. While the University of Massachusetts Global believes this data to be reliable, some of the data is based on estimates made by Lightcast when actual data is unavailable. Those estimates and the corresponding data may need to be corrected.

  1. Change in employment projections 2022 - 2032
  2. Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and updated quarterly
  3. The University of Massachusetts Global does not guarantee a job to graduates upon completion of any program

Courses You Might Take

BILA 550S

Bilingual Language Acquisition and Teaching Methodologies (Spanish)

3 Credits
BILA 551S

Building Upon Cultural Assets in Bilingual Education (Spanish)

3 Credits
BILA 550M

Bilingual Language Acquisition and Teaching Methodologies (Mandarin)

3 Credits
BILA 551M

Building Upon Cultural Assets in Bilingual Education (Mandarin)

3 Credits

What it’s like going to UMass Global?

Instructor-Led, Session-Based

This program is delivered in an instructor-led format, with eight-week sessions and multiple start dates per year for flexibility. In each class, you'll focus on one topic at a time and can take a session off if needed—no penalty. Courses include online lectures, group discussions, and structured assignments with set deadlines. This format offers clear milestones and peer interaction, making it ideal for students who thrive in a structured learning environment.

Personalized Support Services

UMass Global meets you wherever you are in life, with dedicated support at every step. From enrollment coaching and financial aid to academic advising and career services, we're committed to your success. Access personalized guidance, flexible resources, and a supportive community, empowering you to achieve your educational goals, no matter your starting point.

Office meeting

Employer-Aligned Curriculum

At UMass Global, our employer-aligned curriculum ensures that coursework is directly relevant to today’s workplace. Designed with input from industry experts and faculty who are also working professionals, our programs focus on practical, career-advancing skills. Using a “backwards course design,” we tailor coursework to meet current job market needs. Our diverse faculty provides real-world insights and mentorship, ensuring that the skills you learn are immediately applicable to your career or future career changes.

Office meeting

Instructor-Led, Session-Based

This program is delivered in an instructor-led format, with eight-week sessions and multiple start dates per year for flexibility. In each class, you'll focus on one topic at a time and can take a session off if needed—no penalty. Courses include online lectures, group discussions, and structured assignments with set deadlines. This format offers clear milestones and peer interaction, making it ideal for students who thrive in a structured learning environment.

Personalized Support Services

UMass Global meets you wherever you are in life, with dedicated support at every step. From enrollment coaching and financial aid to academic advising and career services, we're committed to your success. Access personalized guidance, flexible resources, and a supportive community, empowering you to achieve your educational goals, no matter your starting point.

Office meeting

Employer-Aligned Curriculum

At UMass Global, our employer-aligned curriculum ensures that coursework is directly relevant to today’s workplace. Designed with input from industry experts and faculty who are also working professionals, our programs focus on practical, career-advancing skills. Using a “backwards course design,” we tailor coursework to meet current job market needs. Our diverse faculty provides real-world insights and mentorship, ensuring that the skills you learn are immediately applicable to your career or future career changes.

Office meeting

Our Faculty

All Faculty
Nicole Schneider, EdD
Associate Dean, School of Education, Associate Professor of Education
Nicole Schneider EdD

Admission Requirements

Applicants for this program must complete the formal application process with all required documents:

  • Complete application
  • Hold one of the following valid credentials that authorizes the holder to provide instruction to pupils:
    • California Teaching Credential
    • Speech-Language Pathology or Clinical or Rehabilitative Services Credential with a Special Class Authorization
    • School Nurse Services Credential with a Special Teaching Authorization in Health
    • Visiting Faculty Permit
    • Children’s Center Permit (excluding emergency)
    • Child Development Permit (excluding Assistant and Associate Permits) 

Passing Scores on CSET

A passing score on the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) Subtest III in Mandarin or Spanish is required for admission.

Financial Aid Eligible

This program is eligible for financial aid for admitted students.

WASC Senior College and University Commission

University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

California Commission on Teaching Credentialing

University of Massachusetts Global's School of Education is accredited by the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing (CTC)

Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation

University of Massachusetts Global is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation

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Testimonials

I have gained a number of new insights to the needs of the EL students in my class, as well as looking at language demands in general related to math. The insights I have gained have allowed me to improve my own instruction while also providing support for other teachers at my site.

Feather G.
Integrated ELD Instruction in Math Course
Elementary School Teacher

One of the things I appreciated most was the ability to speak directly with my program coordinator. Having that kind of personal support made a big difference in helping me navigate my academic path. The pacing of the curriculum was manageable and designed in a way that allowed me to balance school with other responsibilities.

Tiara D.
CTEL Authorization & CLAD Certificate Program

An Online Education Built For You

Commission on Teacher Credentialing

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