Bilingual Authorization Program at Whittier College

The Bilingual Authorization program admits students who are concurrently obtaining their teaching credential or pursuing the authorization post-credential. 

Emphasis on theory to practice, and on various models of bilingual education, including dual language (Spanish immersion).

Three courses (9 units) required which can be completed in one year, including fieldwork in bilingual classroom.

• SPAN 525 Chicano/Latino Cultures: An Interdisciplinary Perspective (3 units)
• EDUC 591 Bilingualism and Biliteracy (3 units)
• EDUC 592 Methodology for Primary Language Instruction in a Bilingual Setting (3 units)
• SPAN 322/522 Spanish Refresher for Education. A fourth course may be required if language proficiency level is not at Intermediate High proficiency

Thirty (30) units are required to complete this program. This specialized M.A. will include courses that have a language, culture, and literacy focus.

At the heart of this MA are the three BILA courses, which include:

• SPAN 525 Chicano/Latino Cultures: An Interdisciplinary Perspective (3 semester hours)
• EDUC 591 Bilingualism and Biliteracy (3 semester hours)
• EDUC 592 Methodology for Primary Language Instruction in a Bilingual Setting (3 semester hours)

Also required are

• The capstone project that emerges from this M.A. must have a bilingual, biliteracy, or bicultural focus.
• Nine units must be in courses specific to the Bilingual Authorization. Electives taken must have a language, culture, or literacy focus
• Twelve units can be transferred in from CABE Dual Language Teacher Academy or Professional Development Programs if completed

Concurrent Credential Applicants & Bilingual Authorization

• Must be either enrolled in an Education Specialist, Multiple Subject, or Single Subject credential program concurrently. All credential programs lead to the recommendation of an SB2024 preliminary credential with an English Learner Authorization.
• Program application
• Letters of recommendation

Candidates interested in this program must demonstrate Spanish proficiency at the ACTFL Intermediate High level, which will be assessed via a Spanish language assessment, a video submission and a writing sample. Students who are in close range of the ACTFL Intermediate High level at ACTFL Intermediate Mid or Low range, will be able to take a Spanish refresher course in order to bring up their Spanish proficiency skills. They will then be re-assessed after taking the Spanish refresher to ensure that they have reached the ACTFL Intermediate High-level proficiency.

Bilingual Authorization (Post-Credential Applicants)

• Have a valid 2042 California preliminary or clear credential with an English Learner Authorization.
• Program application
• Letters of recommendation
• Spanish language assessments to determine language proficiency as described above.

Master of Arts + Bilingual Authorization

• Have a valid 2042 California preliminary or clear credential with an English Learner Authorization. 
• Program application
• Letters of Recommendation

Candidates interested in this program must demonstrate Spanish proficiency at the ACTFL Intermediate High level, which will be assessed via a Spanish language assessment, as well as a video submission and writing sample. Students who are in close range of the ACTFL Intermediate High level at ACTFL Intermediate Mid or Low range, will be able to take a Spanish refresher course in order to bring up their Spanish proficiency skills. They will then be re-assessed after taking the Spanish refresher to ensure that they have reached the ACTFL Intermediate High-level proficiency.

Application

Applicants must submit required materials through the online application portal or via mail to:

Attention: Graduate Admissions
Whittier College
13406 Philadelphia St.
P.O. Box 634
Whittier, CA 90608

Deadlines for All Programs

All application fees for credential or MA applications are waived

• Fall term deadline: July 25
• Spring term deadline: December 15
• Summer term deadline: April 26

Info sessions provide you with in-depth information about the admission process and deadlines as well as the space to ask questions about your unique circumstances and academic history. If none of the available dates work for you, you may still book an appointment with an admission counselor by emailing Educationinfo@whittier.edu.

How much does the BILA program cost? 

The BILA Authorization Program costs $819 per unit. Admitted students will have the opportunity to select from various forms of financial aid.

How long is the BILA program? 

If you are pursuing your credential with BILA, it would take approximately two years (if a full-time student) to complete.

If you are a post-credential applicant, courses would include an emphasis on theory to practice and on various models of bilingual education, including dual language (Spanish immersion).

Three courses (9 units) are required and can be completed in one year, including fieldwork in a bilingual classroom.

• SPAN 525 Chicano/Latino Cultures: An Interdisciplinary Perspective (3 units–offered in Spring and Summer)
• EDUC 591 Bilingualism and Biliteracy (3 units–offered in Fall)
• EDUC 592 Methodology for Primary Language Instruction in a Bilingual Setting (3 units–offered in Fall)
• SPAN 322/522 Spanish Refresher for Education. A fourth course may be required if the language proficiency level is not at Intermediate High proficiency

When are the application deadlines? 

The deadlines for the BILA Authorization Program at Whittier College are as follows:

• Fall semester: July 25
• Spring semester: December 15
• Summer term: April 26

Is the program offered online? 

Whittier College's BILA courses will only be offered asynchronously online. The course will be self-paced via a syllabus, online content, and deadlines. There will be interactive assignments, discussion boards, and opportunities to meet with your professors. 

What do I need to submit for my application? 

Concurrent Credential Applicants and BILA

• Must be enrolled in a Multiple Subject or Single Subject Credential Program
• Two letters of recommendation; must speak on behalf of the applicant's biliteracy
• Program application
• Candidates must demonstrate Spanish proficiency at the ACTFL Intermediate High Level; assessed via a Spanish language assessment, a video submission, and a writing sample

Bilingual Authorization (Post-Credential Applicants)

• Have a valid 2042 California Preliminary or Clear Credential
• Program application
• Two letters of recommendation; must speak on behalf of the applicant's biliteracy
• Spanish language assessments to determine language proficiency as described above

Master of Arts + Bilingual Authorization

• Have a valid 2042 California Preliminary or Clear Credential
• Program application
• Two letters of recommendation; must speak on behalf of the applicant's biliteracy

What is the cost to apply to the BILA Program at Whittier College? 

Whittier College does not charge an application fee.