Bilingual Education/English as a Second Language (ESL)
Minor
By integrating language skills, cultural awareness and proven teaching strategies, you can create dynamic learning environments that foster academic growth and understanding for your students.
- Offered 100% Online.
- 1 to 1.5 years
- 18 credit hours
- No thesis required
- No foreign language credits required
La educación sin fronteras: Education Without Borders
Bilingual educators are in high demand across Texas. As our state continues to grow, so does our need for educators who can meet students' needs. You can help fill this gap by earning a minor in Bilingual Education. Our program explores the foundations of bilingual education and gives you the opportunity to learn how to create, deliver and assess content from a holistic bilingual paradigm. Students majoring in Curriculum and Instruction may earn this minor as part of their graduate program. Spanish proficiency is not required, but we encourage you to study languages outside of English. Students who are bilingual in Spanish and English can have the opportunity to employ both of their languages throughout the program.
Spring 2026 Graduate Flex Term.
What Are My Job Opportunities?
Earning a minor can open the door to numerous career opportunities in education, where you can support all learners in bilingual and multilingual classrooms.
Careers Possibilities
Current Median Salaries from US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2023
Program Details
Our minor and graduate program focuses on equipping students with skills in bilingual education and teaching English as a second language, typically requiring 18 credit hours to complete.
What Might I Learn?
You will have the opportunity to gain experience in a number of key areas.
Teaching Strategies for ESL Students
Learn evidence-based approaches to teaching English to non-native speakers.
ESL Assessment Methods
Master techniques for evaluating language proficiency and progress in ESL students.
Sociolinguistics in Education
Study the relationship between language, culture and society to inform teaching practices.
Language Acquisition Theories
Explore how individuals acquire and develop second languages.
Taking Classes
Our flexible programs are designed for current educators and working professionals.
Designed for your life
Whether full-time or part-time, you can complete the Bilingual Education/ESL Minor at your own pace. Refer to the schedule for course availability, which may vary.
Fully Online Delivery
Our program is offered entirely online, allowing you to earn the 12-credit-hour minor flexibly from anywhere and on your own schedule.
Curriculum
Satisfactory completion of 4 courses will meet the requirements for a Bilingual/ESL Education minor.
- BLED 501 Theoretical Foundations of Bilingual/ESL Education
- BLED 502 Biliteracy Development, Instruction, and Assessment
- BLED 503 Content Area Instruction for Emergent Bilinguals
- BLED 504 Technology Tools for Emergent Bilinguals
- BLED 505 Project-Based Learning for Emergent Bilinguals
- BLED 508 Teaching Multilingual Literature
- BLED 510 Dual Language Assessment
- BLED 589 Independent Study
- BLED 597 Special Topics
Finding My Community
We believe that education thrives in an environment where collaboration, support, and mutual respect flourish. Our community of students and professors embodies these values, creating an enriching and dynamic atmosphere for learning and growth. Our students come from unique backgrounds and bring a wide range of experiences and perspectives to the table. Our professors are not only experts in their respective fields but also dedicated mentors who are committed to guiding and nurturing the next generation of scholars.
Sherri Colby, Ph.D.
Faculty
Ana Castillo, M.Ed.
Faculty
Tami Morton, Ph.D.
Faculty
Student Organizations
As a student in our program, you may explore a range of student organizations dedicated to bilingual education, language acquisition and cultural competence. These groups provide valuable opportunities for professional networking, skill development and participation in events that support your academic and career growth.
I’m Looking For Something Different
Is this program close, but still not right for you? Check out our related degrees!
Financing My Future
Financial Aid
Financial aid includes a variety of programs, like scholarships, federal and state grants, and federal and state work-study programs. Find out how you may be eligible for scholarships, grants, loans and/or a graduate assistantship. Financial Aid and Scholarships
Back to menuOn-Campus Employment Opportunities
Enhance your expertise through on-campus employment opportunities.
Graduate Assistant/Research/Teaching
Graduate assistant teaching (GAT), graduate assistant research (GAR), and graduate assistant non-teaching (GANT) assistantships at East Texas A&M offer financial support and professional development for graduate students. Assistantships are available in academic and non-academic departments.
Back to menuCost Before Financial Aid
East Texas A&M is one of the most affordable colleges around the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Our tuition rates are some of the most competitive in Texas.
$3,669
for Texas residents
/
$7,341
For non-residents
Tuition and fees for graduate students taking nine credit hours are $3,669 for Texas residents and $7,341 for non-residents. But don’t worry: there are
Back to menuAdditional Fees May Apply
- Online Courses ($50 per hour)
- Remote Locations ($20 per hour)
- Lab Fees ($5 – $30 per course)
How Do I Get Started?
If you have not already done so, complete the Request Information form. You will be connected with your enrollment specialist, who can answer your questions. When you’re ready, go ahead and follow the steps below to apply.
Admissions Requirements
To qualify for this minor, you must:
- Be admitted to a graduate program in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Minor Requirements
Once admitted, you must:
- Complete 12 hours of specialization courses
I Still Have Questions
We are here to help! Send us an email. We can answer your questions and assist you in the application process.
Contact the Department
- Department of Curriculum and Instruction
- 903.886.5537
- 903.886.5581