California Bilingual Teaching Credential | UMass Global

California Bilingual Teaching Credential | UMass Global
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California Bilingual Authorization Program (BILA)
Expand your teaching expertise and connect with more students through bilingual education. In just two courses, earn your California Bilingual Authorization (BILA) in Spanish or Mandarin and open the door to new opportunities in California’s diverse classrooms.
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
Summer I (May 4, 2026)
Program Benefits that Benefit You.
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.
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.
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
CA Bilingual Authorization (Mandarin)
Median Salary
2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary
2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary
2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Data source: Lightcast™ 2026
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.
Change in employment projections 2022 - 2032
Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and updated quarterly
The University of Massachusetts Global does not guarantee a job to graduates upon completion of any
program
Courses You Might Take
BILA 550 M
Bilingual Language Acquisition and Teaching Methodologies (Mandarin)
3 Credits
Bilingual Language Acquisition and Teaching Methodologies (Mandarin)
BILA 550 M
|
3 Credits
This course equips bilingual teacher candidates with the knowledge of bilingual program models, skills, and materials to design and implement effective bilingual instruction in Mandarin. Candidates will apply bilingual education and language acquisition methodologies, including communicative language teaching, content-based instruction, cross-linguistic transfer, and translanguaging to design and deliver effective bilingual lessons in Mandarin. The course also addresses assessment practices in bilingual education. Ten hours of field experience are embedded into the course content and assignments.
BILA 551 M
Building Upon Cultural Assets in Bilingual Education (Mandarin)
3 Credits
Building Upon Cultural Assets in Bilingual Education (Mandarin)
BILA 551 M
|
3 Credits
This course prepares bilingual teacher candidates to design and implement culturally and linguistically responsive teaching practices in Mandarin that embrace the diversity and assets of bilingual learners. Candidates will explore strategies for creating inclusive and equitable learning environments that foster bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural student success. Candidates will develop skills to address historical biases, institutional racism, and stereotypes to promote culturally affirming interactions with students, families, and communities. The course also examines contemporary issues and policies in bilingual education and provides candidates a chance to engage in advocacy related to bilingual education. Ten hours of field experience are embedded into the course content and assignments.
Career Outlook for
CA Bilingual Authorization (Spanish)
Median Salary
2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary
2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary
2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Data source: Lightcast™ 2026
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.
Change in employment projections 2022 - 2032
Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and updated quarterly
The University of Massachusetts Global does not guarantee a job to graduates upon completion of any
program
Courses You Might Take
BILA 550 S
Bilingual Language Acquisition and Teaching Methodologies (Spanish)
3 Credits
Bilingual Language Acquisition and Teaching Methodologies (Spanish)
BILA 550 S
|
3 Credits
This course equips bilingual teacher candidates with the knowledge of bilingual program models, skills, and materials to design and implement effective bilingual instruction in Spanish. Candidates will apply bilingual education and language acquisition methodologies, including communicative language teaching, content-based instruction, cross-linguistic transfer, and translanguaging to design and deliver effective bilingual lessons in Spanish. The course also addresses assessment practices in bilingual education. Ten hours of field experience are embedded into the course content and assignments.
BILA 551 S
Building Upon Cultural Assets in Bilingual Education (Spanish)
3 Credits
Building Upon Cultural Assets in Bilingual Education (Spanish)
BILA 551 S
|
3 Credits
This course prepares bilingual teacher candidates to design and implement culturally and linguistically responsive teaching practices in Spanish that embrace the diversity and assets of bilingual learners. Candidates will explore strategies for creating inclusive and equitable learning environments that foster bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural student success. Candidates will develop skills to address historical biases, institutional racism, and stereotypes to promote culturally affirming interactions with students, families, and communities. The course also examines contemporary issues and policies in bilingual education and provides candidates a chance to engage in advocacy related to bilingual education. Ten hours of field experience are embedded into the course content and assignments.
What is it 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 structured assignments with set deadlines. This format offers clear milestones and coach interaction, making it ideal for one-on-one coaching support.
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.
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.
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 structured assignments with set deadlines. This format offers clear milestones and coach interaction, making it ideal for one-on-one coaching support.
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.
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.
Our Faculty
All Faculty
Weina Chen, PhD
Associate Professor of Bilingual Education
Weina Chen PhD
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
A passing score on the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) Subtest III in World Languages (Mandarin or Spanish)*
Verify
one
of the following for English learner authorization:
Current LDS or CLAD Certificate
California teaching credential with English learner authorization
Passing CTEL Subtests 1–3 (within 10 years)
Comparable out-of-state credential with English learner authorization
Eligible National Board certificate in English as a New Language
Hold one of the following valid credentials that authorize 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)
CSET Exemption*
You may be exempt from CSET: World Languages Test III if you already hold a qualifying California teaching credential in Spanish or Mandarin, or a comparable three-year (or higher) degree from a non‑U.S. institution taught entirely in Spanish or Mandarin.
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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Ways to Get Started
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(800) 746-0082
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.
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