Bilingual Education, M.B.E.

www.smu.edu/MBE

The Master of Bilingual Education program offers a broad interdisciplinary curriculum that prepares specialists in the field of bilingual education. Designed for teachers, the 36-hour program offers evening classes during the academic year. The program includes coursework in literacy, second-language teaching, linguistics, cultural/multicultural education, behavioral psychology and community-based educational research. The specialization courses, in particular, help participants refine their pedagogical skills and develop both expertise in use of the methods proven effective with limited English proficient students and understanding of current research in the field of bilingual education.

Admission Requirements

Before enrolling in the M.B.E. program, all students must submit the following:

1. An official sealed transcript of academic work that reflects a baccalaureate degree with a minimum 3.00 overall GPA. Transcripts from countries outside the U.S. must be accompanied by an official evaluation of the transcript by an SMU-recognized evaluation agency. No copies will be accepted. Applicants not meeting the 3.00 GPA requirement must request an exemption in writing and provide proof of other qualifications, such as long-term experience or expertise in a related specialized field, as a justification for admission.
2. For bilingual education, proficiency in Spanish, which is used in bilingual education programs in Texas.
3. A completed application and a $50 nonrefundable application fee payable to SMU: Department of Teaching and Learning.
4. For international students applying from countries where English is not the native language, or prior coursework was not delivered in English, official scores (earned within the previous five years) on the TOEFL English language proficiency test or the IELTS English competency test. The minimum TOEFL score for admission is 550 on a pencil-and-paper test or 92 on the Internet-based test. The IELTS minimum score is 6.5. A TOEFL or IELTS waiver may be granted on the basis of:1) the student applicant has lived and worked full time in the US or another country where English is the official language for at least 3 of the past 5 years; or 2) the applicant holds an undergraduate and/or prior graduate degree from a college or university where English is the official language of instruction.
5. As evidence of financial support, international students must provide a Certification of Finance Form/Letter of Financial Backing. (This applies to students who are not awarded a scholarship.) This should represent that sufficient money will be available to the applicant to cover all expenses while at the University. This letter may be signed by a parent or sponsor but must be certified by a bank. The document must be notarized and on file before the process for visas and passport can proceed.
6. Letters of recommendation and written essays may be required for admission. Visit the Teaching and Learning website at www.smu.edu/teacher for more information.