Bilingual Authorization
LMU is proud to offer educators a bilingual authorization in Cantonese, Mandarin, or Spanish, with coursework integrated in a master‘s degree or as a stand-alone program for current teaching credential holders
Step Into a High-Demand Career
With roughly 40 percent of K-12 students in California speaking a non-English language at home, the need for bilingual educators across the state is more pressing than ever. Intertwine your teaching skills with advanced certification at LMU to earn a bilingual authorization to teach in two languages (English plus Cantonese, Mandarin, or Spanish).
If you already hold a teaching credential, you can earn the bilingual authorization with just three courses (9 units). If not, you'll get the required coursework when you're enrolled in one of our teacher preparation programs.
Program Options
Bilingual Authorization
- Available for current California teaching credential holders
- Available for candidates enrolled in Language and Culture concentration for M.A. in Transformative Education program with Multiple Subject or Single Subject Teaching
Typical Program Length
- Current California teaching credential holders: 1-2 semesters
- Integrated with Multiple or Single Subject Credential + M.A. in Transformative Education; 2 years
Cohort Program?
Yes
Units/Hours to Completion
(units vary by fieldwork pathway)
- Already hold a teaching credential - 3 classes (9 graduate units)
- Concurrent enrollment in the M.A. in Transformative Education, Language and Culture concentration; authorization coursework (9 units), along with optional M.A. coursework (7 units), is completed in year 2 after the Multiple or Single Subject credential requirements (18-23 units) are completed in year one.
- A CSET exam in the primary language is also required for either option.
Estimated Cost
$1,726 per unit before scholarship and/or aid applied
Course Modality/Meeting Times
Online. Synchronous courses meet on a weekday in late afternoon or evening.
Upcoming Application Priority Deadline
- May 1, 2026 for concurrent enrollment with Multiple or Single Subject Credential and M.A. in Transformative Education (Partnership deadlines will vary.)
- July 15, 2026 for current teaching credential holders who are eligible for the Bilingual Authorization only.
Upcoming Program Admit Start Date
- Summer Session II (late June) when combined with credential/M.A.
- Fall (available for current teaching credential holders only)
Start Your Journey with LMU
Qualifications
To qualify for LMU’s bilingual authorization program, you must:
- Hold a teaching credential in California, OR
- Be enrolled in our CTC-approved teacher preparation program
Application Steps
- Fill out our online application (choose "bilingual authorization only" if you already hold a teaching credential in California)
- Submit your personal statement of intent and official transcripts via the online application
- If applicable, you may also need to fill out or file:
- Extra forms/agreements
- Request for international transcript evaluation
- Request for exception to GPA
What Our Students Say
Erika Fraire, M.A. ’26
“I want to be a bilingual teacher who helps students learn English in the U.S. while I also reinforce their native Spanish background so they can become fluently in both languages. I do not want students to have to choose one of their languages over the other.”
Tania Martinez, M.A. ’27
“I aspire to become a teacher who develops my students’ skills in English and Spanish by encouraging the use and appreciation of both languages; who creates space for expression in both languages; and who fosters connections between both languages for a variety of recipients and across various contexts and settings.”
Sofia Aguilera, M.A. ’27
“Teaching students to be proud of their culture and families can help them bridge connections within education to their own lives, as it did for me. I want to provide students with the same experience as I had and for them to succeed as well-rounded individuals both inside and outside of the classroom.”
Empower Every Voice in Your Classroom
At LMU School of Education, we cultivate educators who honor the dignity of every student by integrating language, culture, and social justice into the heart of every classroom. Our bilingual authorization program gives you the specialized knowledge and research-informed practices to become an effective teacher working in both English and Cantonese, Mandarin, or Spanish. Join us as you prepare to transform the futures of your students and their families.
If you'd like to learn more, book a conversation with an admission counselor, attend an online information session, or request details via email. We look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Jongyeon Joy Ee, Ph.D.
Director, Bilingual Education
Our team is happy to assist you. Reach out any time so we can answer your questions and provide personalized information.
Email: soeteacherprep@lmu.edu
Phone: 310.258.8791
Take Your Next Step Today
Legal Disclosures
Due to the primarily online nature of our LMU teacher preparation programs, we are currently unable, per federal guidelines, to issue documentation for international F1 visas.
While coursework is online, all daily required fieldwork is on-site at an applicable K-12 school. All teacher preparation program candidates are required to reside in California for the duration of the credential licensure program.
Per Federal Regulation 34 CFR 668.43(a)(5)(v), all LMU School of Education credential/licensure programs meet the California state requirements as specified by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). The institution has not made a determination as to whether these credential, licensure, and professional preparation programs meet the requirements of states outside of California. If you are interested in practicing outside the state of California, it is recommended that you contact the respective licensing entity of that state to seek information or guidance regarding their licensure and credential requirements in advance to allow for appropriate planning.