Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) Bilingual Education Specialist (K-12)
- Graduate Educator Licensure or Endorsement
Online Endorsement Program for Bilingual Teachers
Are you a bilingual teacher who wants to add a credential and improve your skills? Our online Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) Bilingual Education Specialist Endorsement is for you.
This program is designed for licensed teachers who speak more than one language. You can learn how to teach bilingual and multilingual students in K-12 schools.
- You’ll take your courses online.
- You’ll also get hands-on experience to help you apply what you learn.
What You’ll Learn
This program will teach you:
- How students learn a second language.
- The best ways to teach and assess in a bilingual classroom.
- How to help students with reading and writing in more than one language.
You’ll gain the knowledge and skills to teach in bilingual education settings.
Careers for Bilingual Education
Become an Expert Bilingual Teacher
There’s a growing need for bilingual teachers with the proper skills and credentials. You’ll stand out for language teaching openings, and be eligible for more high-demand jobs.
As a bilingual teacher, you know the challenges and benefits of bilingual learning. With this program, you’ll add research-based skills to teach students who are learning a new language.
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Bilingual Education Endorsement
This program is approved by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) to prepare licensed teachers for the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Bilingual Education (grades K-12) added endorsement.
This program will also qualify you for credential requirements in most states. If you plan to work outside of Colorado, please see the Licensure Eligibility by State section below.
If you are not bilingual, or you do not have your teaching license, check out our Related Programs near the bottom of this page.
Course of Study
Delivered Fully Online
- Courses in this program are delivered fully online.
- You’ll also complete a field experience in your school or nearby.
- You can complete this program in four academic terms (approximately 16 months) by taking two courses per term. You may choose to take longer or shorter depending on course availability and your preferences.
To see specific course offerings, visit the current students page for this program.
Courses and Requirements
This is a 24-credit endorsement program.
Transfer Credit
If you have taken graduate courses that align with program courses, you can request transfer credit. Approved transfer credit can reduce the cost of completing this program. Program faculty will review your transfer credit to confirm that it matches course content and objectives. See the full graduate transfer credit policy for details.
Have Questions? Get in Touch!
Dalton Chamberlin
Enrollment Counselor
Margaret Berg
Program Coordinator
Tuition Rate
Simple Per-Credit Tuition Rate
You pay the same rate whether you are in-state or out-of-state.
Per Credit
Rate for the 2025-26 academic year (fall, spring and summer terms).*
No Student / Technology Fees
Certain courses, e.g., field experiences, may include course fees to support added services and materials.
*Tuition for the 2026-27 academic year will be decided mid-June 2026.
Estimates of additional costs: For the purposes of determining financial aid, UNC follows Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) and federal guidelines to develop an estimated, average Cost of Attendance (budget) for different student classifications. For your personal tuition estimates, we recommend using the program-specific tuition information above. But UNC’s official Cost of Attendance/Student Budgets page can help you identify other estimated expenses for which you may be responsible while completing your program.
Financial Aid and Support
- The federal government only awards financial aid for courses that count toward completion of a UNC degree, so federal aid is not available for this stand-alone endorsement.
- If you will need financial aid, please work with UNC Office of Financial Aid for information about non-federal loans.
- UNC also offers a monthly payment option.
Program Eligibility
General Admission Requirements
- Possess a baccalaureate degree from an institutionally accredited college or university.
- Have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or better, on a 4.00 point scale, for the most recent degree earned or current degree in progress.
- If you are in the process of completing a previous degree or have special GPA considerations, please read the specific requirements for this program type.
- Note: the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is NOT required for graduate school admission.
Program-Specific Admission Requirement
- You must demonstrate language proficiency in a language recognized by the Colorado Department of Education (see the languages listed for the World Languages endorsement) as evidenced by…
- A passing score in Praxis and OPI Language Testing International for the chosen language; OR
- A degree in the chosen language.
Eligibility for Out-of-State Students
Eligibility by State
UNC can offer distance learning in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the major U.S. territories. We check for changes in state rules as needed. Some states may have extra rules for internships, clinical placements, and student teaching. Visit the State Authorization page to learn more.
Licensure Eligibility by State
UNC’s professional licensure programs are designed to lead to Colorado licensure. Each state sets their own requirements, so a UNC program might not lead to licensure in other states. Visit the UNC Licensure page to learn more about which states UNC programs meet educational requirements for licensure.
It’s important to understand requirements in the state where you plan to work. Visit the State Licensure Boards page to find each state’s licensing agency and contact information. Questions? Contact Licensure@unco.edu.
International Student Eligibility
You are eligible to apply: We accept international students to online UNC programs. We can’t guarantee that our programs meet distance education requirements for every country. Before you apply, check your country’s policies and regulations. You should not apply if you live in a country that is subject to U.S. sanctions.
No student visa: Students in online UNC programs do not need to come to the United States. You will not get a student visa or receive any immigration documentation. You do not need to provide financial documentation when applying.
You will need to provide proof of your English language ability or complete the UNC Intensive English Program. Please visit the International Admissions page for information about:
- Minimum English language requirements
- Applying as an international student
Meet with an Enrollment Counselor
Meet the Program Faculty
Visit the Academic Department
Are You Ready to Apply?
Thank you for your interest in this UNC program! Here are some elements you can check to be sure you are eligible and ready to apply to this program.
Program Eligibility
See the Program Eligibility section above.
Licensure Eligibility by State
This program is related to a state licensure, endorsement or other credential. If you intend to pursue a credential outside of Colorado, please check the Licensure Eligibility by State section above.
International Applicants
Please see the International Student Eligibility section above to check your eligibility for this program.
Recommended Application Deadlines
For the best possible admission, enrollment and orientation experience, we recommend that you complete your application by these dates, which are approximately 60 days before the start of each term:
- Summer term: March 15
- Fall term: June 15
- Spring term: Nov. 15
You can still apply after these dates, but if the date has passed please contact an Enrollment Counselor for support to apply and begin classes in the upcoming term. View the UNC Academic Calendar for the start dates for upcoming terms.
Application Process Details
On the application, you will choose:
- Licensure: Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) Bilingual Education Specialist (K-12)
- Start term: Fall Term (Aug.), Spring Term (Jan.) or Summer Term (May)
View the full program-specific application details in the UNC Graduate Catalog.
Apply to This Program
Register & Start Your Application
Submit a Started Application
Application Checklist & Status