CLD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) Education Core Graduate Certificate
- Graduate Certificate
An Online Graduate Certificate in CLD Education
Do you want to get better at teaching students from different cultures and those who are learning English? Our CLD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) Education Graduate Certificate is for you.
You’ll get the skills you need to support these diverse learners in the classroom. Learn:
- Language teaching for ESL / bilingual learners.
- Teaching methods and assessments for diverse learners.
This program is intended for working K-12 teachers.
- You’ll attend online so that you can keep teaching while you pursue your certificate.
- You’ll also complete a field experience to help you apply what you learn.
Add the knowledge and classroom skills you need to help students with different language backgrounds and academic needs.
Teaching CLD Learners
Other Benefits to Your Teaching Career
- Colorado teaching license renewal: This certificate can help you meet the English Learner Educator Standards.
- If you have previous CLD coursework, this certificate may help you complete the coursework requirement for the CLD Education (K-12) endorsement. If not, the classes you take can count toward a future CLD Education endorsement through UNC.
- If you want to pursue CLD Education (K-12) endorsement now, see the CLD Endorsement Programs section below.
If you plan to work outside of Colorado, please see the Licensure Eligibility by State section below.
Course of Study
Delivered Fully Online
All certificate courses are delivered online. You’ll also complete a field experience in your area.
How long the program takes to complete can depend on what term you start and which course you choose for your flexible course option.
To see specific course offerings, visit the current students page for this program.
Courses and Requirements
This is a 12-credit graduate certificate program.
For those with previous coursework in this topic, the certificate may help you reach the coursework requirement for CLD Education endorsement.
View Courses & Certificate Requirement Details
Certificate Course Waiver for UNC Alumni
If you are a UNC graduate who received a grade of C+ or above in EDEL 250, TESL 350 and EDEL 455, you can receive a waiver for one course of the certificate.
CLD Endorsement Programs
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education Endorsement (K-12)
Some students can finish CLD Education endorsement coursework via previous coursework and our certificate. If you need the full endorsement coursework, we have a stand-alone endorsement program.
Education MAT
Complete the CLD Education endorsement as part of the Master of Arts in Teaching degree. Choose the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education Concentration.
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 certificate.
- 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.
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.
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.
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:
- Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education Core Graduate Certificate
- 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