Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education Endorsement (K-12)
- Graduate Educator Licensure or Endorsement
An Online CLD Education Endorsement Program
Do you want to teach and support diverse learners in the classroom? Our online Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education Endorsement program is perfect for licensed K-12 teachers.
The online delivery helps you fit your studies around your schedule. You’ll also complete a field experience to help you apply what you learn.
What You’ll Learn
You will gain the knowledge to help students from different cultures and those who are learning English. Become skilled at:
- Teaching diverse students in ways that promote and support their academic growth.
- Planning instruction and assessment that includes all learners.
- Teaching second language learners.
- Working with others to help students succeed.
You’ll be prepared to meet the needs of emergent bilingual learners.
Your Career in CLD Education
High Demand Teaching Roles
Schools today need more teachers who can work with students from many different backgrounds. This endorsement will increase your value as a teacher. You will:
- Have more stability and impact in your current role.
- Become eligible for many more teaching job openings.
Because of the high demand for these skills, many of our graduates get promotions or new jobs as soon as they finish the program.
Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education Endorsement
When you finish this program, you can apply for the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education (Grades K-12) added endorsement in Colorado.
This endorsement 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.
Are you Bilingual / Multilingual?
If you are bilingual in certain languages, you can also pursue the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) Bilingual Education Specialist (K-12).
Eligible students can either take this program and add the bilingual endorsement via one additional course (ECLD 541), or choose just the bilingual endorsement version. Reach out to the Program Coordinator about eligibility and the best program(s) for you.
Course of Study
Delivered Fully Online
All endorsement courses are delivered online. You’ll also complete a field experience in your area.
Most students can complete the program in five academic terms (about 20 months).
To see specific course offerings, visit the current students page for this program.
Courses and Requirements
This is a 24-credit endorsement program.
View Courses & Endorsement Requirement Details
Course Waivers for UNC Alumni
If you are a UNC graduate who has taken EDEL 250, TESL 350 or EDEL 455, and received a grade of C+ or above, you may be able to waive up to three courses in this endorsement program.
Other CLD Education Programs
CLD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) Education Core Graduate Certificate
If you are not looking to add CLD education endorsement, or if you have certain CLD coursework already completed, you can improve your knowledge via our graduate certificate.
Education MAT
Complete this 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 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 Requirements
- Teaching Licensure or enrollment in a teacher preparation program.
- Evidence of second language learning experience needs to be demonstrated for completion of this program. This requirement can be met while in the process of completing the program.
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 Education Added Endorsement (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