Elementary Education (M.Ed.) (EC–6 Generalist Bilingual)
M.Ed. Elementary Education (EC–6 Generalist Bilingual)
Program Overview
Texas State University originated as a Teacher’s College more than 100 years ago and has evolved into a prestigious university that continues to offer highly sought after degrees in Education. The bilingual program is ideal because it combines bilingual teacher certification with a master’s degree (M.Ed.) in elementary education (early childhood through grade six generalist bilingual). The degree program prepares students to design and deliver bilingual instruction that encompasses the cognitive, cultural, and linguistic development of students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds through the critical examination of the sociopolitical context that impacts teaching and learning.
Course Work
Students who enter the certification + master’s of education degree are offered a unique program in which they gain a bilingual teacher certification and an M.Ed. simultaneously. The degree program requires students to complete 36 hours of course work in bilingual/bicultural elementary education and complete a comprehensive exam.
| Degree | Master's Program | Certification Program | Hours | Thesis Option | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Degree M.Ed. | Master's Program Elementary Education | Certification Program EC–6 Generalist Bilingual | Hours 36 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Location San Marcos |
For more information on online programs, certifications, and international restrictions, visit our Application Policy Information page.
Program Details
The community of students enrolled in the master's degree programs in elementary education at Texas State are passionate about teaching, learning and making a difference.
Program Mission
The mission of the bilingual/bicultural program is to prepare educators to advance students' bilingualism in Spanish and English through the affirmation of their existing cognitive, cultural and linguistic resources in academically rigorous bilingual education programs. The bilingual/bicultural program is committed to providing educators with innovative pedagogical practices, research opportunities, professional development, and networking and outreach. Professionals who graduate with a master's degree will apply research-based methodology based on critical and culturally relevant pedagogy that aims to transform the sociopolitical contexts of schooling in an effort to ensure equitable educational opportunities for emergent bilingual students.
Career Options
The master's + certification program in elementary education (early childhood through grade six generalist bilingual) is designed for bilingual and biliterate (Spanish and English) individuals who want to teach emergent bilingual children in prekindergarten through sixth grade. Graduates can also use their degree as a pathway to doctoral programs and administrative, counseling and higher education positions.
Program Faculty
Faculty are involved in research projects that center on teacher preparation through educational equity, race and language, biliteracy development, bilingual math education, teaching young bilinguals and the recruitment and retention of bilingual and ESL teachers. Faculty have published in top-tier journals, including International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, Journal of Latinos and Education, Bilingual Research Journal, Educational Studies in Mathematics, Journal for Research in Mathematics, Journal of Anthropology and Education, Reading Research Quarterly, Language Arts, International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education, International Multilingual Research Journal, Language Assessment Quarterly, The International Journal of Learning, Harvard Educational Review, and Teachers College Record.
Contact us for general questions about your application, funding opportunities, and more. If you have specific questions after reviewing the program details, contact the program's graduate advisor.
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Application Deadlines
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For Entry Prior to Summer 2026
DEADLINES U.S. CITIZEN INTERNATIONAL Fall - Priority February 1 February 1 Fall - Standard June 15 (*Flexible) June 1 Spring October 15 (*Flexible) October 1 Summer I April 15 (*Flexible) March 15 Summer II June 1 (*Flexible) No Admission *This program’s deadline is flexible for those not requiring an F/J visa. A flexible deadline means applications received after the standard deadline may be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis with no guarantees for admission consideration.
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Effective for Summer 2026 Entry and Beyond
DEADLINES U.S. CITIZEN INTERNATIONAL Fall - Priority February 1 February 1 Fall - Standard August 1 June 1 Spring - Priority September 1 September 1 Spring - Standard November 1 October 1 Summer I - Priority January 1 January 1 Summer I - Standard May 1 March 15 Summer II - Priority January 1 No Admission Summer II - Standard June 1 No Admission
For important information regarding deadlines and decision timelines, review the Application Policy Information page.
Admission Requirements
The items required for admission consideration are listed below. Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our international webpages.
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Application
- completed online application
Review important information about the online application.
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Application Fee
- $55 nonrefundable application fee, OR
- $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
AND (for both categories above)
- $35 nonrefundable Texas Education Agency technology fee (paid to the Office of Educator Preparation (OEP), AFTER admission to the master's + certification program)
- $75 non-refundable Certification Plan fee (paid to the OEP, AFTER admission to the master's + certification program)
- other costs will be required when you begin clinical experiences in the schools (fingerprinting/background checks, TEA certification examinations, etc.)
- review the education webpage for other fees to be paid to OEP, the Texas Education Agency, and others throughout the program
Review important information about application fees.
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Transcripts & GPA
- Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university. (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
- A copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted.
- A 2.75 overall GPA or a 2.75 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses).
Review important information about transcripts. Official transcripts, sent directly from your institution, will be required if admission is granted.
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Test Scores
GRE
- GRE not required
TOEFL Scores*
Applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores that meet the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or one of the exempt countries found on the TEA standards and Texas State University standards.
- official TOEFL iBT scores with minimum individual scores of
- 22 listening
- 22 reading
- 24 speaking
- 21 writing
*Exceptions are made for students who have earned a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an institution of higher education in India. These students must meet the following requirements:
- official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
- official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
- official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and
- minimum individual module scores of 6.0
- official Duolingo scores required with a 110 overall
- official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall
- Review important information about official test scores.
- This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.
This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.
Review important information about official test scores.
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Documents
- one-page statement of purpose on why you wish to teach
- three letters of recommendation