What types of degrees does the LLC Concentration offer?
The Language, Literacy, and Culture (LLC) Concentration offers the following degrees:
- Master of Education (M.Ed.) with a focus on Bilingual/E.S.L./Multicultural Education
- Master of Education (M.Ed.) with a focus on Reading and Writing
- Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Education
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) with a focus on Language, Literacy and Culture
What types of Massachusetts teaching license do you offer?
LLC offers a Masters Degree in Education leading to an Initial License to Teach English as a Second Language and/or a Professional Reading Specialist License. These licenses are both approved by National Council for Accreditation in Teacher Educators (NCATE). The ESL License is approved by Teachers of Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and the Reading Specialist License is approved by the International Association of Reading (IRA).
Does your Concentration support graduates in becoming teachers of world languages (e.g., Spanish, French, Chinese, German, Arabic)?
LLC supports students in becoming teachers of a variety of world languages and our graduates work as language educators in the United States and internationally. They also work in K-12 schools and at the college level. However, LLC does not provide a Massachusetts K-12 teaching license in World or Foreign Languages. These licenses are supported by other concentrations on campus. For more information on earning a Massachusetts License to teach Foreign Languages in K-12 public schools, see http://www.umass.edu/teachereducation/.
When does LLC accept applications?
LLC accepts applications at the Masters and CAGS level in the fall and spring. Applications for the LLC Doctoral Degree are accepted for fall semester only. See the Graduate School website for application deadlines http://www.umass.edu/gradschool.
How long does it take to complete the Masters Degree? How about the CAGS?
Students in the LLC Concentration attend full and part-time. In addition, an individual’s course of study is designed by the student in consultation with his or her advisor. As such, there is a good deal of variation in students’ pathways and how long individuals take to complete their degrees. However, as a rule, students attending full-time are able to complete their Masters and licensure requirements in two years. As specified by the School of Education, students attending part-time are allowed three years to complete their degree. Students working towards a CAGS are given four years.
How long does it take to complete the Doctoral Degree?
Students in the LLC Concentration attend full and part-time. In addition, an individual’s course of study is designed by the student in consultation with his or her advisor and advising committee. As such, there is a good deal of variation in how long it takes to complete a doctorate. However, the Graduate School has stipulated that the statue of limitations for completing a doctorate is six years.
Do you accept part-time students?
Yes. Many LLC students at both the doctoral and masters level attend part-time. Many are teachers in the local elementary and secondary schools or have positions with other colleges and institutions in the area including Amherst College, Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, and Hampshire College.
Do you accept international students?
Yes. The LLC student body is very diverse. Typically international students make up a third of the LLC student population.
What are the admissions requirements for LLC?
As specified by the Graduate School, to apply to the LLC Master’s or Doctoral Program, you should have an undergraduate Grade Point Average 2.75. You must also submit transcripts, a minimum of two letters of recommendation and a personal statement. See http://www.umass.edu/gradschool/. Please note that LLC does not require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Tests or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). However, international students must pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). International applicants taking the paper-based TOEFL must score 550 or above; those taking the computer-based TOEFL must score 213 ore above; those taking the Internet-base TOEFL must score 80 or above. A TOEFL score is valid for two years. The Graduate School does not accept IELTS scores in lieu of a TOEFL score. For international applicants, please see the following website for additional helpful information:
http://www.umass.edu/gradschool/prospective_students_international_completing_application.htm
Do I need teaching/work experience to apply to the LLC concentration?
The LLC concentration actively recruits students who have experience in teaching or working with linguistically and culturally diverse populations and who are committed to issues of social justice and equity in education in the United States and internationally. These experiences can come from classroom teaching as well as other professional activities.
Can I submit an application online?
Yes. Here is the quick link to the application forms: http://www.umass.edu/gradschool/quick_links_apply_now.htm
Do you offer financial aid?
Students can apply for financial aide by contacting the Financial Aid Office at http://www.umass.edu/umfa/
How do I apply for an assistantship?
Assistantships are advertised in a School of Education publication called the BEACON. You can access the BEACON on line at http://www.umass.edu/education/publications/beacon.shtml
Are there fellowships for international students?
Yes. There are tuition waivers offered by the International Programs Office. Contact them at http://www.umass.edu/ipo/ for more information.
Do you have an on-line program?
A certificate program is in development for a dual language immersion instructor. The first course on
Bilingualism & Society will be offered in Summer 2011. Contact Dr. Austin at taustin@educ.umass.edu
Are there policies specific to the Graduate School of Education I should be aware if admitted?
Yes. Guidelines and forms for the Masters Degree, Doctoral Degree and CAGS certificate can be found at http://www.umass.edu/education/academics/main_advising.htm
Can a student who starts off working on a CAGS then switch to the Doctoral Degree program?
There is no automatic transfer from the CAGS to the doctoral program. Any admittance to the doctoral program requires prior application. The CAGS is an independent certification program, separate from licensure, but CAGS students can take some of the required licensure courses as part of their program. Typically, students in CAGS, with the guidance of advisors, design a plan of studies that will serve their needs and goals. You may apply to the Doctoral Program anytime in your career. This is, however, a decission that we encourage any student to discuss closely with their faculty advisors. Working together with your advisor you can find the best way for you to complete your study plans and goals. Several students in the CAGS program have been Massachusetts teachers. They come to the CAGS with a Masters and take the CAGS to advance their preparation and their salaries as public schools take into account advaced certificates such as CAGS for salary decissions.
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