The innovative master's degree program in second language acquisition, bilingual education and literacy provides innovative combined course work in literacy with second language acquisition. Candidates will receive an interdisciplinary education that will have immediate application for K-12 language arts, English, bilingual, English language learners (ELL) and content-area teachers, all of whom work in increasingly complex bilingual, multilingual and multimodal classroom environments. Candidates simultaneously earn a master's degree and are eligible to apply for an Alaskan K-12 statewide endorsement based on TESOL standards, Alaska teacher standards and Alaska cultural standards. The program may be completed in either Education (M.Ed.) or applied linguistics (M.A.). While program requirements are identical, the specific degree awarded (M.Ed. or M.A.) is determined by the advisor's department or school. Comprehensive exams and teacher-action research are required.

Admission Requirements

Applications will be reviewed on March 1 and Oct. 1 for admission in the following semester. Faculty may vote to admit, not admit or admit with stipulations. Stipulations are specified when additional development in particular areas is needed before beginning a graduate degree program.

Minimum requirements for admission to the M.Ed. program are:

1. Bachelor’s degree and a 3.0 GPA.
2. Current teaching certificate
3. One year of satisfactory teaching or administrative experience. Alternative experience may be accepted.

Complete the following application procedures for the UAF Graduate School:

1. Submit a graduate application form to the UAF Office of Admissions.
2. Submit scores on the general GRE if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0.

3. Submit a four- to five-page essay that describes your career goals and educational philosophy, and how those goals and philosophy are relevant to the School of Education’s mission and education graduate degree program.
4. Submit official transcripts.
5. Submit three letters of reference.
6. Submit a resume.

Candidates simultaneously earn a master's degree and a K-12 statewide endorsement based on TESOL standards, Alaska teacher standards and Alaska cultural standards. The program may be completed in either Education (M.Ed.) or applied linguistics (M.A.). While program requirements are identical, the specific degree awarded (M.Ed. or M.A.) is determined by the advisor's department or school. Comprehensive exams and teacher-action research are required.

Minimum Requirements for Degree: 30 credits