Linguistically Diverse Education
MAT and Endorsement-Only Option
Online Programs

Contact the Off-Campus Program Coordinator

Jon Shaw
jon.shaw@unco.edu
(970) 351-2897

Linguistically Diverse Academic Program Coordinator

Madeline Milian
madeline.milian@unco.edu
(970) 351-1683

Linguistically Diverse Education Endorsement-Only

The endorsement is 21 credit hours and is completed in 16 months (4 academic terms).

Education MAT: Linguistically Diverse Emphasis with Endorsement

The MAT degree is 33 credit hours (36 if also seeking the endorsement) and is completed in just over 2 years. Courses required only for the MAT are labeled *MAT below.

** EDRD 620 (or a previously completed secondary literacy course) is required by the Colorado Department of Education for the Linguistically Diverse Education added endorsement. This course is required for anyone who is seeking the endorsement and who has not already completed a graduate level secondary literacy course.

Admission Requirements

Acceptance into the Linguistically Diverse Education program requires that you meet minimum requirements for admission to the UNC Graduate School, with a GPA of 3.0 or better in your most recent 60 semester hours of college work plus:

• Teaching Licensure or enrollment in a teacher preparation program
• Three credits of literacy instruction*
• Evidence of second language learning*
  • *These requirements can be met in the process of completing the program. EDRD 620 is available the first spring semester for those who will need to meet the literacy instruction requirement.

Eligibility by State

UNC has secured approval from almost every state, as required by new federal regulations, so that students are eligible to apply to online programs at UNC. However we are unable to accept applications at this time for our online programs from students residing in a few select states because their requirements, particularly application fees, for such approval are prohibitive. Please verify your Eligibility by State before applying.

Note: All international students residing outside of the United States are eligible to apply to our online programs. Students attending online while residing outside of the United States do not need student visas for admission.

Transferring Credit

Applicable graduate credit may be applied towards this academic program. In order for credits to be accepted toward a degree they must be graduate level credits, be approved by the Academic Advisor, and have a grade of A or B.  Once approved by the advisor, students must complete a Petition to Count Work in a Degree Program to have the credit approved by the Grad School.  Master’s and specialist degree students must complete a minimum of 24 credits at the University of Northern Colorado. All work counted in a degree program must be within five years for a master’s degree and six years for a specialist degree.  The time limit is calculated from the beginning of the first class transferred in and counted in the degree program.

Tuition

This program is offered through the UNC Office of Extended Studies, which means a flat per-credit tuition rate for all students in the program. There are no student fees.  Certain courses may carry specific course fees for additional services and materials.

Tuition rates are set each academic year (which begin each Fall semester). The tuition rate for the 2011-12 school year for this program is $430 per credit hour.

Financial Aid—MAT Degree Students

Students who cannot pay for tuition alone are encouraged to apply for federal financial aid. Students must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA priority filing date for each academic year (which begins each August) is March 1. Late submissions of the FAFSA are still accepted but may not be considered for the maximum amount of aid.

Master’s degree students require a minimum of 5 credits per academic term for financial aid eligibility. Full time enrollment is based on 9 credits.

To apply for federal financial aid assistance
Fill out the FAFSA form at www.fafsa.ed.gov/

Extended Studies degree seeking students may contact Nancy Gray in Financial Aid for more specific help at (970) 351-2502 or visit UNC Financial Aid website.

Students can also find information in the Guide to Federal Student Aid at studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/student_guide/index.html

Financial Aid—Endorsement-only

Endorsement-only program students (non-degree seeking) aren’t eligible for aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Details about the federal aid program are available at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Your program coordinator may be aware of your eligibility for any discipline or campus-based aid if available.

Extended Studies students may contact Nancy Gray in Financial Aid for more specific help at (970) 351-2502 or visit UNC Financial Aid website.
Students can also  find information in the Guide to Federal Student Aid at studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/student_guide/index.html

The Linguistically Diverse Education programs are currently accepting applications. Accepted applicants begin the program Fall 2012.

To begin the application process, you will submit the free online application to the School of Teacher Education (see link below). You will then also apply to the UNC Graduate School. Once you apply to the UNC Graduate School and your application packet is complete, admission to this program is a two-stage process. Your application will be reviewed by the graduate school then sent to the faculty/program for an admission decision. A completed application typically takes four to six weeks to process. Please contact the program coordinator about conditional admission to begin taking the first program courses if you have an application in progress.

Take the Next Step—Begin the Application Process

Apply Now to the School of Teacher Education

Then Apply to the Graduate School