children sitting around teacher and looking at a globe

Secondary Education - World Languages Concentration, B.A.

Bachelor of Arts
At a Glance
Leads to Teaching License?

Yes

Location

On-Campus

Application Deadlines
FAFSA Deadline

June 30, 2025

Tuition (estimate)
  • In-State - $11,809
  • Out-of-State - $41,186
  • More Info
At a Glance
Leads to Teaching License?

Yes

Location

On-Campus

Application Deadlines
FAFSA Deadline

June 30, 2025

Tuition (estimate)
  • In-State - $11,809
  • Out-of-State - $41,186
  • More Info
Program Overview

The Secondary Education - World Languages Concentration, Bachelor of Arts program prepares you for an enriching career in world language education for grades PK-12. This program addresses the critical shortage of certified language teachers while providing you with valuable linguistic and cultural skills. As a language educator, you'll play a crucial role in fostering global competency and cultural understanding among your students, preparing them for success in an increasingly interconnected world.

This program leads to teacher licensure and a double major in World Language Education and the students’ chosen language specialty.

Students can specialize in:

  • Chinese
  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Latin
  • Russian
  • Spanish

Key Features

  • Comprehensive Curriculum: Our program equips you with in-depth knowledge of your chosen language and pedagogical practices tailored to teaching in diverse educational environments.
  • Practical Experience: Through coursework and teaching internships, you will gain hands-on experience in adapting methods, materials, and curricula to meet the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse learners.
+83%
The increase of bilinguals/multilinguals in the U.S. from 1980-2018
Learning Goals
  • Demonstrate proficiency in the subject matter of your chosen language and the ability to effectively teach it to elementary and secondary students (PK-12).
  • Utilize evidence-based decision-making to assess student learning, make instructional adjustments, and foster positive learning outcomes for all students.
  • Demonstrate cultural competence and sensitivity, effectively engaging with students, families and communities from diverse backgrounds.
Career Options

This program’s goal is to prepare you to be a PK-12 World Languages Area Teacher in public and private schools. Additional and future options might include:

  • Language program coordinators or directors
  • Educational consultants specializing in language instruction
  • International educators or language program administrators
"Knowledge of languages is the doorway to wisdom."

Roger Bacon, Philosopher

How to Apply

Admission into our Professional Teacher Education programs is selective. You must take the following steps to be considered:

  1. Apply and be admitted to the University of Maryland
  2. Attend a Major Exploration Workshop (UMD internal transfers only)
  3. Meet with an Academic Advisor
  4. Meet all selective admission requirements for your specific program of interest
  5. Complete the Professional Application and submit Supplemental Application Materials

Students typically apply for professional teacher education programs at the end of sophomore or beginning of junior year. 

Professional Teacher Education Program Application

Selective Admissions Requirements 

The requirements below are in addition to being admitted to the University. Before completing the Professional Teacher Education Program Application, you should meet with a College of Education Academic Advisor. 

  • Admission to the University. 
  • Completion of a minimum of 45 credits
  • Cumulative UMD GPA of 2.75 or higher; 3.0 GPA is recommended for best consideration
  • Completion of lower-level Fundamental English requirement with a “C-” or better
  • Completion of lower-level Fundamental Math requirement with a “C-” or better
  • Minimum passing scores on a Basic Skills Test (see advisor for details)
  • Satisfactory completion of TLPL 445  with a “B-” or better
  • Satisfactory completion of the upper level content area courses. Consult Advisor for content area GPA requirement
  • A resume that shows prior experience in the education field with youth in the age range you intend to teach
  • A written goal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation (one must be from a faculty member or instructor)
  • Satisfactory rating on the College of Education Foundational Competencies
Program Requirements

This program is designed to meet the evolving needs of today's educators. You'll build a solid foundation in your language area of interest and delve into specialized courses about teaching. You will work closely with faculty, mentors and peers to observe, analyze and reflect on instruction. The program culminates in a year-long teaching internship to give you real world experience.

The undergraduate internship experience is broken into two parts:

  • Fall Senior Year: 1-2 days a week placement with an experienced mentor and a university supervisor at one area school (elementary or middle school experience) where you have the opportunity to observe, reflect and participate in classroom activities.
  • Spring Senior Year: 5 days a week full-time placement at one area school (high school experience) where you will take on full responsibilities of a classroom teacher including planning, instruction and assessment of students with the support of a veteran mentor teacher, supervisor and program coordinator.

Specific information on requirements for each double major option can be found at:

Program Requirements and 4-Year Plan

Contact
Student with windmill
Dr. Alejandro Pérez Belda
Program Coordinator
Student with windmill
Dr. Ying Zhang
Program Coordinator
Info Sessions & Events
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