Education - Bilingual Special Education - Advanced Certificate
Earn New York State bilingual certification and reach the learners who need you most.
Classrooms are changing, and English Language Learners with disabilities are among the students who most need skilled, compassionate teachers. Designed for certified special education teachers, this graduate advanced certificate prepares you for New York State Bilingual Education Certification, building the expertise to support linguistically and culturally diverse students with a wide range of learning needs.
This program is part of Education
The Manhattan Advantage
What You Will Learn
In this 15-credit program, you will explore the cultural, linguistic, psychological, and sociological diversities that English Language Learners bring with them to the classroom, and gain the skills, attitudes, and understandings needed to teach non-native English speakers so they can succeed in the classroom and beyond. You will study the historical, political, and legal foundations of bilingual education, develop strategies to engage ELL students, and learn to assess the communication and behavior patterns of linguistically and culturally diverse students. Designed for working professionals, all courses are offered in the afternoon and evening, so you can advance your credentials without stepping away from your career.
Why Study in New York City
New York City is one of the world's richest classrooms for future teachers. Its public school system is the largest in the nation, serving more than a million students across thousands of schools and one of the most diverse student populations anywhere. From the Bronx to all five boroughs, Manhattan University students complete fieldwork and student teaching in urban and suburban districts that prepare them to teach children of all abilities, languages, and backgrounds. This hands-on experience, paired with close faculty mentorship, builds the confidence and classroom skills that set our graduates apart in a competitive field.
What Will You Do
Potential Career Opportunities
This advanced certificate builds on your existing special education credentials, qualifying you to serve as a bilingual special educator for the growing population of English Language Learners with disabilities. With more than five million English Language Learners enrolled in U.S. schools, demand for bilingual and special education specialists already outpaces supply, and the bilingual extension makes you stand out to employers. Special education teachers earn a median salary of $64,270 nationally, with about 37,800 openings projected each year over the decade.
- Bilingual Special Education Teacher
- Special Education Teacher
- English Language Learner (ELL) Specialist
- Bilingual Classroom Teacher
- Resource Room Teacher
- Inclusion / Co-Teacher
About
The Kakos School of Arts and Sciences
The Kakos School of Arts and Sciences is the largest of Manhattan University's three schools, offering 33 undergraduate majors, six graduate programs, and six combined degrees across the humanities, natural and social sciences, and professional fields. Grounded in the University's Lasallian Catholic mission and located near the heart of New York City, the School pairs rigorous academics with small classes, close faculty mentorship, and real-world experience throughout the five boroughs and beyond. With strong pre-law and pre-health advising and a focus on ethical, engaged scholarship, Kakos graduates leave prepared to lead, and the University ranks in the top 3% nationally for salary impact (Wall Street Journal, 2026), evidence of where that preparation leads.
Prepare for the Real World
At Manhattan University, your education is built around who you are and where you want to go. Whether you’re ready to apply or just starting to explore, take the next step when you’re ready — we’re here to help.