--- title: "Education - Bilingual Special Education - Advanced Certificate" url: "/academics/programs/bilingual-special-ed-certificate" type: program date: 2026-06-07 updated: 2026-06-15 --- # 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. [Request Information](/admissions/undergraduate/request-information)[Apply to Manhattan University](/graduate/admissions/apply)[Explore Kakos School of Arts and Sciences](/academics/kakos) Image ![Therapist hands helping person with special needs make handmade souvenir using glue and paper](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-06/special-education-3000x2000.jpg?h=c6980913&itok=NlGo9rEX) Certificate 15 Up to 2 Years (part-time) What Set's Us Apart what-sets NYS Bilingual Certification Complete the program and the required NYSTCE exams to be recommended for New York State Bilingual Education Certification. Built for ELL Specialists Develop the skills to support English Language Learners with disabilities, from learning and behavioral needs to autism and beyond. Advance Your Credentials Stand out to employers with advanced training that builds on your existing special education certification and master's degree. Learn From Practitioners Study with faculty who bring real classroom and field experience in bilingual, special, and culturally responsive education. New York City Classrooms Complete fieldwork and student teaching across urban and suburban districts throughout the New York City metro area, the nation's largest public school system. Culturally Responsive Teaching Learn to assess and engage linguistically and culturally diverse students with sensitivity to the strengths they bring to the classroom. The Manhattan University Difference What Sets Us Apart This advanced certificate is built for certified special education teachers ready to expand their reach. You will gain the bilingual expertise to serve English Language Learners with disabilities, learn from faculty who are practitioners in the field, and train in one of the most linguistically diverse regions in the country. Intro above Cards Cards (border around each item) white 0 What Will You Learn what-learn 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. [View Full Curriculum and Courses](https://catalog.manhattan.edu/graduate/artsandscience/educsped/) Image ![A teacher spends time with her elementary school students, making learning enjoyable and fun while sparking curiosity](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-06/child-education-3000x2000.jpg?h=c6980913&itok=33oAJuJ2) landscape white 0 Why Study in New York City why-nyc 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. Image ![Aerial photo of New York City](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-03/nyc-3200x1800.jpg?h=f0fb51a5&itok=p09sBu3Y) landscape dark 0 Careers & Outcomes careers Eyebrow What Will You Do Heading 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. Hide filter UI Off white 0 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. [Explore Kakos School of Arts and Sciences](/academics/kakos) Image ![View of campus in the fall at Manhattan Univeristy](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-01/2025-campus-outside-1920x1080.jpg?h=d1cb525d&itok=Q1UZ7cv-) square white 0 Content 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. [Apply Today](/admissions/apply) [Visit Manhattan University](/admissions/visit) [Request Information](/admissions/undergraduate/request-information) Image ![Aerial photo of Manhattan University](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-03/drone-2025-3200x2400.jpg?h=9b8bd6ff&itok=xYR2ar43) landscape Hide filter UI Off dark 0