Department of Bicultural-Bilingual Studies

The Department of Bicultural-Bilingual Studies has a strong tradition of preparing successful educators, researchers, and community leaders. We seek students who hope to make an impact in their professional and personal worlds, and therefore, we offer both undergraduate and graduate students an exceptional curriculum. Upon graduating, students leave our programs prepared to participate critically in the creation of a more just and democratic society, whether this is in schools, non-profit organizations, universities, or research tanks.

Contact

Patricia Sánchez, Ph.D.

Bicultural-Bilingual Studies

patricia.sanchez@utsa.edu

Photo of BBL students in Guadalajara, Mexico for the study abroad program

Why Study Bicultural-Bilingual Studies?

One of UTSA’s founding academic units
Nationally ranked #2 in bilingual, multilingual, and multicultural education by Hispanic Outlook Magazine
All professors in our department work with bilingual/multilingual communities
Over 2 decades of preparing doctoral graduates
Students in Texas schools speak over 120 languages

Learn more about BBL

Professor pointing at whiteboard showing students dual language information

Graduate Programs

We offer advanced training (master’s degrees) in bilingual and ESL teacher education as well as a Ph.D. in culture, literacy, and language. Check out these degrees and our certificates.

BBL Graduate Programs

Latest News

Read All News Stories

May 15, 2026

Clinical teaching experience prepares UT San Antonio student for a career in the classroom despite major life setback

Published by UT San Antonio Today

COMMENCEMENT 2026: After a life-threatening career accident, Annalise Velasquez returned to her second-grade classroom placement at Gillette Elementary and will continue teaching in Harlandale ISD after graduation.

May 14, 2026

Commencement Q&A with Haira Hernandez

Published by UT San Antonio COEHD

Building Foundations in Two Languages

May 13, 2026

Commencement Q&A with Carlos Camacho

Published by UT San Antonio COEHD

First-Generation Student Balances Service and Scholarship

Bicultural-Bilingual Studies Faculty

Patricia Sánchez, Ph.D.

Bicultural-Bilingual Studies Department Chair, Professor, Bicultural-Bilingual Studies

Lynda Cavazos, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Practice, Bicultural-Bilingual Studies

Martha Sidury Christiansen, Ph.D.

Professor of Applied Linguistics/TESOL, Principal Investigator of Project RESPETO, Bicultural-Bilingual Studies

Lucila Ek, Ph.D.

Dr. Bertha Perez Endowed Distinguished Professorship in Biliteracy Research, Professor, Bicultural-Bilingual Studies

Claudia Treviño García, Ph.D.

Professor of Instruction, Bicultural-Bilingual Studies

Kathryn Henderson, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Bicultural-Bilingual Studies

José Martínez Hinestroza, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Bicultural-Bilingual Studies

Kevin Hirschi, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Bicultural-Bilingual Studies

Gilberto P. Lara, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Bicultural-Bilingual Studies

Kristen Lindahl, Ph.D.

Associate Dean for Strategic Partnership, Preparation and Growth, Professor, Principal Investigator for Project SELFIES, Bicultural-Bilingual Studies

Glenn Martinez, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Liberal and Fine Arts, Stumberg Distinguished University Chair for the Dean of Liberal and Fine Arts, Professor, Bicultural-Bilingual Studies