Frequently Asked Questions - Graduate Program
Table of Contents
What type of program is it?
Can I take the prerequisite courses at another university?
Is financial aid available?
What is required for entrance into the program?
Can any courses be waived?
Is the application process highly competitive?
Is it required that I take summer courses?
Am I able to work and attend school?
Can I still apply to the Graudate Program in Education of the Deaf
if I did not graduate from the undergraduate Deaf Studies Program
at Boston Universitiy?
Can I still apply to the Graduate Program in Education of the Deaf
if my undergraduate work is not in the education field?
What type of program is it?
Boston University's Graduate Program in Education of
the Deaf is an intensive, three semester training program. The philosophy
of the program incorporates a bilingual/bicultural approach (ASL/English)
to educating Deaf children. The program views Deaf adults as competent
individuals from a minority culture, not as a handicapped population.
It is unique in the United States; it is the only educational program
that requires American Sign Language as the language of instruction
and conversation.
Can I take the prerequisite courses at another university?
Yes, the prerequisite courses may be taken at another university.
ASL classes offered at other universities are not necessarily equivalent
to the ASL classes offered as part of the Programs in Deaf Studies.
ASL I and ASL II (DE 570 & DE 571) are now offered during the
summer sessions at Boston University. Completion of ASL I & II
at another university does not guarantee entrance into ASL III at
Boston University. Students who take ASL I and ASL II at another university
will be required to meet with the ASL Coordinator for an evaluation
before registering for ASL III.
Is financial aid available?
Financial aid for the program is determined be the School of Education's
Office of Financial Assistance. In order to be considered for financial
aid, applicants must have their admissions package completed by February
1. A separate application must be filed for financial aid and can
be obtained by calling the Office of Financial Assistance directly
at 617-353-4238. (Note: A financial aid application must be filed
for each year that a student wishes to receive funding.)
What is required for entrance into the program?
A completed application, results of either the Miller Analogy Test
or the Graduate Records Examination, two letters of reference, and
official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
must be sent to the Graduate Admissions Office by February 15, of
the application year.
Can any courses be waived?
Yes. If you have an elementary education or special education background,
some of the education courses may be waived. A course description
and syllabus of the class must be provided to your advisor for approval.
Students may also have ASL classes (I and II) waived based on results
of an evaluation by one of the ASL instructors.
Is the application process highly competitive?
The Graduate Programs in Education of the Deaf are highly selective
admitting only 15 students per year. Students may apply for January
admission but acceptance is for fall entrance only.
Is it required that I take summer courses?
While it is not required that you attend summer classes, it is strongly
recommended. Many of the prerequisites to the program are offered
and should be taken during the summer prior to your entrance into
the program. It is also strongly recommended to take class during
the summer between your first and second years, to make your semesters
more manageable. For more information regarding Boston University's
Summer School, contact that office directly at (617) 353-6000.
Am I able to work and attend school?
The Graduate Program in Education of the Deaf has been established
to produce highly qualified professionals at the end of three full-time
semesters. However, many students who do not have the finances may
feel the need to work. Within the Boston area, a number of jobs may
be obtained that allow the flexibility of working and completing the
program. Coursework is typically between 4 PM and 10 PM, Monday through
Thursday. Students are required to participate in two practicum placements
which take place during public school hours.
Can I still apply to the Graduate Program in Education
of the Deaf if I did not graduate from the undergraduate Deaf Studies
Program at Boston University?
Yes. Most of the graduate students in the program have not attended
the Undergraduate Deaf Studies Program.
Can I still apply to the Graduate Program in Education
of the Deaf if my undergraduate work is not in the education field?
Yes, Although you may have to enroll in some additional general education
requirements (i.e., Teaching Math, Teaching Reading), a wide variety
of undergraduate degrees are acceptable to the Graduate Programs in
Education of the Deaf.