Education of the Deaf
Degrees Offered:
Ed.M. in Education of the Deaf
CAGS in Education of the Deaf
Ed.D. in Developmental Studies
Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics (in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences) |
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Faculty Contact:
Robert J. Hoffmeister
617-353-3205 (V/TTY)
rhoff@bu.edu |
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The Education of the Deaf program at Boston University affords students the opportunity to develop insight and genuine appreciation for the culture, contributions, and contemporary issues of Deaf people in the United States. Our program is the only undergraduate program the United States that requires American Sign Language as the language of instruction and conversation.
Students in our program explore the issues of human dignity and the quality of life of Deaf people in society. Competence in American Sign Language, the language of the Deaf, is fundamental in gaining an in-depth understanding of the Deaf community. The initial focus of the program is to understand the bilingual/bicultural issues within other societies and how these issues parallel similar issues with the Deaf in North America. Many of the program's core courses are taught by Deaf faculty. The master's degree is required for full preparation and certification as a teacher of the Deaf.
As a graduate student in Boston University's Education of the Deaf Graduate Program, you will work in a variety of school settings to develop an understanding of language and teaching in Boston University's Education of the Deaf Graduate Program. The program is based on a bilingual/bicultural (ASL and English) approach and thoroughly explores the nature of language, linguistic theory, language acquisition, the teaching of language (ASL and English), as well as instructional strategies for teaching reading, math, science, and social studies.
Students are required to take additional courses in one of the following areas: linguistics, curriculum development, the education of multiple-handicapped children, counseling, administration, English as a second language, or bilingual/bicultural education. Two semesters of student teaching are required, including a one-semester, half-time tutorial for improving English in Deaf children and a one-semester, full-time student teaching practicum, either in a residential school or nonresidential program—day school or day classes—serving Deaf children. Completion of the program in education of the Deaf may lead to initial licensure as a teacher of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing.
American Sign Language (ASL)/Education of the Deaf (Ed.M. or CAGS)
The Ed.M or CAS course sequences in Education of the Deaf are one-year, full-time specializations that give you the opportunity to enhance your career or further your graduate study. Teachers of the Deaf can use the course credits toward the Council on Education of the Deaf (CED) requirement for professional and ongoing certification. Coursework can be taken in ASL and ASL linguistics, Deaf culture and history, Deaf literature and education, counseling, linguistics, psychology, literacy, and bilingualism/biculturalism.
If you are interested in doctoral work in these areas, please refer to the description of the Ed.D. in Developmental Studies. A Ph.D in Applied Linguistics may be earned in the Boston University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
Admission
Complete applications must be received by February 15 to be considered for admission for the following September. Any application received after this date will be reviewed for acceptance on a space-available basis.
Prerequisites
Coursework in American Sign Language, language acquisition, and general education is required before entering graduate-level courses. Some prerequisites may be offered at Boston University in the summer. Others may be taken during the course of the program.
Prerequisite Courses
| SED DE 570 |
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American Sign Language I |
| SED DE 571 |
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American Sign Language II |
| SED LS 565 |
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Introduction to Language |
| SED LS 566 |
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Language Acquisition |
| SED ME 545 |
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Methods of Teaching Math: Elementary |
| SED RE 501 |
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Teaching of Reading |
Core Program: Coursework requirements are dependent on coursework already completed prior to acceptance to the program.
First Semester (Fall)
| SED DE 552 |
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Seminar: Selected Topics in Deaf Studies |
| SED DE 572 |
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Psychology and the Deaf |
| SED DE 573 |
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Expressive/Receptive Vocal Processes |
| SED DE 575 |
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Language and the Deaf Child |
| SED DE 590 |
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American Sign Language III |
Second Semester (Spring)
| SED DE 574 |
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Prepracticum: Initial Strategies |
| SED DE 576 |
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Advanced Language and the Deaf Child |
| SED DE 577 |
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Instructional Strategies and the Deaf Child |
| SED DE 591 |
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American Sign Language IV |
| SED DE 672 |
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American Sign Language Structure |
Summer
| SED DE 551 |
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Deaf Literature and ASL Folklore |
| SED RS 600 |
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Perspectives on Inquiry or equivalent |
Third Semester (Fall)
| SED DE 678 |
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Practicum: Student Teaching or |
| SED DE 700 |
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Clinical Practice: Education of the Deaf |
| SED LS 727 |
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Topical Seminar in Literacy, Language, and Cultural Studies |
Course descriptions
Research Course Requirement
All graduate students in the School of Education are required to complete one 4-credit course in research methods. (RS 600 meets this requirement)
Two semesters of student teaching: the first, half time for one semester; the second, full time for one semester. The half-time student teaching practicum in initial strategies involves implementing strategies for improving the communication skills of Deaf children. The full-time student teaching practicum is a 16-week placement with Deaf children who are enrolled in either a school or program serving Deaf children.
Competency in American Sign Language: Coursework is offered in American Sign Language to develop a level of performance and competency required for the completion of the program.
 Download a description of this program
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