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.

The coursework provides information on the historical and cultural background of the Deaf community with particular emphasis on the perspective of Deaf people living in a hearing society. Students entering the Deaf Studies Program will explore educational, social, cultural, linguistic, and psychological issues and their application to the issues related to Deaf people, as individuals, as a community, and as a linguistic and cultural minority. A multi-disciplinary approach combined with a strong faculty, many of whom are Deaf, will provide in-depth training presenting a broad multi-cultural view. Our undergraduate Deaf Studies program at Boston University employs a bilingual/bicultural philosophy in its preparation of personnel to work with Deaf people.

Core courses detailing the history, education, literature, and language of the Deaf will be taught by Deaf faculty and conducted in American Sign Language. (American Sign Language courses are required prior to entering advanced core courses in the Deaf Studies Program.) Coursework in the Deaf Studies Program at Boston University also enables students to explore the issues and practices surrounding Total Communication. Students will participate in field experiences, enabling them to put into practice knowledge gained through academic courses. Competence in American Sign Language (the language of the Deaf) is fundamental to gaining an in-depth understanding of the Deaf Community, and is a requirement of the program.

A wide range of career opportunities are available to graduates of the Deaf Studies Program. Students prepare for careers in education, counseling, human services, psycholinguistics, and other professions requiring competence in American Sign Language. Students frequently apply their knowledge of Deaf people to various graduate fields of study as well.

Deaf Studies Program Requirements
1. Core Program: There are twelve core courses and a Practicum that constitute a Deaf Studies major. Core courses detailing the history, education, literature, and language of the Deaf Community will be taught by Deaf faculty and conducted in American Sign Language. Through these courses, students will gain in-depth knowledge of the Deaf Community and Deaf Culture. Course selection and registration must be done with an advisor’s consultation.

2. Suggested courses: There are 23 suggested courses that may be selected to fulfill the School of Education’s general education requirements. The courses listed on the sample four-year plan represent a suggested series that meet the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree and most closely relate to the Deaf Studies major. These courses (or others, depending on student’s individual interests) must be selected in consultation with the program advisor.
3. Competency in American Sign Language: Coursework will be offered which is intended to develop performance and proficiency in American Sign Language. Competence in American Sign Language is required upon completion of the program.

4. Field Placement: All Deaf Studies majors are required to participate in a field placement senior year. This placement involves students working for a minimum of one day per week in an agency (including schools) serving Deaf people. Specific placement depends upon each student's interest in a particular area or setting.

The Undergraduate Deaf Studies Program integrates both Deaf and hearing faculty, consultants and students. Deaf and hard of hearing students are encouraged to apply; interpreters and support services are available at no cost to the student. Boston University is committed to equal educational opportunity for all persons.

The program draws on a core faculty with interests in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies, as well as other faculty within the University and the School of Education with expertise in bilingualism/biculturalism, reading, literacy, linguistics and applied linguistics, cognitive and language development, language teaching, special education, and counseling.

In addition to 68 semester hours of Liberal Arts courses, the following School of Education courses are mandatory for the major in Deaf Studies:

*The Boston University Undergraduate Program in Deaf Studies does not qualify graduates for licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachsuetts. Completion of an Ed.M. in Education of the Deaf is required to meet state standards for licensure as a Teacher of the Deaf.

Course descriptions