EdM in Deaf Education
The Boston University Deaf Education program offers three pathways for students interested in Deaf Studies and Deaf Education:
- Deaf Education Licensure: Earn an initial Massachusetts teaching license in Deaf Education (PreK–12).
- Dual Licensure: Earn a dual license in Deaf Education together with either Early Childhood Education (PreK–2) or Teaching Students with Severe Disabilities (ages 3–23).
- Research, Leadership, and Advocacy: Focus on research, advocacy, or leadership roles within Deaf Studies and Deaf Education. This option does not lead to teaching licensure.
Most classes are offered in a hybrid format with synchronous online or in-person participation. However, there is a required in-person component in the licensure tracks.
For full-time students, the licensure tracks typically take two years (including one summer) to complete. The Research, Leadership, and Advocacy pathway can be completed in just one academic year. Licensure reciprocity exists with many states; students should check specific requirements for the state in which they plan to teach and consult our Professional Preparation office for guidance.
Learning Outcomes
- Assess student learning and progress using a variety of valid and meaningful tools and use assessment data to adapt instruction and provide constructive feedback.
- Demonstrate strong subject matter knowledge in areas relevant to Deaf Education, including language development, teaching strategies, and content area expertise.
- Communicate professionally and collaborate effectively with families, caregivers, colleagues, and community organizations to support student learning and growth.
- Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior, including ongoing reflection and continual improvement in teaching, advocacy, and leadership roles.
- Students in the licensure tracks will also:
- Design and deliver effective, well-structured lessons for deaf students, using appropriate curriculum and instructional approaches.
- Create a safe and supportive learning environment that sets high expectations and meets the needs of all students.
Requirements
Core Coursework
- WED DE 501 Professional Seminar in Deaf Education (2 units)
- WED RS 600 Introduction to Research (4 units)
Pathways
Deaf Education Licensure (Single License) (48 units)
Required Courses
- WED DE 503 Instructional Methods: Content Areas (Var)
- WED DE 504 Instructional Methods: Literacy (Var)
- WED DE 505 Topics in Speech, Language, and Hearing for Deaf Educators (2 units, online)
- WED DE 506 Teaching and Creating ASL Literature (4 units)
- WED ME 503 Mathematical Reasoning in the Elementary Grades: Number Systems Elementary Math I (4 units, online)
- WED ME 504 Mathematical Reasoning in the Elementary Grades: Algebra, Geometry & Statistics Elementary Math II (4 units, online)
Practicum
- WED DE 561 Pre-Practicum: Initial Strategies (2 units, 75 hrs.)
- WED DE 562 Practicum: Deaf Students with Disabilities (4 units, 65 hrs.)
- WED DE 563 Practicum: BRIDGES (2 units, 35 hrs.)
- WED DE 564 Practicum: Deaf Education (variable units, 300 hrs.)
Electives (8 units required—choose two courses or equivalent units)
- WED DE 507 Dynamics of Diversity, Oppression, and Social Justice Within Deaf Communities (4 units)
- WED DE 531 Language Acquisition in Deaf Children (4 units)
- WED DE 532 Disability Studies and Deaf Education (4 units)
- WED DE 533 Social Psychology and the Deaf World (4 units)
- WED DE 534 Sign Language Structure (4 units)
- WED DE 535 Teaching ASL as a First Language (4 units)
- WED TL 520 Teaching English Language Learners (4 units, in-person only)
- Course selected in consultation with advisor
Dual Licensure (60 units)
- Complete all Deaf Education Licensure requirements (above)
- WED DE 565 Practicum: Specialization (variable units, 200 hrs.)
- Three additional courses:
- WED DE 531 Language Acquisition in Deaf Children (4 units), WED EC 540 Early Childhood Integrated Curriculum: Literacy, SS and Arts (4 units, in-person only), and WED EC 605 Topics in Child Development and Education (4 units, in-person only)
Or
- WED DE 532 Disability Studies and Deaf Education (4 units), WED SE 507 Inclusive Pedagogy for Modified Curriculum 1 Severe Disabilities: Assessment and Instruction (4 units, in-person only), and WED SE 508 Inclusive Pedagogy for Modified Curriculum 2 Severe Disabilities: Curriculum and Methods (4 units, in-person only)
Research, Leadership, and Advocacy (Non-Licensure) (32 units)
Electives (26 units required)
- WED DE 503 Instructional Methods: Content Areas (Var)
- WED DE 504 Instructional Methods: Literacy (Var)
- WED DE 505 Topics in Speech, Language, and Hearing for Deaf Educators (2 units)
- WED DE 506 Teaching and Creating ASL Literature (4 units)
- WED DE 507 Dynamics of Diversity, Oppression, and Social Justice Within Deaf Communities (4 units)
- WED DE 531 Language Acquisition in Deaf Children (4 units)
- WED DE 532 Disability Studies and Deaf Education (4 units)
- WED DE 533 Social Psychology and the Deaf World (4 units)
- WED DE 534 Sign Language Structure (4 units)
- WED DE 535 Teaching ASL as a First Language (4 units)
- WED ME 503 Mathematical Reasoning in the Elementary Grades: Number Systems Elementary Math I (4 units)
- WED ME 504 Mathematical Reasoning in the Elementary Grades: Algebra, Geometry, & Statistics Elementary Math II (4 units)
- Course selected in consultation with advisor
Additional Information
Students can enroll either full time or part time. Most students begin the program in September.
