BS in Deaf Studies

The Deaf Studies Program at Boston University affords students the opportunity to develop insights into, and genuine appreciation for, the culture, contributions, and contemporary issues related to Deaf people in the United States.

All students entering as freshmen in Fall 2018 and after will pursue coursework in the BU Hub, a general education program that is integrated into the entire undergraduate experience. BU Hub requirements can be satisfied through coursework in and beyond the major and, in some cases, through co-curricular activities. Students majoring in Deaf Studies will ordinarily, through coursework taken in the Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development, satisfy BU Hub requirements in Diversity, Civic Engagement, and Global Citizenship; Communication; and some elements of the Intellectual Toolkit. Additional requirements may be satisfied through required Arts & Sciences coursework, and it is important that students keep Hub requirements in mind when selecting these courses. Remaining BU Hub requirements will be satisfied by selecting from a wide range of available courses outside the major or, in some cases, co-curricular experiences.

Core courses detailing the history, education, literature, and language of the Deaf will be taught by both Deaf and hearing faculty and will be conducted in American Sign Language. (American Sign Language courses are required prior to entering advanced core courses in the Deaf Studies program.) 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.

Junior Year Spring Semester at Gallaudet University

The option of doing a full semester of electives at Gallaudet University, a world-known Deaf university, is offered. Arrangements for study at Gallaudet need to be made in advance with the faculty advisor (at the earliest, Fall Semester of junior year) in order to coordinate course requirements and credits.

Competency in American Sign Language

The coursework offered is intended to develop performance and proficiency in American Sign Language. Demonstrated competence in American Sign Language is required for completion of the program. Students are required to take the Boston University ASL proficiency exit test before graduation.

Field Placement

All Deaf Studies majors are required to participate in a field placement senior year. This placement involves students working on Fridays in an agency (including schools) serving Deaf people. Placements will be determined by the Deaf Studies major’s advisor. Senior year Spring Semester students should not enroll in courses that take place on Friday in order to allow time for their field placement course. Specific placements may be tailored to each student’s interest in a particular area or setting. The program director has final say regarding field placement preferences.

Community Service

A Deaf community service component is a requirement for undergraduate study. Students are encouraged to seek out volunteer opportunities in consultation with the undergraduate advisor. Students must perform a minimum of 15 hours of service each year (totaling 60 hours).

Deaf Studies (total credits: 128)

BU Hub Requirements or Electives Outside the Major (63 cr)

Many Arts & Sciences courses satisfy BU Hub requirements. Be sure to work with an adviser to ensure you are meeting all requirements.

Subject Matter Requirements (52 cr)

• SED DE 500 Introduction to the Deaf World (4 cr)
• SED DE 550 History and Culture of the Deaf (4 cr)
• SED DE 551 Deaf Literature and ASL Folklore (4 cr)
• SED DE 552 Seminar: Selected Topics in Deaf Studies (4 cr)
• SED DE 570 American Sign Language I (4 cr)
• SED DE 571 American Sign Language II (4 cr)
• SED DE 572 Psychology, Sociology, and the Deaf (4 cr)
• SED DE 590 American Sign Language III (4 cr)
• SED DE 591 American Sign Language IV (4 cr)
• SED DE 592 American Sign Language V: Academic Language (2 cr)
• SED DE 672 American Sign Language Structure (4 cr)
• SED DE 693 American Sign Language VI (2 cr)
• CAS LX 250/SED LS 565 Introduction to Language and Linguistics (4 cr)
• SED LS 566 Language Acquisition (4 cr)

Professional Studies Requirements (13 cr)

• SED ED 110 Introduction to Education (4 cr)
• SED ED 111 Educational Technology (1 cr)
• SED ED 410 Social Context of Education (2 cr)
• SED ED 412 Civic Context of Education (2 cr)
• SED DE 554 Field Experience: Deaf Studies (4 cr)