The Professions in Deafness (PID) program prepares students to meet the communication, educational, and human services needs of individuals from kindergarten through adulthood who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Undergraduate concentrations are available in the following areas:
Advocacy and Services for the Deaf: Prepares professionals to work with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing in a variety of settings other than K–12 schools, such as community service agencies.
Interpreter Preparation: Prepares professionals to work as interpreters for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing in community as well as educational settings.
K–12 Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teacher Licensure: Prepares teachers to provide educational services for children who are deaf or hard of hearing from kindergarten through grade 12.
Degree Outcomes
- Students are prepared professionally to serve children, youth, and adults who have hearing loss or to teach hearing students how to communicate in American Sign Language (ASL).
- Graduates enter careers such as teacher, interpreter, sign language teacher, deaf services specialist, vocational rehabilitation counselor, disability service coordinator, community advocate, parent educator, job placement specialist, telecommunications specialist, and independent living counselor.
- Graduates are commonly employed with public schools, interpreting agencies, federal government, and human services organizations.
- Graduates are positioned to pursue graduate study in education, counseling, communication sciences and disorders, vocational rehabilitation, interpreting, and more at nationally recognized institutions such as Gallaudet University, McDaniel College, Vanderbilt University, and Northeastern University.
The Student Experience
- Students are offered extensive field and internship experiences in educational settings, government agencies, and health-related and nonprofit organizations.
- Students collaborate with faculty, staff, and doctoral students on research studies and projects.
- Students are invited to apply for designated, named scholarships specific to the major.
- Conference attendance, volunteer placement, professional development, and other networking opportunities.
Accolades & Accomplishments
- More than 90 percent of program graduates obtain employment as teachers.
- 39 additional states within the U.S. accept N.C. teaching licensure.
Accreditations & Affiliations
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
- North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI)
Additional Requirements
Each Professions in Deafness concentration has specific program admission requirements. Contact program representatives to learn more.
