Professions in Deafness

Undergraduate concentrations are available in the following areas:

• 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.
• 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.

Degree Outcomes

• Professions in Deafness graduates 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).

• 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.

• Are commonly employed with public schools, interpreting agencies, federal government, and human services organizations.

• 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

• Extensive field and internship experiences in educational settings, government agencies, and health-related and nonprofit organizations.

• Collaboration with faculty, staff, and doctoral students on research studies and projects.

• Invitation to apply for designated, named scholarships specific to the major.

• Participation in annual events that focus on American Sign Language and deaf culture:
  • Deaf-Kiss Fist, celebrating the artistic and cultural accomplishments of members of the deaf community.
  • ASL Idol, performance of songs in American Sign Language modeled from TV’s “American Idol.”

• Conference attendance, volunteer placement, professional development, and other networking opportunities.

Accolades & Accomplishments

• More than 90% 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.