Interpreting, Deaf Education, and Advocacy (IDEAS)
The Interpreting, Deaf Education, and Advocacy (IDEAS) 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. Undergraduates choose from three concentrations: 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); and 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 K-12).
Degree Outcomes
- Students are prepared to professionally serve children, youth, and adults who are deaf or hard of hearing following a bilingual (American Sign Language [ASL] and English), tri-modal (sign, written, speech as appropriate), multi-cultural (Deaf, hearing, home cultures) philosophy.
- Graduates enter professions such as teacher, sign language interpreter, 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, linguistics, and more at nationally recognized institutions.
The Student Experience
- Students are offered extensive field and internship experiences in educational settings, government and community agencies, and health-related and nonprofit organizations.
- Students collaborate with faculty, staff, and doctoral students on research studies and projects.
- Students are encouraged to apply for designated, named scholarships specific to the major.
- Student actively participate in conferences, volunteer placements, professional development, and other networking opportunities.
- Students have the opportunity to study abroad and experience international Deaf communities.
Accolades & Accomplishments
- 100% of interpreting graduates pass the National Interpreter Certification (written)
- More than 90 percent of education graduates obtain employment as teachers within and outside of N.C.
- 40 states within the U.S. accept N.C. teaching licensure
Accreditations & Affiliations
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
- N.C. Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI)
- 2Plus interpreter preparation agreements with four N.C. community colleges
Additional Requirements
Each Interpreting, Deaf Education, and Advocacy concentration has specific program admission requirements. Contact program representatives to learn more.
