Interpreting, Deaf Education and Advocacy Services, B.S. Advocacy and Services for the Deaf Concentration

The only public four-year program of its kind in the nation. This 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. This concentration prepares students to meet the communication, educational, and human services needs of individuals from kindergarten through adulthood who are deaf or hard of hearing. People in the position of Advocate help members of the deaf community to be aware of their rights regardless of their hearing ability and how the Americans with Disabilities and other laws allow them to self advocate.

Undergraduates choose from three concentrations: Advocacy and Services for the Deaf (prepares professionals to work with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing via community service agencies); Interpreter Preparation (prepares professionals to work as interpreters in community and 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).

Program Distinctions

• All areas of study focus on the unique educational needs of deaf and hard of hearing children emphasizing language acquisition, teaching methods, and communication modes.
• Faculty have extensive experience in the field, including former K-12 teachers and interpreters.
• Accreditations and affiliations include:
  • National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
  • N.C. Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI)
  • 2Plus interpreter preparation agreements with four North Carolina community colleges who have an Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS) Degree Programs.

The Student Experience

• Extensive field and internship experiences are offered 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.
• Opportunities are given to study abroad and experience international Deaf communities.
• Specialized training in communication modes is offered through American Sign Language (ASL) classes and the Sign Language Laboratory.
• Supervised experiences are available for student observations, volunteer work, and practicum in area public schools and other settings.
• Students actively participate in conferences, volunteer placements, professional development, and other networking opportunities.

After Graduation

• Graduates are commonly employed with public schools, federal government, and human services organizations. 
• Potential career paths include deaf services specialist, vocational rehabilitation counselor, disability service coordinator, community advocate, parent educator, job placement specialist, telecommunications specialist, and independent living counselor.
• Graduates are positioned to pursue graduate study in education, counseling, communication sciences and disorders, vocational rehabilitation, interpreting, linguistics, and more at nationally recognized institutions.

Apply to Professions in Deafness, B.S. Advocacy and Services for the Deaf Concentration

MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

• Signed and completed forms outlining Technical Standards, Dispositions and Program Requirements
• Satisfactory progress on Dispositions Review each semester
• Continued demonstration of required competencies outlined in the Technical Standards
• Passing score on Professions in Deafness benchmark assessments
• Achievement of a B- (2.50) or higher in SES courses
• Overall GPA of 2.50 or higher