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. 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

• 100% of interpreting graduates pass the National Interpreter Certification (written).
• More than 90% of education graduates obtain employment as teachers within and outside of North Carolina.
• 40 states within the U.S. accept N.C. teaching licensure
• 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. Samuel Parker, interpreter coordinator, served as the lead interpreter for President Bill Clinton’s inauguration among other high-profile roles. 
• 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

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, interpreting agencies, federal government, and human services organizations. 
• Students are prepared to professionally serve children, youth, and adults who are deaf or hard of hearing following a bilingual (ASL and English), tri-modal (sign, written, speech as appropriate), and multicultural (Deaf, hearing, home cultures) philosophy.
• Potential career paths include 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 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