Deaf and Hard of Hearing concentration

For students interested in teaching children and youth who are deaf or hard of hearing, Radford University offers a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Successful completion of the IDS degree with concentration in Deaf and Hard of Hearing leads to a teaching endorsement in Special Education: Deaf and Hard of Hearing preK-12. The emphasis of the program is to prepare future Teachers of the Deaf (TOD) to work with deaf and hard of hearing children and youth in varying placement options and communication modalities.

 

 

Radford University offers the only program in the state of Virginia that leads to licensure in Deaf and Hard of Hearing, PreK-12. This program, available at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, will prepare individuals to serve children and youth who are deaf or hard of hearing in all educational settings. Students who are deaf or hard of hearing have a variety of learning approaches, skill levels and auditory abilities. Teacher candidates in the program are exposed to all the communication and instructional methods used with students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Methods and philosophies taught include oral/aural, auditory/verbal, cued speech, total communication, and bilingual/bicultural incorporating American Sign Language. 

Options

• B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies with Virginia Licensure in Deaf and Hard of Hearing PreK-12
• Pursue an accelerated master's degree program for licensure in Special Education: General Curriculum (K-12)
• M.S. in Special Education with Virginia Licensure in Deaf and Hard of Hearing, PreK-12
• Coursework that leads to endorsement in Deaf and Hard of Hearing (flexible course options)

Progress sheets for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education Teacher Preparation Program can be found on the College of Education and Human Development Advising Resources page.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing and Special Education General Curriculum

Across the United States, school systems face a critical shortage of highly qualified teachers in special education. Students pursuing a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies and licensure in Deaf/Hard of Hearing (PK-12) from Radford University may enter the fifth year Master of Science in Special Education. This includes graduate coursework and two clinical experiences and leads to Virginia licensure in Special Education: General Curriculum (K-12).

Students must meet all requirements for admission before being enrolled in the graduate portion of the program, known as the fifth year. Students are expected to complete the graduate admission process during the final semester of their senior year.