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Deaf/Hard of Hearing M.A.

Program Requirements

Here is an overview of catalog courses that are specific to this exceptionality area:

View UNC Graduate Catalog

PLACE and Praxis Test

All individuals seeking a teacher license in Deaf Education in the state of Colorado must take and pass the  Colorado Deaf/Hard of Hearing PLACE test prior to enrolling in EDSE 657.

All individuals who reside outside of Colorado must take and pass the Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Praxis II prior to enrolling in EDSE 657.

Sign Language Proficiency Evaluation

All students in the UNC deaf education master’s degree program must demonstrate the ability to communicate, with advanced proficiency in American Sign Language and/or a sign system. In order to complete this requirement you must pass a sign language proficiency evaluation prior to enrolling in EDSE 657. In order to prepare for the evaluation you should enroll in advanced sign language courses, interact with deaf adults in professional and social settings, and if necessary contract with a private tutor. 

Additional Information

  • Forms and Handbooks
  • Program ListSERV

    In order to keep you informed of important procedures, announcements, and graduate requirements we have developed a listserv for all students in the deaf education master’s degree. Please take a few minutes to subscribe to the listserv at this time. You will be informed of upcoming events in addition to UNC procedures and policies. You may also post important information concerning deaf education to the listserv. However, please do not use this listserv for any reason other than information related to deaf education.

    Outlooks users: Go to Format, select Plain Text

    To Subscribe:

    1. Send an email to: listserv@listserv.unco.edu
    2. Leave your subject line blank
    3. Type the following message in the body of the email: Subscribe DEAFEDUCATION
    4. Click Send (Remember to remove signature from the message)

    To send message to The Listserv:

    1.  Send an email to: DEAFEDUCATION@listserv.unco.edu

    To Unsubscribe:

    1. Send an email to: listserv@listserv.unco.edu
    2. Leave subject line blank
    3. Type the following message in the body of the email: Unsubscribe DEAFEDUCATION
    4. Click Send (Remember to remove signature from the message)
  • Practicum Information

    Practicum is the culminating experience of the training program. It occurs after you have completed your coursework. Prior to enrolling in practicum you will have to pass the PLACE or PRAXIS test as well as the sign competency examination.

    Applications are due in September for a practicum in the spring, and February for a fall semester practicum. A practicum can only be taken in the summer if there is a year-round school program available that also meets practicum site selection criteria. You can get the application for practicum online by going to the forms link at the School of Special Education website.

    In general, practicum is composed of two eight-week placements. It is best if the two placements are significantly different (e.g., one in a preschool and one in a middle school; one is a self-contained classroom and one as an itinerant teacher). You are responsible for visiting programs and teachers prior to practicum and for identifying the cooperating teacher you would like to work with. Your advisor can help you identify potential placements. If you are not employed as a teacher of students who are deaf or hard of hearing, and you have a full-time teaching job, you will need to take a leave of absence so you can complete the practicum experience.

    If you are employed as a teacher of students who are deaf or hard of hearing you may do an internship (rather than a practicum) on the job with permission from your advisor. You will need to submit the internship application and register to enroll in EDSE 657. Applications are due in October for an internship in the spring, and March for a fall semester internship. An internship can only be taken in the summer if there is a year-round school program available that also meets practicum site selection criteria. You can get the application for an internship online by going to the forms link at the School of Special Education website. A professional development contract will be developed by you, the university consultant, and your mentor teacher.