Gallaudet University: What Deaf Students Study

what do students study at gallaudet university

Gallaudet University is a private university that offers a bilingual education, teaching in both American Sign Language (ASL) and English. It is the world's leading institution for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The university offers over 60 areas of study, including B.A. and M.A. courses in Deaf Studies, Communication Studies, Psychology, and Education, as well as a range of graduate programs. Students at Gallaudet University can also take advantage of the various campus activities, resources, and support services available to foster community and growth.

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Undergraduate degrees

As the world's leading institution for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, Gallaudet University offers a bilingual education in American Sign Language (ASL) and English. The university has a student-faculty ratio of 6:1, ensuring that students receive personalized attention.

Gallaudet University offers over 60 areas of study across five schools. The five most popular majors are business, visual and performing arts, communication studies, physical education, and psychology.

Students can pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication Studies, Deaf Studies, Education with a Specialization in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education, English, Government, History, Interdisciplinary Spanish, International Studies, Mathematics, Philosophy, Psychology, Social Work (BSW), Sociology with a concentration in Criminology, and Theatre Arts: Production/Performance.

Gallaudet also offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting, Business Administration, Education with a Specialization in Secondary Education: Science, English, Mathematics, or Social Studies, and Physical Education and Recreation. The Physical Education and Recreation program equips students with the knowledge and skills to design, implement, and evaluate physical education and recreation activities in various settings. Graduates can pursue careers as coaches or fitness trainers.

Additionally, the university provides a range of athletic programs, including a football team and seventeen men's and women's NCAA varsity teams.

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Postgraduate degrees

Gallaudet University is a private federally chartered university in Washington, D.C., founded in 1864 as a grammar school for deaf and blind children. It was the first school for the advanced education of the deaf and hard of hearing in the world and remains the only higher education institution with all programs and services specifically designed for deaf and hard of hearing students. The university is officially bilingual, with American Sign Language (ASL) and written English used for instruction and communication within the college community.

The university offers a range of postgraduate degrees, including Master of Arts (M.A.) programs in various specialisations. Here are some of the M.A. programs offered:

  • M.A. in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • M.A. in Counseling: School Counseling
  • M.A. in Deaf Education
  • M.A. in Deaf Studies: Cultural Studies
  • M.A. in Deaf Studies: Language and Human Rights
  • M.A. in Early Childhood Education and Deaf Education
  • M.A. in Early Intervention Studies
  • M.A. in Elementary Education and Deaf Education
  • M.A. in International Development
  • M.A. in Interpretation: Combined Interpreting Practice and Research

Gallaudet University also offers a Clinical Doctoral Degree (AuD) in Audiology, accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. This program emphasises the development of skills and techniques in various disciplines, including digital media, graphic design, photography, studio arts, film, and art history.

The university's postgraduate programs provide advanced education and specialisations for students seeking to further their knowledge and careers in these fields. With its unique focus on serving the deaf and hard of hearing community, Gallaudet University offers a distinctive educational experience tailored to the needs of its student population.

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Student life

Gallaudet University offers a range of athletic programs, including 17 men's and women's NCAA varsity teams, and a football team. The Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Recreation is a popular major, covering the cultural and historical significance of sports and the creation of inclusive physical activities. The university also offers over 60 areas of study, with the five most popular majors being business, visual and performing arts, communication studies, physical education, and psychology.

Outside of classes, students can get involved in over 26 clubs and organisations, including a campus television station, a campus newspaper, and a drama program. There are also various student support services, such as psychological counselling, and access to two libraries with a wide range of resources and trained staff who can provide assistance. The campus spans 99 acres and includes a range of facilities such as a health clinic and Starbucks.

Gallaudet University has a rich history as the world's premier higher education institution serving deaf and hard-of-hearing people. It aims to empower its graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary for personal and professional success in a changing world. The university is committed to fostering a bilingual way of being and stands as a leading international resource for research, innovation, and outreach related to deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.

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Campus facilities

The Gallaudet University campus, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1866, is a historic site recognised by the National Register of Historic Places. The 99-acre campus features over 2.5 million square feet of academic, residential, and support buildings.

The campus is centred around the philosophy of DeafSpace, which aims to ensure that the campus setting is responsive and expressive of the relationship between deaf and hard-of-hearing experiences and the built environment.

Gallaudet University offers a range of facilities and services to support its students and the wider community. The university provides a postal service, with individual mailboxes assigned to each full-time or part-time student. Transportation services are also available, including a shuttle bus service to and from Union Station, as well as transportation for athletic teams and students attending extracurricular activities.

The university's dining services provide a high-quality, balanced food program that meets the nutritional, educational, and social needs of the community. The campus also features a bookstore, the Bison Shop, where students can purchase textbooks and course materials.

In terms of academic facilities, the Sorenson Language and Communication Center houses the Student Service Center, which includes the Office of the Registrar, the Office of Financial Aid, and Student Financial Services. The campus is also home to the Kellogg Conference Center, which provides resources and conferences for deaf education.

Gallaudet University is conveniently located within walking distance of the NoMa/Gallaudet Metro Station and is just a short distance from Union Station. The surrounding area offers a vibrant food scene, outdoor events, and cultural attractions, providing a stimulating environment for students.

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Deaf studies

Gallaudet University is a private university for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. It is the global leader in education for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, offering over 150 degrees, certificates, and credentials. The university offers a range of programs and majors, with the five most popular being business, visual and performing arts, communication studies, physical education, and psychology.

The Deaf Studies program at Gallaudet University allows students to be at the forefront of research and exploration for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Students in this program will build a foundation in the historical, sociological, and cultural aspects of the deaf community. They will also gain an understanding of the development of the U.S. in relation to language and human rights.

The program prepares students for careers in deaf education, linguistics, interpretation, sociology, or social work. Students have the opportunity to get involved in research and showcase their scholarly achievements through initiatives such as the Gallaudet Research Expo. They can also contribute to the Deaf Studies Digital Journal (DSDJ), a peer-reviewed academic and creative arts journal in American Sign Language and English.

The university also offers a Black Deaf Studies minor, which is open to anyone who wants to supplement their major with studies in Black Deaf experience, culture, and language. Additionally, the university has established The Center for Black Deaf Studies, which provides a range of resources to support and collaborate with students in their work.

Gallaudet University is committed to providing a bilingual education, with classes conducted in American Sign Language (ASL) and written English. The university introduced ASL to the world and continues to be a leader in ASL education, offering courses tailored for all levels, both online and on-campus.

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