Deaf Education

The Deaf Education program at Vanderbilt University is a comprehensive graduate degree designed to prepare educators, specialists, and researchers to support students who are deaf or hard of hearing. This program emphasizes evidence-based teaching methods, linguistic and cultural competence, and an understanding of the diverse needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing learners across educational settings. Students will gain foundational knowledge in audiology, language development, and bilingual-bicultural education, equipping them with the skills necessary to foster effective communication and academic success for their students. The curriculum integrates coursework in sign language, deaf culture, assistive technologies, and inclusive educational strategies, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to serve in a variety of roles, including classroom teachers, educational diagnosticians, and consultants. The program offers opportunities for practical field experiences, allowing students to apply their learning in real-world settings under the supervision of experienced faculty. Vanderbilt’s Deaf Education program also emphasizes collaboration with families, communities, and other educational professionals to create inclusive learning environments. By the end of the program, graduates will be equipped to advocate for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, implement specialized instructional strategies, and contribute to ongoing research within the field. The program aligns with national standards for deaf education and prepares students for certification opportunities depending on state requirements. With a diverse faculty of experts in deaf studies, audiology, linguistics, and education, Vanderbilt University provides an enriching environment for students passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.

• MDE 5207. American Sign Language I. 
• MDE 5208. American Sign Language II. 
• MDE 5308. Language and Literacy in Children with Hearing Loss. 
• MDE 5312. Psychology and Culture of the Deaf. 
• MDE 5320. Introduction to Amplification for Infants and Children. 

Requirements

• Statement of Purpose (personal statement)
• Transcripts/Academic information
• Letters of Recommendation. (three are required, up to a maximum of five can be accepted)
• Official GRE scores come electronically from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and are required for all applicants. Official TOEFL scores are required for international applicants only. The scores should be sent to institution code 1871. The department code is not required in order for your official scores to attach to the application. All of our programs in the Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences use department code: 0620.
• Previous Degrees. International applicants should apply only if you have four years of college (four-year degree or three-years plus one year of a masters program).
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL
• Transcripts. International student applicants must supply official academic records from all colleges and universities attended including certificates, mark sheets and examination results. These may be copies of the original documents certified by an official of the institution issuing the record. If you are currently enrolled at a USA university, Vanderbilt will accept (for admission purposes only) copies of documents that may be on file at that university. Should you be admitted, you must supply the official documents described above.
• Financial Resources. In order to meet requirements for entry into the USA, applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to cover the cost of their education. Please be prepared to provide evidence of this funding.

Scholarships

As the result of a Department of Education grant (H325K130226), we offer qualified candidates accepted into our deaf education program a 100% tuition scholarship.

The Vanderbilt University offers a comprehensive program in Deaf Education designed to prepare students for careers working with deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. This program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical skills necessary for effective instruction and communication. Students enrolled in the Deaf Education program receive coursework in linguistics, sign language, audiology, educational strategies, and curriculum development tailored to deaf learners. The curriculum integrates classroom instruction with hands-on experiences through field placements in schools for the deaf and related settings, enabling students to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.

Vanderbilt's program is affiliated with the Peabody College of Education and Human Development, which is renowned for its research and expertise in special education. The program aims to develop educators who are proficient in American Sign Language and bilingual-bicultural instructional methods, ensuring they can provide culturally responsive education to deaf students. Coursework also covers assistive technology, communication modalities, and family engagement strategies, recognizing the importance of a collaborative approach to support deaf students' academic and social development.

Students pursuing this specialization typically engage in training that qualifies them for certification as teachers of the deaf and hard-of-hearing. The program emphasizes inclusive education practices, promoting integration of deaf students into mainstream classrooms when appropriate. Graduates of the program are equipped to work in various educational settings, including public schools, specialized programs, and early intervention services.

Vanderbilt's Deaf Education program benefits from faculty expertise in deaf studies, linguistics, and special education, as well as access to modern resources and research initiatives in the field. The program fosters an inclusive community that values diversity and promotes continual professional growth. Graduates leave with a comprehensive understanding of the needs of deaf learners, cultural competencies, and the pedagogical skills needed to support their success across educational environments.