StudyQA — Bachelor: Deaf Studies

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Description Contents Requirements Funding

The Deaf Studies Program at Boston University affords students the opportunity to develop insights into, and genuine appreciation for the culture, contributions, and contemporary issues related to Deaf people in the United States. Our program is one of the only undergraduate programs in the United States to use American Sign Language as the language of instruction and conversation in the classroom.

The coursework provides information on the historical and cultural background of the Deaf community. Students entering the Deaf Studies program will explore a range of educational, social, cultural, linguistic, and psychological issues and their application to Deaf people, as individuals, as a community, and as a linguistic and cultural minority. Our multi-disciplinary approach led by a strong faculty, many of whom are Deaf, will provide in-depth training that prepares undergraduates for a number of exciting career options in fields related to working with Deaf people, including working in education, counseling, social justice, human services, linguistics, and other professions requiring competence in American Sign Language. With this foundation, students frequently go on to graduate study well equipped for specialized training.

Core courses detailing the history, education, literature, and language of the Deaf will be taught by both Deaf and hearing faculty and will be conducted in American Sign Language. (American Sign Language courses are required prior to entering advanced core courses in the Deaf Studies program.) Students will participate in field experiences, enabling them to put into practice knowledge gained through academic courses. Competence in American Sign Language (the language of the Deaf) is fundamental to gaining an in-depth understanding of the Deaf Community, and is a requirement of the program.

The program draws on a core faculty with interests in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies, as well as other faculty within the University and the School of Education with expertise in bilingualism, biculturalism, reading, literacy, linguistics and applied linguistics, cognitive and language development, language teaching, special education, and counseling.

Deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing students are encouraged to apply; interpreters and support services are available at no cost to the student. Boston University is committed to equal educational opportunity for all persons. The Boston University undergraduate program in Deaf Studies does not qualify graduates for licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Completion of an EdM in Education of the Deaf is required to meet state standards for licensure.

Distribution Requirements (62 Credits)

CAS WR 100 Writing Seminar (4 cr)
CAS 150 Writing and Research Seminar (4 cr)
Two humanities courses from the College of Arts & Sciences (8 cr in at least two disciplines)
Two courses in social sciences from CAS (8 cr in at least two disciplines)
One CAS mathematics course (students who received an SAT math score of 580 or better or an ACT score of 23 or better are exempt) (4 cr)
One laboratory science course from CAS (4 cr)
One natural or laboratory science from CAS (4 cr)
26 liberal arts electives which may include courses leading to a minor (26 cr)

Subject Matter Requirements (56 Credits)

All courses are 4 credits unless otherwise noted.

SED DE 500 Introduction to the Deaf World
SED DE 550 History and Culture of the Deaf
SED DE 551 Deaf Literature and ASL Folklore
SED DE 552 Seminar: Selected Topics in Deaf Studies
SED DE 554 Field Experience: Deaf Studies
SED DE 570 American Sign Language I
SED DE 571 American Sign Language II
SED DE 572 Psychology, Sociology, and the Deaf
SED DE 590 American Sign Language III
SED DE 591 American Sign Language IV
SED DE 592 American Sign Language V: Academic Language (2 cr)
SED DE 672 American Sign Language Structure
SED DE 693 American Sign Language VI (2 cr)
CAS LX 250/SED LS 565 Introduction to Language and Linguistics
SED LS 566 Language Acquisition

Professional Studies (10 Credits)

SED ED 100/101 Introduction to Education (6 cr)
SED ED 410/412 Social and Civic Context of Education (4 cr)

Requirements

You are eligible to apply for admission to Boston University as an international undergraduate student if you’ve completed the equivalent of a United States secondary school education (approximately 12 years of formal education starting at age six) or are a GED recipient or completed a secondary school equivalency exam. You must have either an appropriate diploma or leaving certificates.
Secondary School Records
Final Year Grades
Internet-based TOEFL exam (iBT):Students who are most competitive for admission will have a composite score of at least 90-100 and minimum scores of 20 in each section.
In lieu of the TOEFL exam, you may submit the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A score of 7 or higher will also satisfy BU’s English Language proficiency requirement for all programs.
The completed Confidential Statement for Financing Studies & Sponsorship Support form
Passport Photocopy