SPECIAL EDUCATION
M.A. in Deaf Education (DE)
The College of Education offers a master's degree and teaching endorsement
in the education of deaf and hard of hearing students. Depending on
one's educational background, individuals may elect to obtain:
1. A master's degree and an endorsement in deaf education, and
2. A master's degree in deaf education without endorsement.
Students seeking an endorsement will complete a 30 semester credit
hour program. The program includes student teaching and courses
needed to meet the Michigan Department of Education requirements for
teacher certification.
Students desiring a master's degree without endorsement will complete
a 30 semester credit hour program that will include a specialization
in special education, educational psychology, and/or counseling coursework.
All students who have completed the Internship-year Studies Program
can transfer a maximum of 12 credits in 800-level courses that are required
for that program, to the master's degree program in Deaf Education with
endorsement.
The Deaf Education program is guided by a philosophical orientation
toward the use of sign communication in the classroom. Students
are expected to become skilled in the educational use of American Sign
Language and English in its sign and print modalities. The pedagogical
emphasis of the program is designed to meet the challenges presented
by the diverse learning styles that deaf and hard of hearing children
bring to the classroom. In addition, students will acquire the knowledge
and skills needed to critically examine present practice in the
field through a broad perspective accounting for historical, socio-cultural
and political forces.