Communication Sciences and Disorders Department College of Communication The University of Texas at Austin About the Department Speech and Hearing Center Contact Us CSD Home

This is a track of study for students whose ultimate goal is to become certified teachers of deaf children, teachers in the field of deafness studies and American Sign Language, or who wish to work in some other capacity with deaf individuals. Though professional certification as a teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing is not available at The University of Texas at Austin, the undergraduate program forms the foundation for graduate study and certification at other institutions where certification is available. Students take courses in deaf culture and the community, language and speech development in deaf students, sign communication, as well as courses pertaining to normal and disordered aspects of speech, language, and hearing. A semester-long internship field experience in classrooms with deaf children is available. Our undergraduate courses in Deaf Education are typically acceptable as prerequisites for graduate programs in other institutions. Professionals in this field provide direct teaching and tutorial services, consult with regular classroom teachers, advise administrators on appropriate mainstreaming techniques and placement, educate and counsel both parents and teachers, and meet the needs of deaf/hearing-impaired individuals in a variety of ways.