Graduate Catalog

M.A. in Education: Teacher Preparation Program

The Master of Arts in Education: Teacher Preparation Programs emphasize culturally relevant critical pedagogy as a foundation for preparing highly qualified teachers to work primarily with Deaf and hard-of-hearing children and youth. The programs focus is on the whole child, and merge general, bilingual, special, and deaf education pedagogy and content through coursework and field experiences to prepare teacher candidates to work with a diverse group of children within a range of educational settings. Candidates will follow a merged course of study resulting in dual licensure in Deaf Education and one of the following areas of general education: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Secondary Biology Education, Secondary Chemistry Education, Secondary English Education, Secondary General Science Education, Secondary Mathematics Education or Secondary Social Studies Education. Candidates who have previously completed a program and hold state licensure in general education may enroll directly into the Deaf Education program.

The Graduate School admission requirements are essentially the same for all four programs. Prerequisites and plans of studies vary by degrees, as described below:

Degree Credits Typical Time Frame Licensure and Certification
Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Deaf Education 61-81 Two and a half calendar years, including one summer Dual state licensure in Early Childhood Education and Deaf Education (K-12)

Early Childhood Special Education Endorsement Council on Education for the Deaf (CED) certification
Master of Arts in Elementary Education and Deaf Education 61-78 Two and a half calendar years, including one summer Dual state licensure in Elementary Education and Deaf Education (K-12)

CED certification
Master of Arts in Secondary Education and Deaf Education 54-66 Two and a half calendar years, including one summer Dual state licensure in Secondary Education and Deaf education

CED certification

Master of Arts in Deaf Education* 38-50 One and half calendar years, including one summer State licensure in deaf education

CED certification

Admissions Procedures and Requirements

Applicants for the Master of Arts in Education: Teacher Preparation Programs must complete the application procedures and meet the requirements for graduate study at Gallaudet University. Visit the Graduate Admissions website for more information and a checklist of application requirements.

 

DEADLINE DATE
First Date for Consideration of Application: Feb 15th
Last Date for Completed Application (including received test scores: Praxis and ASLPI results): June 30th

The Graduate School admission requirements and program requirements are essentially the same for all four Teacher Preparation Programs. Prerequisites and plans of studies vary by degree and are described in the individual program pages.

Program Specific Requirements

  • Admission is for full-time study (Part-time enrollment will be considered on an individual basis.)
  • Meet District of Columbia (DC) requirements for Basic Skills in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics (including Praxis Core, Praxis PPST, ACT, SAT, or GRE)
  • Evidence of experiences working/teaching Deaf and Hard of Hearing children
  • Evidence of satisfactory federal criminal background check (or use this alternative option for the fastest way)
  • A minimum ASLPI result of 2
    • If ASLPI rating is lower than 2, the candidate is strongly encouraged to register for American Sign Language classes and attend the Gallaudet University summer ASL immersion program when available.
  • Pass DC requirements for Praxis II Content Knowledge in the area of focus.

ASL Department Goal Statement

Applicants to the M.A. in Education: Teacher Preparation Program are required to send, as part of their application, a 3-5 minute video sample of the applicant's signing, covering two topics listed below, to demonstrate proficiency in ASL. The video can be in DVD or YouTube link format.

  1. (In ASL):
    • Please introduce yourself and tell us about your latest degree, your concentration area(s), length of time
    • Describe your philosophy of education in relation to teaching and learning. Include any theories in education that support or align with your beliefs.

Prerequisite Coursework

A minimum 3.0-grade point average (on a four-point scale) in all previous undergraduate (and graduate if applicable) study.

Programs of Study