Hearing U.S. Citizen/Permanent Resident Applicants
Applicants in this classification are hearing U.S. citizens/permanent residents who are current high school students or high school graduates. Applicants in this classification are not eligible for Gallaudet's merit-based scholarships. In addition to the required materials below, applicants should look into their chosen program to see what other application procedures are required of them.
Hearing applicants interested in careers related to deaf and hard of hearing people may apply to Gallaudet through one of the two programs below:
- Hearing Undergraduate (HUG) program
- Bachelors in Interpretation (BAI) program
- Applicants should understand that once admitted, no voice interpreters or language accommodations will be provided.
Hearing Undergraduate Program
The Hearing Undergraduate (HUG) program is a unique program for hearing students who want to enroll as degree-seeking undergraduate students at Gallaudet University. The program is designed for those who know American Sign Language (ASL), want to study alongside deaf and hard of hearing individuals, and will pursue a career that furthers the education of deaf and hard of hearing.
Hearing applicants applying to the HUG program are expected to be able to articulate and demonstrate their reason(s) for wanting to attend Gallaudet University and must choose a major that benefits or furthers the education of deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Applicants should also be able to explain how an education at the world's only liberal arts university for deaf and hard of hearing students will benefit them. Applicants will need to submit a video essay in American Sign Language.
Approved HUG applicants are required to undergo an interview with the Office of Admissions, and complete the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI).
Bachelor of Arts in Interpretation Program
The Bachelor of Arts in Interpretation (BAI) is a four-year program and includes credits in the Interpretation major along with supporting courses in deaf studies, biology, business, communication studies, linguistics, and sociology. More information about the BAI program can be found at Department of Interpretation.
Qualified applicants should have a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher. Approved applicants will need to take the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) and complete the Language Performance Screening DVD provided by the interpretation department.
Application and supporting documents must be received or postmarked on or before the priority deadline of April 1, 2022.
Students are admitted into the HUG or BAI program for the Fall Semester only. For more information, please contact hug@gallaudet.edu.
Enrollment Limits
There is a limited number of slots for incoming hearing students in either program. Due to the limited space, the HUG and BAI programs are highly selective. Hearing students are expected to be able to express and follow classroom instruction and discussion in American Sign Language (ASL) at all times.
Hearing applicants must submit the following materials per university standard admissions procedures (excepting the audiogram requirement):
| completed application |
$50 application fee |
| copies of transcript(s)* |
one letter of recommendation |
| One written English essay and one video ASL essay |
test scores*** |
| Green Card (permanent residents only)** |
|
*Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by certified translations. The high school transcript requirement will be waived for 2nd degree applicants and, if applicable, for transfer applicants.
**Applicants who hold a green card must submit a copy along with the application, or the application will not be processed.
***Waived for 2nd degree applicants and, if applicable, for transfer applicants.
Hearing applicants who are current high school students or high school graduates with some or no college credit are considered freshmen. If applicants have not graduated from high school, but have taken college courses in high school, they are considered freshmen. All applicants in this classification should follow standard admissions procedures in accordance with the procedures described in this section.
Applicants who are degree-seeking students with college credit (excluding AP courses) and are transferring from another university should apply as a transfer student. Transfer students interested in the Bachelor of Arts in Interpretation may be eligible to complete the program in two to three years, depending on transfer credits and course equivalencies. Hearing applicants should follow standard application procedures in accordance with this section and the Transfer Information section.
Applicants who currently possess B.A., B.S., or higher degrees from colleges or universities other than Gallaudet and have never previously attended Gallaudet, but want to get a second degree through the HUG or BAI program at Gallaudet, should apply as applicants seeking a 2nd degree. Applicants should follow standard application procedures in accordance with this section and the Applicants Seeking a 2nd Degree section.
After Submission of Application
Once applications have been approved, both HUG and BAI applicants will be notified by the appropriate admissions counselor to schedule an American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI). The ASLPI is a video recorded evaluation which will determine applicants' overall ASL proficiency. For more information, applicants should visit the ASLPI website. Ratings are awarded on a scale from 0-5. The ASLPI may be taken on campus at Gallaudet or via videophone from an approved location. The ASLPI evaluation system is housed in ASL Diagnostic and Evaluation Services (ASL-DES) at Gallaudet University. Refer to this online scheduling process to schedule an ASLPI. Please refer to the ASLPI Fees website for current ASLPI fee information.