Deaf and Hard of Hearing Studies

Undergraduate Certificate

Why This Program & What You'll Learn

Community, social, and professional settings are increasingly diverse and more inclusive of individuals who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing (D/HOH).  The Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Studies certificate will provide you with skills to address the communication, cultural, and accessibility needs of individuals with hearing loss across these diverse settings.  Certificate coursework includes study of the social, communication, and technological implications of hearing loss; assistive/adaptive technologies utilized by persons who are D/HOH; mainstream and Deaf Culture-centric views of disability; roles and responsibilities of those who serve and interact with individuals who are D/HOH; and introductory conversational American Sign Language.

Program Highlights

• Our Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Studies certificate is the only program of its kind in the United States that explores the diversity of individuals who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing in terms of preferred/primary language, communication modality, and assistive technology/services use.  
• Designed to benefit those studying or currently working in healthcare, education, business, management, hospitality, government, and other social/human-service and public-service professions.
• The program includes Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing and Hearing faculty with a wide range of professional training and personal experiences living and working with those who are Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing.