Admissions for the Education of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students Program are suspended.
There are two certification options in the Education of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students specialization. One option is for teacher certification only and the second option is for teacher certification combined with a Master of Education degree (MEd).
The certification-only option provides qualified applicants with the opportunity to obtain certification by the Council on Education of the Deaf (CED) and Pennsylvania teacher certification in Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (N-12), and is for the person who seeks the professional opportunity of serving as a certified teacher. Students complete 43–44 credits beyond the prerequisite coursework. Because students enter the program with a variety of academic and experiential backgrounds, the exact content or
duration of the program cannot be stipulated for individual students without careful consideration of their previous coursework. Most Instructional I Certificate candidates complete requirements in two academic years and one summer session of full-time study. Many of the core courses are scheduled alternately each year in the late afternoon or evening to accommodate part-time students. Because student teaching is not possible in the summer, part-time students should plan to schedule one full-time term to
fulfill this requirement. Individuals in this program must complete the curriculum requirements and successfully pass the PRAXIS I and II specialty area tests for Education of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students and complete the PA Statewide Evaluation Form for Student Professional Knowledge and Practice (PDE 430), before being approved for Pennsylvania Teacher Certification.
In the second option, work toward a Master of Education Degree (MEd) is combined with study for teacher certification for individuals who wish to pursue advanced study in deaf education and to demonstrate a superior level of expertise and capacity for leadership in the field. Individuals who wish to pursue this degree take additional credits beyond the 43-44 credits of certification coursework. These credits include coursework in the Basic Areas of Education and a Research Seminar. Individuals in this
program must complete the curriculum requirements and pass the PRAXIS I and II specialty test and complete the PA Statewide Evaluation Form for Student Professional Knowledge and Practice (PDE 430). In the final term of coursework, students seeking the M.Ed also take a comprehensive exam in the education of deaf children. Students write for three hours on a total of three questions. Early in their program, students are given an extensive list of questions related to education of deaf and hard of hearing
students. Questions for the comprehensive exam are chosen from this list.
The Pittsburgh regional area offers graduate students a wide variety of practicum settings in which to utilize both the oral and manual communication modes. Students may engage in student teaching experiences at the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, DePaul Institute, Pittsburgh Public Schools, and the Allegheny Intermediate Unit. Visits are made to other agencies and facilities serving deaf and hard-of-hearing people in the Greater Pittsburgh area. Gallaudet University, the Kendall Demonstration
Elementary School, and the Model Secondary School for the Deaf in Washington, DC are also within driving distance.
Note: A student who satisfactorily completes the prerequisites and major field studies will be eligible for Pennsylvania certification as a teacher of deaf and hard-of-hearing students (N-12) and professional certification by the Council on Education of the Deaf (CED) at the elementary level. A student seeking CED certification in early childhood will need to complete electives in that area. Professional certification by CED is not a requirement for teaching in Pennsylvania but is recommended in many
states.
Contact Information
School of Education Office of Admissions and Enrollment Management
5500 Wesley W. Posvar Hall
230 S. Bouquet St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
PHONE: 412-648-2230
FAX: 412-648-1899
EMAIL: soeinfo@pitt.edu
ONLINE (preferred): Inquiry Form
APPLICATION: Admissions Application
