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Deaf/Hard of Hearing M.A.

Program Requirements

Here is an overview of catalog courses that are specific to this exceptionality area:

  • Please note the mandatory Introduction to for masters students in special education.
  • that are specific to this program.

PLACE and Praxis Test

All individuals seeking a teacher license in Deaf Education in the state of Colorado must take and pass the  prior to enrolling in EDSE 657.

All individuals who reside outside of Colorado must take and pass the prior to enrolling in EDSE 657.

Sign Language Proficiency Evaluation

All students in the Â鶹´«Ã½ deaf education master’s degree program must demonstrate the ability to communicate, with advanced proficiency in American Sign Language and/or a sign system. In order to complete this requirement you must pass a sign language proficiency evaluation prior to enrolling in EDSE 657. In order to prepare for the evaluation you should enroll in advanced sign language courses, interact with deaf adults in professional and social settings, and if necessary contract with a private tutor. 

Additional Information

  • Forms and Handbooks
  • Practicum Information

    Practicum is the culminating experience of the training program. It occurs after you have completed your coursework. Prior to enrolling in practicum you will have to pass the PLACE or PRAXIS test as well as the sign competency examination.

    Applications are due in September for a practicum in the spring, and February for a fall semester practicum. A practicum can only be taken in the summer if there is a year-round school program available that also meets practicum site selection criteria. You can get the application for practicum online by going to the forms link at the School of Special Education website.

    In general, practicum is composed of two eight-week placements. It is best if the two placements are significantly different (e.g., one in a preschool and one in a middle school; one is a self-contained classroom and one as an itinerant teacher). You are responsible for visiting programs and teachers prior to practicum and for identifying the cooperating teacher you would like to work with. Your advisor can help you identify potential placements. If you are not employed as a teacher of students who are deaf or hard of hearing, and you have a full-time teaching job, you will need to take a leave of absence so you can complete the practicum experience.

    If you are employed as a teacher of students who are deaf or hard of hearing you may do an internship (rather than a practicum) on the job with permission from your advisor. You will need to submit the internship application and register to enroll in EDSE 657. Applications are due in October for an internship in the spring, and March for a fall semester internship. An internship can only be taken in the summer if there is a year-round school program available that also meets practicum site selection criteria. You can get the application for an internship online by going to the forms link at the School of Special Education website. A professional development contract will be developed by you, the university consultant, and your mentor teacher.