Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I apply for the Master of Arts Degree in International Development?
You can apply online at: https://securedgspp.gallaudet.edu/gradschool/admapp/
For International students: Our office of International Student Services has an early deadline for receiving all the materials necessary to satisfy their requirements and those of the federal government. Contact Ms. Mona McCubbin (mona.mccubbin@gallaudet.edu) for information about those requirements.

2. Why earn a Master of Arts Degree in International Development?
There are an estimated 600 million people with disabilities, including deaf people, living around the world and historically, the majority of them have been excluded from development assistance programs.  Over 140 countries have signed and more than 70 have ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which aims to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy all human rights on an equal basis with others.  Governments, federal agencies, and nongovernmental organizations are needing experts to guide them in implementing and advocating for the UNCRPD as well as informing how to include deaf people and those with disabilities in development assistance organizations and development projects.   The writing and adopting of the UNCRPD was a huge global effort by Disability People's Organizations whose networks have grown and whose momentum is growing larger and stronger.

3. Why is this Gallaudet Master of Arts Degree in International Development unique from other university International Development degrees?
Nowhere in the United States can one find a university program or any program for that matter, which studies International Development with a focus on Disability except for the International Development Certificate offered through the Department of Educational Foundations and Research here at Gallaudet. International organizations struggle to find professionals who have studied International Development and have a background in inclusion of people with disabilities so that organizations such as, the World Bank, USAID, Rehabilitation International, the World Institute on Disability, Disabled Peoples' International, InterAction, and Mobility International were pleased to write letters of support for this proposed degree program.

4. Do I need to study full-time?
No. You can work at your own pace. Often people are working professionals who do not have time to study full-time, so they enroll in one or two courses per semester. We strongly suggest, though, that if you are working full time, that you do not study full-time, too. Remember that ID courses are not taught during the summer.

5. What happens if I am unable to take a course every semester?
Perhaps I have work or family obligations that interfere with my studies. That's no problem. You can take time off from school, but you need to inform us so that you are not dropped from the program.  Students are able to take a leave of absence or continually enroll.  Please see the Graduate Catalog and speak with your advisor to learn which is appropriate for you.   Students must fill out and send these forms that in forms us of your intentions:
a. Continuing Enrollment Form
b. Registration form CE
c. if wanting to pay by credit card, download the Credit Card Payments for CE form.

6. What are the costs to attend Gallaudet?
Tuition and Fee Schedule for 2012-2013 is provided by the Financial Office.

7. How do I get more information?

Come and visit us!  Sit in on a class, talk to instructors and students and take a tour of the campus.  Let us know beforehand that you'll be coming and arrange a tour through the Visitor's Center.