As the world’s expert on deaf studies and American Sign Language, Gallaudet is the best place to study deaf individuals and communities. For more than 150 years, we have led advances in education of deaf and hard of hearing students and deaf rights worldwide.

Immerse Yourself in the Deaf Community

By studying and living at the world’s only bilingual ASL and English university, you will become fluent in ASL and gain firsthand insight into the global deaf and hard of hearing community. Gain unparalleled professional experience right on campus as you help create an exhibit for the Gallaudet Museum, develop the Gallaudet Almanac, host an annual deaf alumnae panel or collaborate on faculty research.

Our highly published faculty are excellent teachers as well as scholars. Through the deaf studies program, they will help you build a strong foundation in the historical, sociological and cultural aspects of the deaf community to prepare for a career in deaf education, linguistics, interpretation, sociology or social work.

See list of all Gallaudet majors

Keep reading to learn more about the deaf studies program and career outcomes.

Courses and Degree Requirements

Apply Your Learning

Complete an internship at the National Association of the Deaf or at a school for deaf and hard of hearing students. Or contribute to the Deaf Studies Digital Journal. The deaf studies program offers many opportunities to gain practical experience.

Career Outcomes

All of Gallaudet’s recent ASL and deaf studies majors are employed (44 percent) or in graduate school (56 percent) within one year of graduation. Learn more about alumni of the Department of American Sign Language and Deaf Studies.

Training and Job Outlook

Employment in education and museum work requires at least a bachelor’s degree and is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations from 2012 to 2022. Learn more.

Social workers need at least a bachelor’s degree in social work, and clinical positions require a master’s degree. Employment is projected to grow 19 percent, faster than average. Learn more.

Interpreter positions require a bachelor’s degree. Employment is projected to grow 46 percent, much faster than average. Learn more.

Resources

Students in the department have access to state-of-the-art equipment for coursework, field research and data analysis in our Multimedia Lab. In addition, the Gallaudet University Archives boasts the world’s largest collection of historical artifacts, documents and visual materials about deaf people.