Program Mission Statement

The Department of Deaf Studies offers the world's premiere graduate program in Deaf Studies. Our students become members of a vibrant learning community dedicated to the critique of existing knowledge and production of new knowledge relating to Deaf communities and their sign languages.

The Cultural Studies Concentration challenges students to develop methods of inquiry, research and critique that explore the wide-ranging implications of Deaf ways-of-being. Students will engage in a yearlong project in which they will pursue an area of interest through an academic thesis, a creative project, or applied advocacy project.

Graduate Certificate Program in Deaf Studies

The Graduate Certificate Program in Deaf Studies provides students with historical and theoretical foundations in Deaf Studies. Students may select courses from an interdisciplinary curriculum in the areas of cultural studies, history, critical theory, philosophy, literature, disability studies, visual culture, critical pedagogy, public policy and advocacy. This 18-credit program will enhance students' knowledge of Deaf Studies, better preparing them to work in fields relating to Deaf communities.