Deaf Education & Hearing Science Program

Welcome

The Deaf Education and Hearing Science Program is one of only a handful in the country that provides intensive training in working with children who are deaf and hard-of-hearing to develop spoken language through the use of residual hearing, high-powered hearing aids, and cochlear implants.

Certified teachers for deaf and hard-of-hearing children are in high demand. Every year positions in Texas and across the nation go unfilled because of the lack of qualified professionals. 

The DEHS Program has received a new grant from the U.S. Department of Education which allows us to provide generous student support, including full scholarships and learning stipends for every student.

Program Overview

The UT Health San Antonio Master’s Degree in Deaf Education and Hearing Science is a graduate level course of study designed for students with a background in regular/special education or communication disorders. Students without an education background must complete pre-requisite work and observation/service hours to qualify as an applicant.

Applications can be submitted August 1st through March 5th for the next cohort which begins in May.

The application consists of an online application, a statement of purpose, resume, and three professional letters of recommendation (preferable from individuals that have observed teaching). An interview is also required. Generous scholarships are available.

The two-year program consists of 45 semester credit hours of course work that includes observations, seminars, and practicum. Practicum assignments are scheduled at Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children (San Antonio), the Texas Hearing Institute (Houston), and public schools in both areas. Coursework is primarily delivered at Sunshine Cottage and the Texas Hearing Institute. Houston cohorts are admitted bi-annually; a minimum of two Houston students is required for a cohort to be formed and maintained  Two sign language courses are required as co-requisites and must be completed prior to graduation from the DEHS Program. Sign proficiency is not an objective for the co-requisites but will serve as an orientation to alternate communication modes. Students who successfully complete course requirements must pass a comprehensive examination covering the major components of the program.

The Master of Deaf Education and Hearing Science is nationally certified by the Council on Education of the Deaf (CED). Students are able to receive CED certification upon graduation. Students are also eligible for certification as a teacher of the hearing impaired in the state of Texas through examination.

Read more about the Master of Deaf Education and Hearing Science (MDEHS) Program here