Deaf Education & Hearing Science Program
Welcome
The Deaf Education and Hearing Science (DEHS) Program is one of the nation’s few graduate programs 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.
Deaf Education and Hearing Science Program Overview
The UT 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 (a specialized school in San Antonio serving children who are deaf/hard of hearing from birth through third grade), the Melinda Webb School (also known as Texas Hearing Institute, a specialized school in Houston serving children who are deaf/hard of hearing from birth through kindergarten), 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Deaf Education and Hearing Science (DEHS) Program is a graduate level course of study preparing individuals to teach young children who are deaf/hard of hearing to listen and speak without sign language.
Program at a Glance
| Field | Content |
| Degree | Master of Deaf Education and Hearing Science |
| Length | 2 years / 45 semester credit hours |
| Locations | San Antonio (Sunshine Cottage) and Houston (Texas Hearing Institute) |
| Certification | CED national certification; TX teacher-of-the-hearing-impaired eligible |
| Application window | August 1 – March 5, cohort begins in May |
| Funding | Full scholarships and stipends available via U.S. Dept. of Education grant |
| Program Director | Blane Trautwein, Ed.D, CED |
There are two applicant entry paths:
- Applicants with earned degrees/certification in education or special education
- Applicants with earned degrees in communication sciences and disorders. Applicants from this major must complete pre-requisite coursework and complete observation/service hours.
Two years, 45 credit hours, primary instruction at Sunshine Cottage (San Antonio) and Texas Hearing Institute (Houston).
Accepted students receive full tuition/fee coverage plus a one-time stipend of $2,500.00.
Texas certification (deaf education) via the TExES Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (181) exam.
Applications are open Aug 1–Mar 5 with cohorts starting in May
Application requirements:
- Online application
- Statement of purpose
- Resume
- Three letters of recommendation
- An interview
ASL I and ASL II taken as co-reqs to develop sign familiarity versus proficiency.
The American Association for Employment in Education has consistently found critical shortages in the field of deaf education. Graduates of the program are impacting lives in Texas and across the nation. The program has a 91% placement rate (2023-2025) with some students pursuing advanced degrees or selecting additional occupational paths.
Faculty and Staff
Listening and Spoken Language
A teaching method that helps deaf and hard-of-hearing children learn to listen and speak using early intervention, hearing devices, and trained professionals.
Resources
How to Apply
Contact
Dr. Blane Trautwein
Associate Professor and Program Director
trautwein@uthscsa.edu
Deaf Education and Hearing Science
7703 Floyd Curl Drive, MC: 7777
San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900
Phone: 210-450-0716
Fax: 210-450-0055
Applications are available on GoApplyTexas.org.
Featured DEHS Alumni
“The DEHS Program is easily one of the greatest privileges I have yet to experience. Aside from directly being taught by the executive directors of the Council on Education of the Deaf, they get to watch you teach and provide feedback and affirmations! You have the opportunity to build close relationships with your professors and cohort, which is necessary to get through grad school and an easy way to network for your future!
This program also works closely with a school for deaf children which means you get to work with teachers of the deaf, audiologists, speech language pathologists and students who are deaf and hard of hearing. I am so grateful to have been a part of this program!”