ASL and Deaf Studies - M.A. in Deaf Studies

MA Program Mission Statement
The Department of ASL and 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 and production of knowledge relating to Deaf communities and their sign languages.

Program Description

The Department of ASL and Deaf Studies offers an M.A. degree that provides an interdisciplinary approach to the field of Deaf Studies. Students will engage Deaf Studies through a critical exchange with related fields, including cultural studies, anthropology, history, literature, critical theory, linguistics, philosophy, critical pedagogy, and visual media production. Students will first complete the core curriculum in their first year of coursework, and then select a specific area of concentration for their second year. These areas include:

For program requirements for each area of concentration, click the links in the right-side menu.

If you would like to receive information about the M.A. in Deaf Studies, please visit the Graduate School Admissions web site and complete the online inquiry form.

Core Curriculum

After the first year of study, students will demonstrate understanding of, and ability to
critique, the following key concepts in Deaf Studies:

History:
• the broad evolution of philosophical perspectives on signed languages.
• the history of the American Deaf Community

Cultural Studies:
• the development of the field of Deaf Studies, within the context of cultural studies.
• the notions of “ideology” “culture” and “identity.”
• the role that the institutions of medicine and education have played in the lives of Deaf people

Language:
• sign language literature produced by the Deaf community
• the linguistic structures which comprise ASL.

Media Production
• Video production skills, from script to final editing.

Students will also demonstrate understanding of, and ability to critique the broad evolution of philosophical perspectives on signed languages.

Admissions Procedures and Requirements

Applicants for the M.A. in Deaf Studies must complete the application procedures and meet the requirements for graduate study at Gallaudet University. Visit the Graduate Admissions web site for more information and a checklist of application requirements. Detailed program information and course descriptions are also available in the Graduate Catalog.

DEADLINE	DATE
Due Date for Completed Application:	February 15
First Date for Consideration of Application:	November 15

Program Specific Requirements:

Three letters of reference
Videotape of signing skills submitted at the same time as the application. (See Language Proficiency below for instructions).
On your application (on page A1), please ensure that you note which concentration you are considering: Cultural Studies, Sign Language Teaching, or Deaf History.

Recommended Prior Coursework:

Introduction to Deaf Culture
Introduction to ASL Structure

Language Proficiency Interview

The purpose of the videotape is to evaluate applicants' ASL skills and to give applicants the opportunity to demonstrate critical thinking in a Deaf Studies context. Answer these essay questions in ASL. Please limit answers to five minutes each.

As Deaf Studies is an emerging academic field, explain what future directions Deaf Studies should take.
Imagine that you are designing a museum exhibition that represents the historical and contemporary dimensions of the Deaf-World. What would you consider to be the three most important displays within the exhibit? How would they be displayed and why do they carry such importance?

Applicant's sign skills will be evaluated based on the video submitted. Provisional admission will be granted with the understanding that students take the ASLPI (American Sign Language Proficiency Interview) within one semester of entering the program. Students who do not achieve an advanced rating must take additional ASL training.