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Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education PK-12 Certification

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Overview

Saint Joseph's University's Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education PK-12 Certification program is designed to serve those interested in the education of the 40 to 50% of children impacted by hearing loss.

What Is the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education Certification?

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education PK-12 Certification program at Saint Joseph's University prepares educators for state certification and helps them acquire the competencies needed to support learning and development in children with hearing loss.

The full curriculum, which offers in-depth analyses regarding the education of deaf and hard of hearing students, can be completed in as little as two semesters (less than one year) or can be spread out to align with your schedule and goals. You'll also be required to complete field experience, allowing you to truly understand what it takes to work with deaf and hard of hearing students and jump into the workforce as soon as you graduate.

100% Online Deaf and Hard of Hearing Certification

Designed to meet the needs of working professionals in the field, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education PK-12 Certification is offered completely online. The certification may also be completed as a stand-alone option (30 credits) or combined with a master's degree, allowing students to earn a Master of Science in Education — Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing PK-12 Certification or Master of Science in Special Education.

Who Should Apply?

Candidates are required to hold a bachelor's degree and are expected to have basic sign language competency. Additionally, this program is intended for individuals who have earned at least initial Standard/Level 1 certification or have equivalent experience in working with deaf or hard of hearing students.
 

What Can I Do with a Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education PK-12 Certification?

Educators with a Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education PK-12 Certificate go on to work for schools, education systems, healthcare facilities and other industries. Appropriate candidates for this program include:

  • State-certified general education and special education teachers seeking an additional certification
  • Professionals or paraprofessionals with a bachelor’s degree who are seeking initial certification (PK-12 option) and Pennsylvania Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing PK-12 certification as a teacher of students who are deaf and hard of hearing
  • Related service personnel (e.g. speech/language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists) who wish to become teachers of students who are deaf and hard of hearing
  • Sign language interpreters who wish to become teachers of students who are deaf and hard of hearing
     

How Will a Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education PK-12 Certification from Saint Joseph's University Enhance My Career?

Throughout the program, you will learn to use the latest technologies used to facilitate meaningful and differentiated learning experiences for your students. You'll also come to understand how to communicate effectively with deaf and hard of hearing students. You’ll be encouraged to set goals related to improving your sign language and alternative communication skills.

View Curriculum and Courses

At a Glance

Length

Average part-time: 2 - 4 semesters, or 6 - 12 months.

Credits12 credits or 4 courses.

Start Terms

Spring, summer or fall.

Format

Online.

Tuition for 2021-2022

$812 per credit hour.

Learn more about our tuition & fees.

Stack this Certificate into a Master's ProgramThis endorsement doubles as a concentration option for students in the Special Education M.S. - Deaf and Hard of Hearing and Education M.S. for all grade levels (Early childhood/elementary PK-4; Elementary/Middle School Education; and Secondary 7-12).
Potential Career Paths

This certificate qualifies individuals in the following roles to teach deaf and hard of hearing students:

  • Speech pathologists

  • Occupational therapists

  • Physical therapists

  • Current teachers

  • Sign language interpreters

Requirements

You must have a bachelor’s degree and basic sign language competency. You must also have earned at least initial Standard/Level 1 certification or have equivalent experience in working with deaf or hard of hearing students.

Admission Information

To learn more about the admission process and required materials, Graduate Admission can provide more information or answer any questions.

Financial AidScholarships, federal and state grants, loans and other types of financial aid may be available to those who qualify. Our Office of Financial Aid can help you understand your options.**certificate.

Discount Eligibility

  • Alumni of Saint Joseph's are eligible to receive 10% off the cost of this program through our alumni discount.
  • Completed a year or more of service with a recognized service organization? You may be eligible for our mission discount.
  • Check with your employer to see if they are an Edcor or a Bright Horizons EdAssist member, which may entitle you to a discount on graduate programs.

*note - discounts cannot be combined.

Veterans

Saint Joseph's is a Yellow Ribbon School that accepts GI education benefits. Our Office of Veterans Services can help you access and understand your benefits.

For additional information regarding whether SJU’s programs meet educational requirements for professional licensure/certification, please visit https://www.sju.edu/disclosures.

Related Programs

Special Education M.S.

Today, almost every classroom includes a number of students with disabilities — either physical, educational, emotional or a combination of all three. Our innovative curriculum is designed to develop and refine competencies in professional educators in order to meet the demands of teaching students with special needs in a variety of school environments, public and private, urban and suburban. 

You can also add a concentration, endorsement or certificate to your degree including: 

  • Autism spectrum disorder specialist endorsement
  • Supervisor of special education curriculum
  • Teaching deaf and hard of hearing (N-12) certification
  • Social, emotional and behavioral wellness endorsement
  • Applied behavior analysis concentration 

 

Social, Emotional and Behavioral Wellness (PK-12) Certificate

Social and emotional (SEL) learning is the process by which children and adults acquire the skills necessary for managing emotions, showing empathy, establishing and maintaining positive relationships, making responsible decisions, and setting and achieving positive goals. These skills must be practiced in social contexts, including classroom and school environments. This graduate certificate will prepare you to help students develop these skills.

    Autism Spectrum Disorder Endorsement

    Endorsed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Autism Spectrum Disorder Endorsement program at Saint Joseph's features a curriculum that focuses on assessment and research-based strategies. The program places special emphasis on skill development and behavioral modification for students of all ages who have been diagnosed on the autism spectrum.