The Boston University master of education (EdM) in Deaf Education offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares deaf educators using a multilingual ASL/English approach centered on the belief that all Deaf children have a right to learn a sign language like ASL as a natural and accessible first language. You will receive a well-rounded education and be prepared for Massachusetts initial licensure as a teacher of the Deaf. All of the core courses are taught in ASL, with interpreters and other accommodations as needed.
The master’s program in Deaf Education offers three specialty areas: Early Childhood Education, Teaching DeafDisabled Students, and Teaching ASL as a First Language. Alternatively, you can create your own specialization in collaboration with your advisor. The core coursework will provide you with a foundation in supporting language acquisition for deaf children, creating and teaching ASL texts, curriculum planning and assessment, and advocating for equity and justice in deaf education. This two-year program begins during the summer.
Dates & Deadlines
Spring & Fall 2025
Aug 15, 2024
Application Opens
Spring 2025 Semester
Dec 15, 2024
Application Deadline
Fall 2025 Semester
Jan 15, 2025
Deadline to Receive Priority Scholarship Consideration
Fall 2025 Semester
Aug 1, 2025
Application Closes
Featured Faculty
Half of the Deaf Education faculty at BU Wheelock are deaf, and all are fluent in ASL. They conduct cutting-edge research on sign language acquisition, have developed some of the best curricula in deaf education, and have created some of the most widely viewed ASL literary works in the world.
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Andrew R. Bottoms
Program Director, Deaf Studies
Senior Lecturer -
Naomi Caselli
Director, BU AI & Education Initiative
Associate Professor -
Todd Czubek
Senior Lecturer
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Emily Glenn-Smith
Lecturer
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Franklin Jones, Jr.
Lecturer
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Amy M. Lieberman
Director, Doctoral Studies
Associate Professor -
Anna Lim
Lecturer
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the EdM in Deaf Education at BU Wheelock are committed to working toward an educational system where all deaf children have access to language and the opportunity to thrive. While the emphasis of the program is on preparing teachers of early childhood, elementary, and middle grade students, graduates of the master’s program have gone on to a variety of careers.
- Teachers at bilingual schools for deaf children
- Principals and directors at deaf schools
- Visual storytellers
- Advocate
More Information about the EdM in Deaf Education
Field-Based Experiences
Each semester, students in the master’s in Deaf Education have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a classroom in a different deaf school, for a total of five unique field experiences.
Licensure
The EdM in Deaf Education prepares all students for initial licensure as a teacher of the Deaf. Students specializing in early childhood education and teaching DeafDisabled students can earn a second license in their area of specialization.
Graduate Admissions
For questions about application requirements, deadlines, and more, the Graduate Admissions team has answers. Sign up for an upcoming information session or start your application to BU Wheelock today!