Nazareth College

Program is Ideal For

• Matriculated or non-matriculated graduate-level students seeking a specialization in deafness, including individuals pursuing degrees in speech-language pathology, and inclusive childhood or adolescent education.
• Anyone who wants to be better prepared to teach, parent, or support individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. This is especially needed in the Rochester, NY region, which has one of the nation’s highest per capita populations of people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Certified teachers seeking additional education for teaching students who are deaf or hard of hearing

Career Information

• Half of speech language pathologists in schools have at least one deaf or hard of hearing child on their caseload, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's 2014 Schools Survey.
• There is a continued shortage of highly qualified professionals with the knowledge and skills in evidence-based practices to supporting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Recent employment data on graduates with this specialization indicates that employers recognize the value of this certification and are seeking professionals who have this specialized knowledge.

What to Expect

• Course content addressing language and literacy development, assessment and intervention, and cochlear implant technology and use.
• Exploration of characteristics of deaf learners and how they learn language
• Practicum opportunities with children and adults who are deaf or hard of hearing, for matriculated students
• Experiential learning opportunities available, for non-matriculated students
• Opportunities for inter-professional collaboration, including with teachers of the deaf in the Rochester area
• Evening courses offered during the fall, spring, and summer semesters
• Opportunity to take courses in ASL and Cued Speech through the department
• Receive a local certificate of specialization in deafness from Nazareth College upon completion

Curriculum (9 credits)

• Language and Communication in the Early Years: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children Birth to Five Years
• Language, Literacy, and Communication in School-age Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students (including the influence of spoken English, American Sign Language, and Cued Speech) 
• Facilitating Language and Communication through Technology: Hearing Aids, Cochlear Implants, and Assistive Devices

Registration process

• Contact Kristin Bergholtz, kcolema6@naz.edu
• Program typically begins fall semester
• Deadlines are on a rolling basis for fall, spring, and summer terms.