Nazareth College

D.S.P. 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, speech-language pathologists, or other professionals 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 support 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

• Three specific courses are required (detailed below under curriculum), offered in the evening during the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
• Practicum opportunities with children and adults who are deaf or hard of hearing, for matriculated students
• Receive a local certificate of specialization in deafness from Nazareth College upon completion
• Earn continuing education units or professional development credits 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
• Facilitating Language and Communication through Technology

Registration process

• Current Nazareth students: Talk to your academic program director to determine whether you are eligible to enroll in this program.
• Non-matriculated students: Fill out the Deafness Specialty Course Approval Form.
• Registration occurs on a rolling basis. Starting classes in the fall is recommended.
• If you have questions, contact the D.S.P. directors listed on this page.