Secondary Education of Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Master of Science Degree

Three people in a room using American Sign Language.
 

Secondary Education of Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Master of Science Degree

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A deaf education degree designed for teaching deaf and hard-of-hearing children. Earn dual NYS certification in deaf education and in a secondary content area (math, science, social studies, or English). 

Overview for Secondary Education of Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing MS

The master of science degree in secondary education of students who are deaf or hard of hearing is designed for deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing students with a passion for teaching. As a teacher-candidate in the program, you’ll earn dual certification to teach a secondary school content area for students who are hearing or deaf as well as in deaf education for grades K-12. The curriculum is taught by renowned faculty at RIT, one of the most innovative campuses in the world. The program prepares teachers to be effective and ethical practitioners and also to be scholars and leaders in the profession.

As a graduate student in the program, you will enjoy small class sizes, one-to-one discussions, and advisement with world-renowned faculty in small classes that allow you to build your strengths and develop your skills.

RIT’s Deaf Education Degree

RIT and the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) have created a unique educational community with a diverse communication environment. All community members share responsibility for effective communication and are expected to respect the language preferences of students, faculty, and staff. The rich inclusive communication environment at RIT/NTID prepares you for the broad array of communication styles you will encounter in the classroom as a teacher of the deaf.

Faculty members are international leaders in research and are highly skilled in the education of deaf people. A carefully designed system of faculty advisement is a prominent feature of the program. On-campus facilities, state-of-the-art technology, and a well-established system of educational access services combine to make this a vital program for both deaf and hearing students who desire careers as professional educators of deaf students.

How to Become a Teacher for the Deaf

Course work requires a minimum of five semesters. A cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 must be maintained. Before graduation, students are expected to have at least intermediate-level signing skills as determined by a Sign Language Proficiency Interview.

Degree and Certification

When you successfully complete the program, you will have earned:

  • A master of science degree
  • Initial Certification from New York State to teach in an academic subject area at the secondary school level (grades 7-12). Subject areas include biology, chemistry, earth science, English, math, physics, social studies, or American Sign Language
  • Initial certification from New York State in education of students who are deaf or hard of hearing, grades K-12
  • Initial certification from Council on Education of the Deaf
    • Note: To be eligible for initial certification, you are required to take and pass the New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE). There are four tests:
      • Educating All Students (EAS)
      • Content Specialty Test (CST), Deaf and Hard of Hearing
      • Content Specialty Test (CST), in the academic subject area for which you wish to become certified to teach.
      • edTPA (Teacher Performance Assessment)

Is the RIT/NTID’s Deaf Education Degree right for you?

How do you know if the MS degree in secondary education is the right program for you? Use the following questions to assess your interest in the education field and in teaching students who are deaf and hard of hearing:

  • Do you want to teach deaf and hard-of-hearing students?
  • Do you want to teach math, science, social studies, or English and respond to the need for more high school teachers?
  • Do you want to teach in a variety of K-12 mainstream and residential/center school settings?
  • Are you fascinated by the cognitive, cultural, and language characteristics of deaf and hard-of-hearing students?
  • Are you looking for personal attention and advisement from faculty and staff who are leaders in the field?
  • Would you like to learn, live and work on a campus designed for collaboration between deaf and hearing students?
  • Do you want training in evidence-based instructional approaches?

Why choose RIT/NTID’s Deaf Education Degree 

With the pressing need for more secondary education teachers, especially in science and mathematics, the strong foundation RIT provides in these areas creates an exceptional environment for deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing students to pursue a teaching degree. The RIT/NTID's deaf education degree offers the following advantages:

  • Personal attention from program faculty members.
  • Dual certification in a secondary school content area in grades 7-12 for students who are hearing or deaf as well as in deaf education for grades K-12.
  • Strong faculty with expertise in pedagogy, language development, teaching and curriculum, speech development, research, educational technology, youth and adolescent development, student advisement and placement, and educational issues.
  • Variety of student-teaching placement options.
  • Access to a wide array of research materials.
  • Extensive library resources on the education of students who are deaf or hard of hearing, Deaf culture, sign language, and curriculum materials.
  • Thorough and thoughtful personal advising.
  • Close proximity to schools for deaf students and mainstream programs.
  • A vibrant Deaf community in Rochester, N.Y.
  • Numerous seminars and workshops focused on contemporary educational and cultural topics.
  • Immersion in American Sign Language.
  • Collaborative projects with faculty, staff members, and students.

The RIT 4+2 Teacher Education Program

Be part of an exciting new program that creates a bridge between a four-year RIT bachelor’s degree and RIT’s two-year master of science degree in secondary education. The RIT 4+2 Teacher Education Program is an exceptional value and an outstanding choice designed to give you the skills you need for a successful teaching career. In the 4+2 program you will:

  • Receive dual certification in the education of students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing as well as in an academic subject such as science or math.
  • Enjoy small class sizes and one-to-one discussions with faculty who are international leaders in research and the art of teaching.
  • Have the opportunity to gain valuable real-world teaching experience before you graduate.
  • Enjoy a top-quality education at a substantially reduced tuition rate.

For more information on the RIT 4+2 Teacher Education Program, contact the NTID Office of Admissions.

How the Program Works

  • You must be accepted to an RIT bachelor’s degree program in one of the following areas:
  • Once you are enrolled in one of the bachelor’s degree programs for at least two years, you can complete the application for graduate study to the MS degree in secondary education (during your 4th year of study). You must interview with the department chairperson prior to your admission to qualify for the program.
  • Upon completion of your bachelor's degree program, you must have:
    • A cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher, Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not needed.
    • A cumulative GPA of 2.8-3.24, GRE scores must be submitted (combined score of at least 280 and analytic writing score of 3.0 or better).
    • Completed 30 credits and earned a 3.0 GPA in your academic subject area (ex. math, science, history/social studies, or English)
    • Successfully taken and passed at least ASL I and ASL II through RIT's College of Liberal Arts, or earned credit by exam.

For more information on the RIT 4+2 Teacher Education Program, contact the NTID Office of Admissions.

This program is offered on-campus or online.

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Careers

Typical Job Titles

Teacher of the Deaf

Curriculum for 2024-2025 for Secondary Education of Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing MS

Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements

View Printable Curriculum

Secondary Education of Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, MS degree, typical course sequence

Course Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
MSSE-700
History of Deaf Educational Thought and Practice
A historical analysis of change and continuity in educational history from colonial through contemporary America. Special emphasis will be given to the development of the field of Deaf education in the United States. Lectures, seminar discussions, and readings offer comprehensive coverage of the salient intellectual themes. (This class is restricted to SEDDEAF-MS Major students.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
 3
MSSE-701
Psychology and Human Development
The purpose of this course is to examine the psychological and social development of deaf and hard-of-hearing students in childhood and adolescence. The ways that family, school, and community affect the student's development, including effects on cognitive processes, identity formation, and peer relationships, are considered. Psychological and sociological perspectives on students' experience in general are used to provide a framework for understanding the development of deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Educational implications of the theories and research presented are discussed. (This class is restricted to SEDDEAF-MS Major students.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
 3
MSSE-702
Educational and Cultural Diversity
This course focuses upon knowledge and understanding of existing diversities within the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing communities, and ways in which teaching can most effectively meet the needs and interests of these students for effective learning. Readings and discussions will explore the educational needs of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students with variations of experience related to culture, race/ethnicity, language, educational and socio-economic backgrounds and settings, communication skills, and learning styles. These concepts will be applied to effective teaching and curriculum development. (This class is restricted to SEDDEAF-MS Major students.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
 3
MSSE-703
Special Education in the Social Context
This course takes a sociological approach to disability and the historical foundations of special education. Three models of disability are introduced: medical, social, and political. These three models provide a foundation for the course, and guide study of three major aspects of disability and special education. First, the class will explore how each of these models has historically guided and, in some cases, continues to guide services and social institutions for persons with disabilities, including educational and rehabilitation services. Second, the course will examine the process through which people with disabilities are so labeled and the interaction between these individuals and others (family, peers, school, community). Third, the course will analyze the changing role of the human service professional (including teachers) and the ways in which professional preparation programs reflect the various models of disability. The course will draw heavily on a variety of philosophical, theoretical, conceptual and methodological perspectives, including phenomenology, symbolic interaction, and human ecology. (This class is restricted to SEDDEAF-MS Major students.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
 3
MSSE-704
Teaching Deaf and Hard of Hearing Learners with Special Educational Needs (summer)*
This course focuses on providing students with basic information regarding the needs of deaf and hard of hearing learners with special educational needs, including (1) developmental disability, (2) emotional or behavioral disorder (3) learning disability, attention deficit disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or (4) visual impairment. Topics include incidence, identification, assessment, teaching strategies, and working with parents. The goal is to enable students to see students in a holistic fashion, and thus will include the perspectives of parents, teachers and deaf and hard of hearing learners with special educational needs. Learning strategies may include site visits, presentations, films, and interactive workshop style classes offered by experienced teachers, psychologists, counselors, disability advocates, and parents of learners with special educational needs. The course will regularly incorporate guest lecturers who have specialized expertise in teaching or research in one or more of the topic areas covered in the course. (Prerequisites: MSSE-703 or equivalent course and graduate standing in SEDDEAF-MS.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
 3
MSSE-710
General Instructional Methods
This introductory course provides an overview of the current theories of assessment, curriculum, instruction, and learning across diverse educational settings in the field of deaf education. The course covers the use of educational technologies to enhance the learning experiences of deaf students and options for classroom management, learning environment appropriate to K-12 classrooms, and methods for assessment. Reflection and application of effective instructional practices are demonstrated through microteaching and field-based experiences. To progress to MSSE-714 Practicum, student must obtain a grade of at least B in this course. (This class is restricted to SEDDEAF-MS Major students.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
 3
MSSE-712
Practicum†
As required by the New York State Education Department, each MSSE student is required to complete 100 hours of practicum experience during their first year in the program. This practicum experience provides students with opportunities to observe and reflect on their content, professional, pedagogical knowledge, skills and disposition in classroom settings at both schools for the deaf and mainstreamed programs. There will also be course-related observations. Students will also be required to attend selected Deaf culture events. After completion of all of the required observations, the students are required to submit a practicum experience portfolio. Guidelines will be provided to the student. The practicum experience must be completed with a grade of least a B before the first student teaching assignment. (Prerequisites: MSSE-710 or equivalent course with a minimum grade of B and graduate standing in SEDDEAF-MS.) Lecture 2 (Spring).
 2
MSSE-713
Assessment Principles and Practices
This course addresses assessment as educational decision-making, involving the selection and interpretation of assessment tools as applied to classroom-based student learning. The course focuses on students who are deaf and hard of hearing; including students with diverse learning needs. Assessment and educational planning for students are discussed as part of a cooperative model, including the relevant stakeholders in the decision-making process. This course also addresses the development and interpretation of both formative and summative assessment strategies in light of acceptable criteria of validity and reliability, and the absence of assessment bias. Criteria for evaluating the appropriateness of standardized tests, with emphasis on deaf and hard-of-hearing students, are discussed and practiced. Collection and interpretation of assessment information are applied to the development and revision of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). (This class is restricted to SEDDEAF-MS Major students.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
 3
MSSE-725
Structures of American Sign Language and English
This course concentrates on the linguistic structures of American Sign Language (ASL) and English. This course introduces students to the structural description of ASL and English languages at various levels (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and discourse/pragmatics). Issues related to language change and variation, language use in contact situations (for example, code-mode switching), and language use in education will be discussed. (This class is restricted to SEDDEAF-MS Major students.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
 3
MSSE-726
Language Acquisition and Learning (summer)*
This course introduces students to current theories of language acquisition and learning in educational settings. The stages of acquisition and learning, and variables that influence these processes will be included. Bilingual and second language acquisition and learning will also be addressed. Implications for instruction with Deaf students will be discussed. (Prerequisites: MSSE-725 or equivalent course and graduate standing in SEDDEAF-MS.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
 3
MSSE-727
American Sign Language in Instructional Delivery (summer)*
This course is designed to improve the sign language proficiencies of classroom teachers. It provides students strategies and skill building to teach content areas in and through sign language. Students will enhance their sign language skills for the purpose of conveying concepts to Deaf students clearly and accurately. Topics include signed instructional strategies, curriculum development in sign language, assessment modifications, student products in sign language, and vocabulary/ phrases for effective communication and instructional delivery. (Prerequisites: MSSE-725 or equivalent course and graduate standing in SEDDEAF-MS.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
 3
MSSE-785
Foundations of Educational Research
This course is an introduction to research and inquiry in education. The course includes the evaluation of selected Deaf education research studies, including methodologies, data collection and analyses, and implications of the studies to teaching and learning. Action research in the classroom is examined in depth. Students will prepare a review of literature and an action research plan related to a specific curriculum topic or problem in the learning/teaching of their content areas. The focus of the course is upon the student as a consumer rather than a practitioner of research, however the student will exit the course with basic practitioner knowledge, especially in the area of teacher research. (This class is restricted to SEDDEAF-MS Major students.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
 3
Second Year
MSSE-714
Curriculum Content and Methods of Instruction
Note: There are five discipline-specific courses here, designated by section: 01 (English), 02 (Mathematics), 03 (Science), 04 (Social Studies) and 05 (American Sign Language). Students will take only the section focusing on the content area in which they will be certified. Section 01 English. This course examines issues and methods related to teaching English in the secondary level to students who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing. Students investigate and analyze current approaches to curriculum, instruction and materials in the area of English instruction through readings, observations, and seminars. Students design content area projects to demonstrate a variety of methodological philosophies. Section 02 Mathematics. This course examines issues and methods related to teaching mathematics at the secondary level to students who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing. Current instructional methods, curriculum and professional resources in mathematics are studied through seminars, readings, special projects, observations and work with content-area specialists and teachers in secondary-level mathematics courses. Section 03 Science. This course examines issues and methods in teaching secondary-level science to Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing students, including the selection, modifications, and use of curriculum materials in science. Discussions will be concerned with instructional strategies, classroom managements, cognitive development, testing and evaluation, lab report writing and theories of science teaching. Students will be required to observe teachers in secondary level science courses. Section 04 Social Studies. This course examines issues and methods related to teaching social studies at the secondary level to students who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing. Through seminars, readings, special projects, and work with content area specialists/teachers, current instructional methods, curriculum and professional resources in social studies are examined. Students will be required to observe teachers of secondary level social studies courses at public schools, residential schools for Deaf students or in mainstream programs. Section 05 American Sign Language. This course examines issues and methods related to teaching American Sign Language at the secondary level. Students investigate and analyze current approaches to ASL curriculum, instruction, and materials through readings, observations, and seminars. Students design content area projects to demonstrate their understanding of teaching theories and methods, curriculum design, and evaluation techniques. To progress to MSSE-760, students must obtain a minimum grade of B in this course. (Prerequisites: MSSE-710 and MSSE-712 or equivalent course with a minimum grade of B and graduate standing in SEDDEAF-MS.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
 3
MSSE-715
Issues in Mainstreamed Education
This course will prepare students to work with Deaf and Hard of Hearing children and youth with a broad range of disabilities and educational needs in mainstreamed school settings. The course is designed to foster acceptance of diversity among individuals as well as to develop skills in writing appropriate Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), including behavior modification methods, communication strategies, and psycho-educational approaches. (This class is restricted to SEDDEAF-MS Major students.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
 3
MSSE-722
Educational Audiology and Spoken Language Development
This course provides a basic understanding of the mechanisms of hearing and speech and causes of hearing loss. Emphasis is placed on development of a functional understanding of speech perception, speech development, hearing aids, cochlear implants, and assistive listening devices. Procedures for audiological and speech/language assessment are examined, together with strategies for supporting use and development of spoken language in the classroom. (This class is restricted to SEDDEAF-MS Major students.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
 3
MSSE-728
Literacy and the Deaf Adolescent
This course is designed to familiarize students with the process involved in English literacy development. Particular emphasis is placed on the literacy development of deaf and hard-of-hearing students in grades 7-12. Students learn about various language and literacy instructional methods and how to incorporate literacy instruction into all secondary content area classrooms. (Prerequisites: MSSE-726 or equivalent course and graduate standing in SEDDEAF-MS.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
 3
MSSE-760
Student Teaching I
This first assignment consists of 8 weeks (40 days or 250 hours) of teaching and observation. Teacher candidates are placed with cooperating teachers in residential schools for the Deaf or mainstreamed programs. They develop lesson and unit plans and teach in the content area in which they plan to receive New York State certification. To progress to MSSE-761, students must pass this student teaching assignment with a minimum grade of B and submit a student teaching portfolio. (Prerequisites: MSSE-714 or equivalent course with a minimum grade of B and MLAS-202 or equivalent course with a minimum grade of C- and graduate standing in SEDDEAF-MS.) Lec/Lab 6 (Spring).
 6
MSSE-761
Student Teaching II
This second assignment consists of 8 weeks (40 days or 250 hours) of teaching and observation. Student teachers are placed with cooperating teachers in residential schools for the Deaf or mainstreamed program. They develop lesson and unit plans and teach in the content area in which they plan to receive New York State certification. Students must pass this student teaching assignment with a minimum grade of B and submit a student teaching portfolio. (Prerequisites: MSSE-760 or equivalent course with a minimum grade of B and graduate standing in SEDDEAF-MS.) Lec/Lab 6 (Spring).
 6
MSSE-790
Professional Portfolio
The professional portfolio presents a clear picture of pre-service professional growth and accomplishments in the complex teaching field. It demonstrates a teacher candidate's reflective and constructive professional performance. The performance includes, but is not limited to, the teacher candidate's actual teaching, reflecting on learning and teaching, developing and implementing lessons, conducting qualitative and quantitative research projects, and applying theory and research to practice. The portfolio includes extensive evidence of teaching and learning experience, including teaching philosophy, pedagogy, classroom management, and the integration of research and teaching. Professional portfolios will be reviewed by a committee of program faculty for approval. (Prerequisites: MSSE-714 and MSSE-785 or equivalent course with a minimum grade of B and graduate standing in SEDDEAF-MS.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
 3
MSSE-794
Inquiry in Teaching (optional elective)
This is an elective enrichment course that facilitates development of scholarship skills in conjunction with the completion of an independent project on an important educational topic. The project may be an experimental study that creates new knowledge, curriculum development that results in a novel and tangible product, a comprehensive review and analysis of a body of literature, or a grant proposal suitable for submission to funding sources. Students will seek a project mentor by the end of their first semester and will work independently under the guidance of that mentor. A committee of program faculty will evaluate the final written report for level of critical thinking, integration of concepts, clarity of expression, and adherence to the principles of scientific inquiry. (Prerequisites: MSSE-785 or equivalent course and graduate standing in SEDDEAF-MS.) Ind Study 3 (Spring).
 (3)
Total Semester Credit Hours
62

* Two week on-campus summer residency required in summer between Year One and Year Two.

† DASA Training required by accrediting body for teaching certification is offered during MSSE-712.

Note for online students

The frequency of required and elective course offerings in the online program will vary, semester by semester, and will not always match the information presented here. Online students are advised to seek guidance from the listed program contact when developing their individual program course schedule.

Admissions and Financial Aid

This program is available on-campus or online.

On Campus

Offered Admit Term(s) Application Deadline STEM Designated
Full-time Fall Rolling Yes

Online

Offered Admit Term(s) Application Deadline STEM Designated
Full-time Fall Rolling No

Full-time study is 9+ semester credit hours. International students requiring a visa to study at the RIT Rochester campus must study full‑time.

Application Details

To be considered for admission to the Secondary Education of Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing MS program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

English Language Test Scores

International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores. Some international applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver.

TOEFL IELTS PTE Academic
79 6.5 56

International students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Each program requires balanced sub-scores when determining an applicant’s need for additional English language courses.

How to Apply Start or Manage Your Application

Cost and Financial Aid

An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Graduate tuition varies by degree, the number of credits taken per semester, and delivery method. Because RIT receives federal support, students in the MSSE program pay less than RIT's regular tuition rate. View the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing and Hearing NTID-Supported Students tuition section in cost of attendance

A combination of sources can help fund your graduate degree. Learn how to fund your degree

Additional Information

New York State Certification Prerequisites

For Dual Certification: 30 semester credit hours in a content area are required by the New York State Education Department for initial certification to teach a secondary content area (grades 7-12). Students who do not have the required number of hours must complete the additional credits before applying for New York State certification. Secondary academic subjects include American Sign Language, English, mathematics, social studies, or science. Please note: The social studies content area includes economics and government, and requires at least 21 semester hours in the history and geography of the United States and the world.

Online Study Restrictions for Some International Students

Certain countries are subject to comprehensive embargoes under US Export Controls, which prohibit virtually ALL exports, imports, and other transactions without a license or other US Government authorization. Learners from the Crimea region of the Ukraine, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Syria may not register for RIT online courses. Nor may individuals on the United States Treasury Department’s list of Specially Designated Nationals or the United States Commerce Department’s table of Deny Orders. By registering for RIT online courses, you represent and warrant that you are not located in, under the control of, or a national or resident of any such country or on any such list.

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Contact

Admissions Contact
  • Rick Postl
  • Director of NTID Admissions
  • NTID Enrollment Management
  • National Technical Institute for the Deaf
  • 585‑286‑5020-VP
  • Rick.Postl@rit.edu
Program Contact
Offered within the
MS in Secondary Education Program