Deaf Studies
Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.E.)
Quick Facts
Main Campus (Tucson)
In Person
The US has a shortage of interpreters for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, especially those who are qualified to work in elementary and secondary schools. A Deaf Studies degree prepares students to work with Deaf and hard-of-hearing people in a variety of settings, including education. Become fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) and gain immersive experience as you prepare for a variety of fields working alongside diverse Deaf communities.
Cultivate and understanding of and respect for Deaf cultures.
Study current models of ASL interpretation and translation.
Gain collaboration and leadership skills to promote access and equity in your community.
An emphasis is required for this degree, students can pursue the Educational Interpreting Emphasis or design their own with the program coordinator. A full tuition waiver and living stipend are available for qualified full-time students pursuing the Educational Interpreting emphasis who agree to work as interpreters in the US public school system. Contact Alex Lynch for more information.
This degree will prepare you for careers in many fields, including:
- Schools
- Nonprofits
- Private agencies
- Informal educational settings
- SERP 444A: ASL Discourse Processes - Intensive ASL
- SERP 433A: Introduction to the Structure of ASL
- SERP 433B: Languages and Cultures of the Deaf Communities
- SERP 452: Introduction to Educational Interpreting
View a 4-year sample course plan: General Emphasis
View a 4-Year Sample Course Plan: Educational Interpreting Emphasis
ASL Dual Enrollment
Students attending Tucson area high schools can dual enroll in ASL I and II (SERP 370A and 370B), which teach students about basic skills in ASL vocabulary, grammar, and use. These classes are required for BSE Deaf Studies and can also be accepted as credit towards the University of Arizona’s second language requirement.
Partner schools: Tucson High School, Ampitheater High School, Canyon del Oro High School, Andrada Polytechnic High School, Marana High School
Cost: $599 per course
How to Declare this Major
Students can apply to the Deaf Studies program after they have completed approximately 60 credits (usually at the end of their 4th semester). To be eligible to declare this major, students must have completed all composition and math requirements, as well as 4 semesters of ASL. Admission requires two professional letters of recommendation and an Identity-Verified Prints (IVP) card issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (educational interpreting emphasis only). Learn more information about professional admission and professional preparation.
Ready to learn more?
Students can declare this major at any time by meeting with the advisor but must apply for advanced standing into a program emphasis after they have completed approximately 60 credits (usually at the end of their 4th semester). To be eligible for professional admission, students must have completed all composition and math requirements, as well as ASL through fourth semester level. Admission also requires two professional letters of recommendation and an Identity-Verified Prints (IVP) card issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Students must take the SERP 444A entrance course and educational interpreting admission is determined through a professional interview at the end of this course in addition to their application materials.