The track is a super flexible one year program. It can be done remote or in person. You can take the courses you want, in consultation with your advisor, that meet your interests and needs.

You can get involved with the research and participate in the lab meetings and join ongoing research activities.

This degree is great for people who want to be involved in research, maybe doing a PhD later.

It is also great for people who don’t want to work in environments that require a teaching license: museums, state, policy, or the federal level. There are lots of different roles people want that don’t need a license.

This track is also a great option for currently licensed teachers who don’t need a license but want extra experience using a bilingual approach.

Initial Teacher Preparation, Single License: The single licensure track is for people who need an initial teaching license. It leads to a Teacher of the Deaf license for pre-k to 12th grade. It requires 48 credits, with most classes offered remotely and two required in-person experiences.

Dual licensure Dual Licensure means obtaining a Deaf Ed licensure plus a second license in either teaching DeafDisabled students or Early Childhood Education. This program requires 60 credits, with a few required in-person classes at Boston University.

Licensure is given in the state of Massachusetts, but there is a reciprocal agreement so that license can transfer to every other state. Getting a license in MA will not stop you from teaching in other states!

If you want the Research, Advocacy, and Leadership strand, it can be either full-time in person or remotely; it is up to you!

If you want to pursue the licensure strand to become a teacher and just want one licensure. The only in-person experiences required is the one week at the beginning of the program when you come to Boston, familiarize yourself with the program, and get immersed. Then, we have another field experience called the Boston University Bridges program, where we pick one school for the deaf, and the whole cohort travels there for one week to teach and see their bilingual curriculum first-hand!

If you want the the dual licensure strand, there are three additional courses that require in-person classes here in Boston, otherwise it is the same as the single licensure strand!

Maybe you’re already a licensed teacher, or you want to work in a country where a US-based teaching license isn’t needed. You can still take our program, and it actually makes the program more flexible. You can choose the courses you are interested in!

We value flexibility. We value your time.

Yes! Our faculty also have office hours where you can get individual support for classes, homework, and projects. There is a writing center for folks who want help with writing.

After you apply, we will review the applications, and once we do, you will automatically be considered for scholarships. Many of our students do not pay the full price.

Click here for more information on financial aid.

There are lots of opportunities to get involved in research. You can join the lab for research meetings, we often have guest presenters sharing their research. We also host a conference on language development every year. There are also often research positions available to graduate students.

Most Boston University students live off-campus and secure housing through popular rental platforms like Apartments.com, Zillow, and other online listings, social media housing groups, or referrals from other students. It's common for students to find apartments in nearby neighborhoods such as Allston, Brighton, Brookline, and Fenway. These areas are accessible by public transportation and offer a range of housing options.

Yes. Boston University offers a limited number of on-campus housing options for graduate students. These accommodations are located in various residence buildings across campus and are designed to provide convenient and community-oriented living for students enrolled in graduate or professional programs. You can find detailed information, including application deadlines and room types, on the Graduate Housing page.

Yes. Boston University provides accessible housing for students who need disability-related accommodations. The university works closely with students to ensure living environments meet specific accessibility needs. For more information about the process and how to request accessible housing, visit Disability & Access Services – Housing Accommodations.

Yes! There are vibrant deaf and signing events happening regularly in Boston and the surrounding suburbs. Many of our students and community members participate in events shared through a Facebook group called Boston Deaf Night Out. This group organizes social gatherings like:

• Deaf Night Out (DNO) at local restaurants

• Game nights

• Movie outings

• Coffee chats

• Community picnics and seasonal events

These events are open to deaf, hard of hearing, and signing allies who want to connect in a welcoming, accessible environment.

You can join or browse upcoming events here: Boston Deaf Night Out | Facebook (Facebook account required)

No! Students from all over the world can apply and earn this degree. Our program welcomes deaf, hard of hearing, and signing students globally. Whether you're based in the U.S. or internationally, you'll have access to the same courses, faculty, and support systems.

Absolutely! Boston University has over 450 student organizations, so there’s something for everyone. Whether you're interested in cultural groups, advocacy, the arts, sports, or academic enrichment, you’ll find opportunities to connect, lead, and build community.

You can explore the full list of student orgs and learn how to get involved here: BU Student Activities

The priority deadline is January 15 , applying by this date ensures full consideration for scholarships.

Applications submitted after January 15 will still be reviewed, but scholarship opportunities may be limited.

We strongly encourage students to apply by the priority deadline if possible!

No, we do not require the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or any other standardized test scores as part of the application.

Instead, your application should include:

• A statement of purpose

• Transcripts from all prior academic institutions

• A resume

• Letters of recommendation

• A video in American Sign Language (ASL)

While field experience is not required, we give preference to applicants who are fluent in sign language and are committed to working with deaf communities.

In order to get a license, you have to demonstrate fluency in ASL, but you don't need to arrive at BU fully fluent. All students take an ASL class placement evaluation upon admission, and we figure out what ASL classes you need to take. All of our Deaf Education courses are taught in ASL, and we provide interpreters for students who need translation.

Because communication needs vary, we will teach this class in a hybrid, synchronous format. The in person classrooms are outfitted with high quality cameras, and remote participants join by Zoom. Classes typically meet in the late afternoon or evening Eastern Time.

Boston University is located in one of the most accessible parts of Boston, with several transportation options that make getting around easy and convenient.

The MBTA Green Line (B branch) runs directly through campus with 9 stops along Commonwealth Avenue, providing quick access to BU buildings, housing, and nearby neighborhoods.

The 57 bus follows a similar route with 10 stops near or on BU’s campus, offering a reliable surface-level option across the city.

BU also operates its own shuttle system (the BU Shuttle or "BUS"), which runs between the Charles River Campus and the Medical Campus in the South End, making it easier for students, staff, and faculty to travel between the two.

For those who prefer biking, Bluebikes, Boston’s bike-share program, has multiple docking stations in and around BU. Whether you're commuting across campus, heading downtown, or connecting to the rest of Boston, BU’s transportation network makes it all accessible.

Our program is designed for connection and collaboration. Most classes are small, which fosters an engaging learning environment where students build strong relationships with peers and faculty. These small group settings allow for rich discussions, shared learning from diverse experiences, and personalized feedback from instructors.

It depends on the strand, but for the Deaf Education strand, most students complete the program in about two years.

The first year and a half focuses on coursework, including theory, pedagogy, and language development. The final semester is dedicated to a supervised practicum experience in the field, where students put their learning into practice with deaf and hard of hearing children.

Yes! Many of our students balance work and school successfully. We understand the realities of working professionals, which is why our classes are primarily offered in the evenings. The program is structured to be rigorous, yet flexible and supportive, recognizing that graduate students often wear multiple hats.

Field placements are determined in close consultation with your advisor and based on your career goals, interests, and location preferences. Students have completed practicums in a wide range of settings, from public schools and bilingual programs to early intervention agencies and specialized schools for the deaf. Some placements are local to Massachusetts, while others are arranged across the U.S., depending on availability.

Yes! Our students have successfully completed practicum experiences in places like Texas, New Mexico, Tennessee, Florida, and Washington, DC. The program team and advisors works closely with students to secure practicum placements that align with their goals, wherever that may take them.

We’re proud of our growing network of alumni who are making a difference across the country in deaf education, early childhood, advocacy, and policy. Alumni stay connected through national conferences, professional development events, and school partnerships.

Our faculty and advisors continue to serve as mentors and collaborators well beyond graduation. We also offer opportunities for alumni to engage with current students, share their expertise, and remain part of a vibrant, mission-driven community.

Yes. Financial support may be available through Boston University’s scholarships, assistantships, and aid packages. Contact the financial aid office for details here: https://www.bu.edu/wheelock/admissions-financial-aid/graduate-admissions/financial-aid/

You can also bring your questions to: wheaid@bu.edu.