Question 1

What is the BS in Deaf Studies?

Accepted Answer

It is a major at Boston University Wheelock College of Education and Human Development that explores the culture, history, contributions, and contemporary issues of Deaf people in the United States. Core courses are taught in American Sign Language by faculty who signs in ASL.

Question 2

Do I need to know ASL before I start the program?

Accepted Answer

No. The program is built for students starting from the beginning. You take American Sign Language I through IV as part of the major, and must complete ASL coursework before moving into advanced core Deaf Studies courses.

Question 3

What classes will I take?

Accepted Answer

Along with Boston University's Hub general education requirements, you take Deaf Studies courses such as Introduction to the Deaf World, Deaf History and Culture, Deaf Literature and Visual Arts, Sign Language Structure, Language Acquisition, and a senior Capstone in Deaf Studies. The full major totals 128 units.

Question 4

What hands on experience does the program include?

Accepted Answer

Every student completes a field placement during senior year, working Fridays at a school or agency that serves Deaf people. You also complete at least 15 hours of Deaf community service each year, for 60 hours total by graduation.

Question 5

Can I spend a term at Gallaudet University?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can spend the spring term of junior year taking electives at Gallaudet University, a leading Deaf university. This needs to be planned with your faculty advisor, ideally by the fall term of junior year.

Question 6

What academic standards do I need to meet to stay in the program?

Accepted Answer

You need a grade of B minus or higher in American Sign Language I to continue in the major, and that course can be repeated once if needed. Demonstrated ASL competency is required throughout the program, and you must pass an ASL proficiency exit test before graduation.

Question 7

Is financial aid available?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Deaf Studies students are eligible for the same financial aid as all Boston University undergraduates, including aid based on financial need, scholarships, and federal aid through the FAFSA. Contact BU Financial Services at bu.edu/finaid for details on your specific aid package.

Question 8

How do I apply or declare this major?

Accepted Answer

Since fall 2022, new undergraduates no longer apply directly to the BS in Deaf Studies. Instead, they apply to the BS in Education and Human Development and can pursue a Deaf Studies focus within that degree. Students already in the BS in Deaf Studies before that change continue and complete the original program. Current BU students interested in Deaf Studies should contact the program director to discuss options.

Question 9

What can I do with this degree?

Accepted Answer

Graduates go on to work in advocacy, community organizations, and education roles that serve the Deaf community. The major also builds a strong foundation for further study, including BU's EdM in Deaf Education for students pursuing licensure as teachers of the Deaf.

Question 10

What is the Minor in Deaf Studies?

Accepted Answer

It is a minor open to any Boston University student that builds American Sign Language skills and knowledge of Deaf history, culture, and literature. It requires a minimum of 24 units.

Question 11

Do I need to know ASL before I start?

Accepted Answer

No. The minor's core courses are American Sign Language I through IV, so you begin as a beginner.

Question 12

What classes are required?

Accepted Answer

The core is 16 units of American Sign Language I through IV. You then choose 8 units of electives from courses such as Introduction to the Deaf World, Deaf History and Culture, Deaf Literature and Visual Arts, Social Psychology and the Deaf World, Sign Language Structure, Applied ASL, and Academic ASL.

Question 13

What grade do I need to maintain?

Accepted Answer

You need a C or higher in every course counted toward the minor.

Question 14

Is financial aid available?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As a Boston University undergraduate, you qualify for the same financial aid as any other student, including aid based on financial need and federal aid through the FAFSA. Reach BU's financial aid office at bu.edu/finaid.

Question 15

What is the Minor in Deaf Education?

Accepted Answer

A minor that builds foundations in language, literacy, and cognitive development for working in Deaf education, centered on a multilingual ASL and English approach. It is open to students across the University.

Question 16

Does this minor lead to teaching licensure?

Accepted Answer

No. The minor by itself does not lead to licensure. It is designed for students who want a deeper understanding of Deaf education, or who plan to pursue a graduate degree and licensure afterward, such as BU's EdM in Deaf Education.

Question 17

What classes are required?

Accepted Answer

Required courses include Deaf Literature and Visual Arts, ASL V, ASL VI, two ASL and English instructional methods courses covering content areas and literacy, and a course in either diversity and social justice within Deaf communities or teaching and creating ASL literature.

Question 18

What if I want dual licensure later?

Accepted Answer

Students planning to pursue dual licensure should also take one additional course, such as Early Language and Social Learning in Deaf Children, Disability Studies and Deaf Education, Social Psychology and the Deaf World, Sign Language Structure, Teaching ASL as a First Language, or Teaching English Language Learners.

Question 19

What is the Double Terrier Scholarship?

Accepted Answer

It is a guaranteed 25% tuition scholarship for Boston University alumni who earned a bachelor's degree at BU and enroll in an eligible BU master's program. It is awarded automatically upon admission, so there is no separate application to submit.

Question 20

Who is eligible?

Accepted Answer

You qualify if you earned a bachelor's degree from Boston University or the former Wheelock College, and you are admitted to an eligible BU master's program with a start term of Summer 2026 or later.

Question 21

Which master's programs qualify?

Accepted Answer

Most BU master's programs starting Summer 2026 or later are eligible, including the EdM in Deaf Education.

Question 22

Does it combine with other BU scholarships?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but the total stays at a guaranteed minimum of 25% of tuition rather than stacking on top of it. Other BU scholarships count toward that 25%. If your other awards already total more than 25%, you keep that higher amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BS in Deaf Studies?

Do I need to know ASL before I start the program?

What classes will I take?

What hands on experience does the program include?

Can I spend a term at Gallaudet University?

What academic standards do I need to meet to stay in the program?

Is financial aid available?

How do I apply or declare this major?

What can I do with this degree?

What is the Minor in Deaf Studies?

Do I need to know ASL before I start?

What classes are required?

What grade do I need to maintain?

Is financial aid available?

What is the Minor in Deaf Education?

Does this minor lead to teaching licensure?

What classes are required?

What if I want dual licensure later?

What is the Double Terrier Scholarship?

Who is eligible?

Which master's programs qualify?

Does it combine with other BU scholarships?