- Information for Current Students
- Information for Transfer Students
- Information for Prospective Students
- Deaf Studies Minor
- American Sign Language
- Frequently Asked Questions
About TCNJ’s Program in Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
The teacher preparation program in Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is a five-year integrated bachelor’s and master’s of arts program which culminates in two certifications: one in Education of the Deaf or Hard of Hearing and one in Elementary Education. The program is designed for students who have completed high school and are first-time freshman and for transfer students from community colleges or other four-year programs. Previous coursework or knowledge of sign language is not necessary for acceptance into the program. Students are given credit for Advanced Placement. Please check the TCNJ website for transferable AP scores and college course equivalents.
The deaf education program is based on the School of Education’s Conceptual Framework for preparing exemplary professionals and meets all of the standards of the Council on Education of the Deaf (CED) as well as the requirements of the State of New Jersey for certification as a Teacher of the Deaf or Hard of Hearing, K-12 as well as for certification as an elementary level teacher. Having completed a dual major in a liberal arts area and in deaf education, students will earn a bachelor’s degree without teacher certification at the end of their fourth year. The course of study continues through the following summer and academic year and culminates with the student’s earning a master’s degree and all applicable certifications. Students will need to meet all requirements of The College of New Jersey and the School of Education at the end of the fourth year in order to be admitted to the fifth year. At the undergraduate level, students must select one of the following liberal arts majors in addition to the Deaf Education major: art, English, mathematics, history, biology, Spanish, music, psychology, sociology, women and gender studies, or math/science/technology. Students whose dual major is in a teachable subject area (i.e., not psychology or sociology) will have the opportunity to seek a subject matter specialization to teach that subject in grades 6-8 and grades 9-12.