Established in 1945, USAO’s deaf education program prepares teachers to provide appropriate and effective educational opportunities to deaf and hard-of-hearing students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
Graduates of the program are employed in a wide variety of educational settings, including public school programs, residential schools, charter schools, and private schools.
With a nationwide shortage of qualified educators, graduates in this high-demand field have many employment options available to them. Additionally, teachers in special education fields are often compensated at a higher rate than other teaching professionals.
All requirements for teacher certification programs are subject to change if new requirements are established by the Oklahoma State Board of Education, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education or the Office of Educational Quality and Accountability (OEQA).
Why Major in Deaf Education at USAO?
- Second-oldest such program west of the Mississippi.
- High-demand field.
- Learn from diverse and dynamic instructors who inspire you to succeed.
- Broadly based interdisciplinary curriculum prepares effective educators.
- Get real-world education experience through student-teaching courses.
- Work with the Jane Brooks/Oklahoma School for the Deaf. Learn more.
- Pursue original research with opportunities to present and publish.
- Small classes: expect an atmosphere where your professors know your name.
Career Possibilities
- Primary, secondary or college educator for the deaf and hard-of-hearing
Students will be certified Deaf Education K-12 and chosen content area to teach in a public school.
Degree Checksheet