Program Overview

CAGS in Education of the Deaf Program Details

The CAGS sequence in Education of the Deaf is typically a one-year, full-time specialization (36 units) for students who wish to enhance their current careers by acquiring knowledge and experience in Deaf Studies or Deaf Education, or to attain the background necessary for further graduate study or a career change.

Program Overview

• The program is designed for students who are interested in working in various fields related to Deaf Education.
• This program does not lead to licensure nor does it lead to a master’s degree.
• The CAGS takes into account the background and training those individuals bring to the program.

Areas of Expertise

• ASL knowledge
• Deaf culture and history
• Deaf literature
• Literacy
• Learning
• Bilingual education of the Deaf

Prerequisite Courses

• WED DE 300 Introduction to the Deaf World (4 units)
• WED DE 350 Deaf History and Culture (4 units)
• WED DE 386 Applied ASL (2 units)
• WED LS 565 Introduction to Language and Linguistics
• WED LS 566 Language of Acquisition
• Research course (4 units)

Coursework Requirements

• Coursework in American Sign Language, language acquisition, and general education is required before entering graduate-level courses.
• Some prerequisites may be offered at Boston University in the summer.
• Others may be taken during the course of the program.
• Students are required to meet these prerequisites by taking the required classes at Boston University or by providing proof of equivalent coursework taken at another institution.

Program Requirements for Applicants with a Master's in an Unrelated Field

Required Courses

• WED DE 672 Sign Language Structure (4 units)
• WED DE 691 Advanced Seminar: Learning and the Deaf (2 units)
• 5 additional courses from CAGS core courses (20 units)
  • WED DE 551 Teaching Deaf Literature and Visual Arts
  • WED DE 572 Social Psychology and the Deaf World
  • WED DE 575 ASL Development in Deaf Children
  • WED DE 576 Bilingual ASL/English Development, Assessment, and Planning for Deaf Children
  • WED DE 577 ASL/English Bilingual Instruction
  • WED DE 578 ASL/English Literacy Instruction
  • WED LS 727 Topical Seminar in Literacy, Language & Cultural Studies (variable units)
• Two independent study courses (6 units)
• One elective course (4 units)

Program Requirements for Licensed Teachers

Required Courses

• WED DE 691 Advanced Seminar: Learning and the Deaf (2 units) (required)
• 6 courses (24 units) that align with the subject specialization agreed upon with the advisor
• 2 electives (8 units)
• One independent study course (2 units)

ASL Language Proficiency Requirements

• Competency in American Sign Language is required prior to entry to the program.
• Coursework is offered in American Sign Language to develop a level of performance and competency required for the entrance to the program.
• Students must complete an ASL proficiency examination to participate in the program and score at intermediate + or above on the ASLPI rating.

Graduation Requirements

• All CAGS applicants will meet with their advisor to discuss, plan, and design a major research paper or thesis based on the specialized field.
• CAGS candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive examination as a part of the CAGS degree.
• Students must file a formal application for the examination with the Program Director and faculty advisor.
• This is typically done in concert with WED DE 691 Advanced Seminar: Learning and the Deaf.