Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Professions in Deafness (PID), concentration in Advocacy and Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
This concentration prepares students to empower individuals who are Deaf, Deaf-Blind or hard of hearing. Students develop skills to recognize individual needs (e.g., related to age, gender, ethnicity, and language ability) and match appropriate services where needed. Students collaborate with service providers from multiple agencies to develop rehabilitation/habitation plans that meet the needs of individuals.
Example Careers:
Deaf Services Specialist, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Case Manager, Disability Service Coordinator, Community Advocate, Parent Educator, Job Placement Specialist, Telecommunications Specialist, Deaf-Blind Service Coordinator, Independent Living Counselor
Designed For
Students who have an interest in serving as an advocate for members of the deaf community. Courses focus on the application of federal and state laws as they relate to communication access for children and adults who are Deaf, Deaf-Blind, late-deafened or hard of hearing and their families. This is the only program of its kind at the undergraduate level in the southeastern U.S. that is specifically geared towards advocating and providing services to individuals who are Deaf, Deaf-Blind or hard of hearing.
Career Opportunities
Students have the opportunity to narrow their focus during their course of study, to work with Deaf-Blind individuals or with children. This program has developed partnerships with numerous government agencies, health-related organizations and non-profit organizations. While in this program, students attend various workshops, volunteer at agency/organization meetings or conferences to network. Students also complete an internship during their final semester of study. Upon graduation, students often seek graduate training in counseling, vocational rehabilitation, and other related social service areas.
Minimum Program Requirements
- Signed and completed forms outlining Technical Standards, Dispositions and Program Requirements
- Satisfactory progress on Dispositions Review each semester
- Continued demonstration of required competencies outlined in the Technical Standards
- Passing score on Professions in Deafness benchmark assessments
- Achievement of a B- (2.50) or higher in SES courses
- Overall GPA of 2.50 or higher