The only public 4-year program of its kind in North Carolina. At UNC Greensboro, undergraduates choose from three concentrations: Advocacy and Services for the Deaf (prepares professionals to work with individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing via community service agencies); Interpreter Preparation (prepares professionals to work as interpreters in community and educational settings); and K–12 Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teacher Licensure (prepares teachers to provide educational services for children who are Deaf or hard of hearing from K-12).
Students are prepared to professionally serve children, youth, and adults who are Deaf or hard of hearing following a bilingual (ASL and English), tri-modal (sign, written, speech as appropriate), and multicultural (Deaf, hearing, home cultures) philosophy.
Potential career paths include teacher, sign language interpreter, Deaf services specialist, vocational rehabilitation counselor, disability service coordinator, community advocate, parent educator, job placement specialist, telecommunications specialist, and independent living counselor.
The Student Experience
- Extensive field and internship experiences are offered in educational settings, government and community agencies, and health-related and nonprofit organizations.
- Students collaborate with faculty, staff, and doctoral students on research studies and projects.
- Opportunities are given to study abroad and experience international Deaf communities.
- Specialized training in communication modes is offered through American Sign Language (ASL) classes and the Sign Language Laboratory.
- Supervised experiences are available for student observations, volunteer work, and practicum in area public schools and other settings.
- Students actively participate in conferences, volunteer placements, professional development, and other networking opportunities.
Program Distictions
- 100% of interpreting graduates pass the National Interpreter Certification (written).
- More than 90% of education graduates obtain employment as teachers within and outside of North Carolina.
- 40 states within the U.S. accept N.C. teaching licensure.
- All areas of study focus on the unique educational needs of Deaf and hard of hearing children, emphasizing language acquisition, teaching methods, and communication modes.
- Faculty have extensive experience in the field, including former K-12 teachers and interpreters. Samuel Parker, interpreter coordinator, served as the lead interpreter for President Bill Clinton’s inauguration among other high-profile roles.
WHY UNCG?
UNC Greensboro offers a unique campus vibe where students are authentically welcomed and accepted as they are. We’re NC’s most diverse university and a place where students come to learn from one another’s experiences.
- 300+ student clubs and organizations
- State-of-the-art esports arena
- 17 NCAA Division I sports teams
- Beautiful, historic campus
- Location in NC’s 3rd largest city, home to 40,000 college students
