The Teachers College is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Learn more.
Our 100 percent online graduate license addition in Exceptional Needs: Deaf and Hard of Hearing prepares k-12 teachers of deaf and hard of hearing students (D/HH) in a variety of settings and across content areas, to meet the learning and language needs of D/HH learners. You will gain a strong professional groundwork and knowledge of the different philosophies, theories, and evidence-based strategies that are used in deaf education.
After taking our courses, you will understand assistive technology, listening devices, and how to establish a learning environment that supports the needs of D/HH learners. You'll also gain the skills to use assessments to write individual education programs (IEPs), collaborate with other professionals, guide instruction, and work with families.
Pursuing this add-on license will also take you most of the way to the master of arts degree in special education since the required classes can be applied to the masters. To meet the requirements for the master's, you must complete 30 credits of graduate coursework in special education, including a research methods course, SPCE 636: Research in Special Education.
License Evaluation
If you wish to obtain an add-on teaching license for Exceptional Needs: Deaf and Hard of Hearing, you are required to get a license evaluation from Ball State’s Office of Teacher Education Services and Clinical Practice before starting the program. The evaluation will provide you with a list of courses and exam requirements for an approved Indiana teaching license in deaf education.
Course Requirements
- SNLN 651 American Sign Language 1 (3 credits)
- SNLN 652 American Sign Language 2 (3 credits)
- SPCE 600 Education of Exceptional Children (3 credits)
- SPCE 640 Introduction to Deaf Education (3 credits)
- SPCE 641 Introduction to Speech and Language Development for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students (3 credits)
- SPCE 642 Collaborating with Professionals and Families in the Field of Deaf Education (3 credits)
- SPCE 643 Teaching Strategies for Speech, Language, and Social Communication for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students (3 credits)
- SPCE 644 Assessments and Standards-Based Programming for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students (3 credits)
- SPCE 645 Reading Methods for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students (3 credits)
- SPCE 670 Practicum in Deaf Education (3 credits)
View Course Catalog
Academic Advisor
Contact your advisor, who can answer questions you have about our program.
Paying for Your Exceptional Needs: Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing License
Indiana Special Education Assisted Licensure (I-SEAL) scholarships are available to help fund 24 credits of the Exceptional Needs: Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing add-on teaching license as you work towards completing it. To be eligible, you need to:
- Show that you’re currently teaching as an underqualified Special Education teacher in a public school
- Have documented history of course completion and academic aptitude to complete licensure course work
- Have a letter of support from your school administrator
- Submit a letter of intent to continue as a special education teacher for at least two years after earning your license
Review the requirements and find out if you qualify. If you have any questions about the I-SEAL scholarship, contact Maria Sciuchetti.
Ball State has joined the Federal Academic Alliance and is offering reduced tuition rates for all eligible, non-Indiana resident Federal Government Employees (civil servants), spouses, dependents, and retirees who enroll in online graduate-level programs and courses through Ball State’s Teachers College. Learn more.
More about Online Learning
Ready to Apply?
You will first want to check if you meet the admission requirements for the Ball State Graduate School. Then you may apply.
No GRE is required.
Applications
Admission to Ball State is selective, and we carefully evaluate all applications on an individual basis. Applying for admission is easy. Use our convenient, comprehensive, and secure online application.
GET STARTED
Ball State is authorized by the U.S. Department of Education to accept online students from all U.S. states. However, if you are considering a program that leads to professional licensure, some states may have additional regulations. Review our state authorization website if you live outside of Indiana and contact us if you have questions.
Want to Learn More?
Do you have questions about this program or online learning? We’re here to help! You may request more information using our online form, or feel free to reach out directly to one of our staff.