Deaf Studies
A program that focuses on the sociological, historical and linguistic aspects of the deaf and hearing impaired, and that prepares individuals to work with the deaf and hearing impaired. Includes instruction in American Sign Language, deaf studies, American deaf culture, structure of American Sign Language, history of the American deaf community, and civil rights of deaf people.
- Schools offering
- 20
- Annual completions
- 260
- Typical degree level
- Associate's + Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $52k
About this major
A program that focuses on the sociological, historical and linguistic aspects of the deaf and hearing impaired, and that prepares individuals to work with the deaf and hearing impaired. Includes instruction in American Sign Language, deaf studies, American deaf culture, structure of American Sign Language, history of the American deaf community, and civil rights of deaf people.
Examples of specialized tracks: Deaf Studies, American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Studies.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interpreters and translators | $59k | +1.7% | Bachelor's degree |
| Area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondary | $84k | +2.4% | Doctoral or professional degree |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$52k
Associate's vs Bachelor's — early-career earnings
Associate's
$35k
Bachelor's
$52k
Top colleges for Deaf Studies
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California State University-Northridge | Northridge, CA | 0 | 85 | 85 |
| California State University-Long Beach | Long Beach, CA | 0 | 30 | 30 |
| Gallaudet University | Washington, DC | 0 | 23 | 23 |
| Community College of Baltimore County | Baltimore, MD | 19 | 0 | 19 |
| California State University-Fresno | Fresno, CA | 0 | 18 | 18 |
| California State University-Sacramento | Sacramento, CA | 0 | 15 | 15 |
| Towson University | Towson, MD | 0 | 14 | 14 |
| Georgia State University | Atlanta, GA | 0 | 12 | 12 |
| Carolina University | Winston-Salem, NC | 0 | 11 | 11 |
| Western Nevada College | Carson City, NV | 8 | 0 | 8 |
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