Deaf Studies

The Deaf Studies Program is a dynamic organization committed to a better understanding and improved communications with the Deaf community.  Deaf Studies students and faculty will reflect the diversity of both the Towson University campus community and the surrounding Deaf community in Maryland.  The Deaf Studies program also will promote a better awareness and ability to work with the Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard-of-hearing communities.  Promoting collaborative partnerships between Towson University and the Deaf community is a key element of this commitment. Deaf Studies graduates will be well prepared to meet their professional responsibilities and to continue their personal and professional growth as Towson University graduates.

The Deaf Studies major consists of 57 units: 45 units of required courses that all students take, 9 units of DFST electives, and 3 units of non-DFST electives. The maximum number of Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) units the department will accept is 15.

In addition, all students must complete an internship (DFST 410 ). Students must take the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASL PI) as part of DFST 410.  If the internship site requires a criminal background check, students must complete the check and have it on file before beginning the internship.

All incoming freshmen and transfer students with previous knowledge of ASL are encouraged to take a placement test to determine appropriate ASL course placement. Information about placement tests is available on the department’s website. All students must take DFST 304  at Towson University. In addition, students must take a minimum of 20 units of DFST courses at Towson University.