Fontbonne University offers a master of arts (MA) degree in early intervention in deaf education. Newborn screening for hearing loss, has increased the need for professionals to work with young children and their families. The graduate program in early intervention in deaf education develops the knowledge and skills needed to provide the most current and highest-quality services to infants, toddlers, and young children up to age eight.
The program emphasizes the development of spoken language and effective audiologic management. Students gain the tools needed for early childhood education, assessment of young children, counseling, and family-centered intervention.
The program is designed for full-time graduate students to complete in fourteen months (two summer sessions and two semesters). It is preferred students have an undergraduate degree in deaf education, early childhood education, special education, elementary education, or speech-language pathology. All students must have certain prerequisite courses as outlined in the curriculum guide although some of these courses may be taken during the program. Each student will complete core courses and electives that strengthen their knowledge and skills.
Master’s Degree Students Seeking Certification in Deaf Education
Students who do not possess a teaching certificate in deaf education may complete additional course work to be eligible for Missouri certificate Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Birth-12. The requirements are described in the Post Baccalaureate Teacher section of the catalog. Specific requirements for the certification for Deaf/Hard of Hearing are listed on the Curriculum Guide for Students Seeking Certification.
Application/Admission
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited, degree-granting institution of higher education. (Students who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree may apply after they have completed 108 undergraduate credits) It is preferred that students have an undergraduate degree in deaf education, early childhood education, special education, elementary education, or speech-language pathology.
Applicants must have an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale.
The applicant must submit the following items by February 1st of the year of planned enrollment:
- A completed online application for graduate study at Fontbonne University.
- Three letters of recommendation, at least one of which is from a faculty member in the department in which the student majored as an undergraduate. Official transcripts from all previously attended accredited, degree-granting colleges or universities; for applicants currently enrolled in an undergraduate program, transcripts must include the fall semester grades.
- A self-statement.
Please refer to the admission requirements listed in the graduate program information section in this catalog for additional information.
Submit all documents to the:
Early Intervention in Deaf Education Graduate Program Director
Communication Disorders and Deaf Education Department
Fontbonne University
6800 Wydown Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63105-3098
Essential Functions
Applicants must also meet the following essential functions which are required of individuals in the field.
Physical Abilities
- Participate in classroom or clinical activities for two to four hour blocks of time with one or two breaks
- Ambulate to, within and from academic/clinical facilities
- Provide for or direct one’s own personal hygiene
- Manipulate screening/diagnostic/therapeutic/educational materials
- Respond to emergency situations including fire, choking, and in the application of universal precautions
- Visually monitor client responses and use of materials
- Auditorily monitor and orally model correct speech and language production
Affective Abilities
- Work effectively with people
- Make appropriate decisions, including the ability to evaluate and generalize appropriately without immediate supervision
- Maintain proper work place behavior, including punctuality and regular attendance
- Maintain composure and emotional stability in demanding situations
- Maintain emotional and mental health required for use of intellectual abilities, prompt completion of responsibilities, and appropriate relationships with clients/students and colleagues
Cognitive Abilities
- Comprehend and read professional literature/ reports
- Write university level papers and clinical/educational reports in Standard American English
- Speak Standard American English intelligibly
- Independently analyze, synthesize, interpret ideas and concepts in academic and clinical settings
- Maintain attention and concentration for sufficient time to complete academic/clinical activities: typically two to four hours with one or two breaks
- Comply with administrative, legal, and regulatory policies
Background Checks
As part of an ongoing effort to ensure the safety and welfare of students and staff, school districts require that any individual who teaches, supervises, or has access to students in schools undergo an FBI fingerprint check, a criminal record check, child abuse/neglect screening, TB tests and/or other screenings. Candidates should also realize that the background checks need to be updated periodically. It is the responsibility of each student to maintain up-to-date background checks for the purpose of observations, practicum and final clinical experience/student teaching. Please check with your advisor or the Certification Officer (East 235) should you have questions regarding background checks and the courses for which they are necessary. Courses needing background checks are also noted in this catalog.
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