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Study alongside deaf & signing community members

Hearing Students

Hearing Undergraduate Program (HUG)

For nearly two decades, Gallaudet University has admitted hearing students to its undergraduate degree programs.

Our Hearing Undergraduate Program (HUG) at Gallaudet is for hearing undergraduate applicants who know American Sign Language (ASL), want to study alongside deaf and hard of hearing individuals, and will pursue a career that furthers the education of the deaf and hard of hearing.

Admissions Checklist

Hearing Undergraduate (HUG) Applicants

Gallaudet University has a selective process to admit a select group of hearing undergraduate students who know American Sign Language (ASL), want to study alongside deaf and hard of hearing individuals, and pursue a career that furthers the education of the deaf and hard of hearing. They must meet the same requirements as deaf and hard of hearing students.
Looking to further your American Sign Language education? Learn more about ASL Connect.

Required application materials

Complete an online application, including the $50 application fee

A short essay, 250-500 words long

One video essay in American Sign Language

Unofficial high school and college transcripts (if applicable)*

ACT or SAT scores

Phase 2

The HUG/BAI admissions counselor will contact you to arrange an admissions interview and initial language screening.

American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) at $35. Must attain a score of 2+ or better

You will be notified of your admissions decision following completion of the ASLPI.

* Official transcript(s) will be required following acceptance to the University. We accept both paper and electronic transcripts. Please note that the BAI program requires that you have a 2.75 or higher cumulative grade point average in your high school or previous college coursework.

Important Deadlines

Applications
Deadline
Application Fee Waiver deadline
Dec 1

Honors Priority Deadline

Feb 15

Bachelor of Interpretation (BAI) Priority Deadline

Mar 1

National Decision Day

May 1

No other university in the world offers total immersion into an American Sign Language (ASL) and English environment.

Start working toward a career that changes the world for the deaf and hard of hearing community.

Get the Details

Fill out our inquiry form for an Admissions Counselor to contact you.

Apply Today

Create an account to start your application.

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Log in to submit your completed application or Check your application status here.

Become a valuable, impactful member of our deaf and signing community.

Past HUG students have majored in fields including:

American Sign Language

Biology

Business Administration

Communication Studies

Deaf Studies

Education

Physical Education and Recreation

Government

International Studies

Psychology

Self-Directed Major

Social Work

Spanish

And many more!

Earn a Degree in Interpretation

Live, study, and collaborate with a global community of deaf and hard of hearing students.

Since the year 2000, we’ve been admitting hearing students into our B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. Interpretation programs to provide essential interpretation skills and techniques in an unmatched, immersive ASL and English environment.

Did we mention that we’re the only university in the world to offer both undergraduate and graduate-level programs? There’s nowhere better to become a top-notch ASL Interpreter and generate the unmatched impact Gallaudet is known for in our community and beyond.

Hearing students are valued and included at Gallaudet.

Just like their deaf counterparts, HUGs join organizations and clubs, and play varsity and intramural sports. They are equally immersed into the culture and traditions of the world’s premier university for the deaf and hard of hearing. 

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