Three new graduate programs launch

Gallaudet University Graduate School is pleased to announce the launch of three new graduate programs for 2022-2023:

• M.A. in Counseling with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling 
• M.S. in Accessible Human-Centered Computing
• Global Leadership in Deaf Centered Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DiDRR) and Emergency Planning Certificate

M.A. in Counseling with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Gallaudet has the only graduate counseling training program in the world that specializes in preparing counselors to serve the deaf, hard-of-hearing, and deaf special needs populations. Graduates are prepared to seek licensure and/or certification necessary for full-time employment in mental health and rehabilitation settings and schools based on the program of completion.

After its hiatus, this program has reopened with a redesigned curriculum, led by program director Dr. Gabriel Lomas. The Master of Arts in Counseling degree is currently offered with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with the School Counseling specialization being planned for launch at a future date. Classes will start in Summer of 2022 in a hybrid format.

M.S. in Accessible Human-Centered Computing

The Master of Science in Accessible Human-Centered Computing (AHCC) is a newly opened two-year program designed for deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing individuals seeking specialized academic training in designing, evaluating, and implementing effective evidence-based accessible design and evaluation strategies and messages to address the accessibility needs of diverse audiences.

Students will be exposed to Gallaudet University’s unique expertise in accessible computing through a deaf and hard of hearing-centric lens. They will gain practical hands-on experience in accessible design through both coursework, and participating in ongoing accessible research and development projects run at Gallaudet University and its partners. Much of the instruction will be interactive and will include the use of new and emerging accessible technologies, making students well-prepared to meet the organizational demands for accessible technology.

The program, led by Dr. Christian Vogler and Dr. Raja Kushalnagar, will be structured in terms of cohorts with students progressing through the program as a group. This format not only ensures on-time program completion, but also maximizes interaction with faculty and fellow students and networking. Industry experts will offer support and advice, along with internship opportunities.

Global Leadership in Deaf Centered Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DiDRR) and Emergency Planning Certificate

The Global Leadership in Deaf-Centered Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DiDRR) & Emergency Planning certificate program, colloquially known as the Disaster and Emergency Planning (DEP) certificate program, is an newly opened interdisciplinary program that trains deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-disabled, and signed language community members for key community-level and professional roles in Disability inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction and emergency planning.

The DEP program, led by Dr. Audrey Cooper, specializes in the roles of deaf people and signed languages in preparing for and recovery from disaster and emergency events. As the first university-level program of its kind, the DEP program is unique in offering both academic and hands-on training. DEP coursework and community collaboration activities also serve as an incubator for innovation and for research in the Disability-inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction space. The DEP certificate is an 18-credit program comprising four core courses and two elective courses. Coursework begins in the summer with face-to-face activities taking place on Gallaudet University’s campus with disaster emergency partners in the Washington, DC area. This is followed by four courses conducted online during the fall and spring semesters. The program concludes with a Summer Institute hosted in collaboration with deaf community partners in a disaster-impacted setting in a US territory or other country.

Start the next step in your future and apply to these programs today at gu.live/apply! For more information about these programs, go to the Graduate School website.