Early Childhood Education and Deaf Education (Composite)

This degree is a combination of courses required for the deaf education major and the early childhood education major. Students who graduate at the bachelors level cannot be licensed as teachers of the deaf, so many students in this major continue on to USU's masters program, communicative disorders and deaf education. Because students in this major already have many of the prerequisites, the master's degree takes only one additional year. Upon completion of the master's program, students are qualified for two licenses, one for grades K-3 and one for deaf education. While there is no licensure requirement to teach preschool, students with this degree are better prepared to teach in those settings. This streamlined, five-year program is unique to USU.

This degree gives students the opportunity to have more flexibility in their careers. Having both licenses allows teachers to move back and forth between deaf education and early grades in elementary education, and the background in early childhood education makes students better and more well-rounded teachers for the deaf. Students in USUs teacher education program undergo extensive practicum experiences so that by the time they participate in student teaching in deaf schools (during the master's program), they have gained enough experience to be competent teachers of the deaf in all subject areas.

USU's Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services is ranked 10th in the nation among colleges of education in external research dollars.

Students receive a BS by completing all required courses in the major. To receive a BA, students must also gain proficiency in one or more foreign languages.

Bachelor Degree Minimum Requirements

Admission to USU is test optional for Spring 2022, Summer 2022, and Fall 2022. ACT/SAT test scores will still be considered if submitted.

• 2.8-4.0 GPA - Admitted in Good Standing
  • Students with less than a 2.8 high school GPA may still be admitted in good standing based upon the combination of their GPA and ACT/SAT score. See if you qualify.
• 2.79 GPA & below - Considered for Earned Admission path.

Associate Degree Minimum Requirements

Most USU Eastern and USU Blanding Associates Degrees and Certificates are open enrollment and do not require a minimum high school GPA or ACT/SAT score.

Recommended High School Prep Work

• 4 years of English
• 4 years of Math (One class beyond math 3)
• 3.5 years of Social Science
• 3 years of Lab-Based Science (one each: biology, chemistry, and physics)
• 2 years of a world language (same language, taken progressively during grades 9-12)

After completing this composite degree and the masters program in communicative disorders and deaf education, students can pursue careers in the following areas:

• Grades K-3
• Public or private schools
• Preschools
• Day care
• Head Start
• Home Start
• Special education programs
• Schools for the deaf
• State programs
• Private practice

Career Services provides counseling and information on hundreds of job and internship opportunities and even helps students apply and interview.