College of Education Health and Human Services
School of Lifespan Development and Educational Services
www.kent.edu/ehhs/ldes

About This Program

The Special Education Deaf Education Additional Licensure Preparation program is designed for educators who already have a teaching license, this program will give you the knowledge and skills you need to work with students who are deaf or hard of hearing. You'll learn about communication strategies, assistive technology and other tools that can help these students succeed in the classroom and beyond. Read more...

Contact Information

• Karen Kritzer | kkritzer@kent.edu |
  330-672-0608

• Connect with an Admissions Counselor: U.S. Student | International Student

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 2.750 GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Goal statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• Questions in Anticipation of Licensure form
• Evidence of current Ohio teaching license, either four-year Resident Educator or five-year Professional (no longer required starting with spring 2025 admission term)
• Starting with spring 2025 admission term: Evidence of valid Resident Educator or Professional State of Ohio teaching license

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Spring Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Summer Term
  • Rolling admissions

Program Requirements

Endorsement Requirements

Graduation Requirements

• Successful completion of the Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) at the Intermediate level or above.
• Additional Coursework: An analysis of additional content-area coursework required at the post-undergraduate level will be completed before entering into the program, and a Plan of Study will be created based on transcript analysis and current licensure requirements by the Ohio Department of Education. A minimum B grade is required in each of these courses. This coursework would be in addition to requirements for the Special Education Deaf-Education non-degree program.

Licensure Information

Prior to program completion, the candidate must demonstrate proficiencies in the following areas (including but not limited to): data literacy and analysis; use of research and assessment data; leadership and collaboration; utilizing and supporting appropriate technology for the discipline; and application of professional dispositions, laws and policies, codes of ethics and professional standards appropriate to their field of specialization.

Candidates seeking Ohio teaching licensure are required to pass specific requirements in order to apply for licensure from the Ohio Department of Education (ODE). Students should consult the Special Education Department for specific program requirements and refer to the Ohio Department of Education - Educator Preparation website for more information on assessments specific to licensure type.

Program Learning Outcomes

Completers of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of
   1. learner development and individual learning differences;
   2. the learning environment
   3. curricular content knowledge;
   4. assessment;
   5. instructional planning and strategies; and
   6. professional practice and collaboration.
2. Demonstrate the dispositions necessary to be successful special education teachers/professionals.
3. Demonstrate preparation for the profession by successfully completing the Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) Special Education Assessment.

Residence Requirement Policy for Non-Degree Teacher Education Licensure/Endorsement Preparation Programs

• Non-degree licensure (initial and additional) and endorsement programs  that are a total of 15 credits or above: Students must complete 60% of the coursework at Kent State University, including the course that addresses the CAEP A.1.1 Standard as designated by the program area.
• Non-degree licensure (initial and additional) and endorsement programs that are less than 15 total credits: Students must complete 100% of the coursework at Kent State University.
• Students are permitted 6 years to complete licensure  programs and  4 years to complete endorsement programs at Kent State University.
• Coursework transferred from another university cannot be more than 6 years old at the time the licensure/endorsement program is completed.
• Students who do not meet the residence requirements will not be recommended for licensure by Kent State University.

Full Description

This Special Education Deaf Education Additional Licensure Preparation non-degree program prepares teachers with an active teaching license to obtain an additional license in to teach deaf and hard-of-hearing students ages 3-21 (grades preK-12).

Completion of the coursework is a prerequisite to being recommended by Kent State University for the Special Education Deaf Education (Ohio Intervention Specialist Hearing Impaired) licensure, with licenses granted by the Ohio Department of Education.

This program does not culminate in a master's degree. Students interested in obtaining a teaching license and a master's degree from Kent State University must also be fully admitted to a master's degree and complete the prescribed coursework on the master's degree prospectus, in addition to courses that are prescribed here for additional licensure.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.