Welcome to the COE!
ECE, ELEM
Director, Certification, Exploration
ECE, ELEM
Deaf Studies, MMD, Rehab
LLI & Secondary routes
The Role of Your Advisor
Not sure who to ask? Your advisor is your first stop!
Work with your advisor every semester on:
Eligibility: First-Generation College Student, OR receive the Pell Grant, OR have a disability
Tutoring
Academic & Holistic Support
Applying to Scholarships
Conferences & Recreational Events
Financial Aid & Financial Literacy (applying to FAFSA, troubleshooting issues)
Workforce Preparation (resume, interviews, fit & match, etc)
Applying to Graduate School
Director: Fatemma Soto-Herrera, fatemmar@arizona.edu
Apply to join TRIO here or scan QR code
Deaf Studies
American Sign Language • Deaf Culture • Community
Deaf Studies
A comprehensive undergraduate degree path centering on American Sign Language, Deaf culture, and community partnership.
Educational Interpreting
Arizona's only undergraduate emphasis preparing professionals for vital K–12 school interpreting roles.
Director: Alex Lynch • xander@arizona.edu
Career Possibilities
Interpreting
Educational Interpreter
K–12 and Higher Education settings.
Sign Language Interpreter
Freelance or staff roles in medical, legal, academic, theatre, and conference settings.
Education & Support
• Early Intervention Specialist
• Teacher’s Aide / Teacher of the Deaf
• Support Service Provider (SSP) / DeafBlind Intervener
• Research / Academia / Graduate Study
Advocacy & Leadership
• Deaf Services Coordinator / Program Manager
• Disability Services / Accessibility Specialist
• Advocacy & Policy Specialist
• Community Outreach & Deaf Advocacy
Why Deaf Studies Matters
Community First
Centers the Deaf perspective in all aspects of learning.
Historically Grounded
Traces the fight for language rights and educational access.
Practically Applied
Puts students in real community settings, not just the classroom.
“
It’s built on relationships, not just vocabulary.
”
Impacts of Educational Interpreting
Classroom & Growth
A Classroom Lifeline
Often a Deaf child’s only access point to lectures, discussion, and peer interaction in K-12.
More Than Translation
Become a key part of a student's language development, social inclusion, and confidence.
Demand & Career
Real Shortage & Demand
Qualified educational interpreters are in high demand nationwide, making this a highly secure path.
Guaranteed Profession
Federal laws (IDEA/ADA) guarantee these essential services, ensuring continuous demand.
Culture & Purpose
Direct, Visible Impact
Witness everyday breakthroughs, support kids with understanding lessons, connect, and self-advocate.
Cultural Gateway
Build deep relationships and direct fluency within a rich linguistic and cultural community.
Program Highlights
01
Deaf-led ASL Instruction and a diverse, dedicated faculty team.
02
$1.25M Educational Grant awarded for interpreting student support.
03
Active Collaborations integrated within the local Deaf community.
04
Vibrant Student Community driven by our active ASL Club.
05
Study Abroad Programs in Italy and France for immersive learning.
Years 1-2 (Semesters 1-4)
ASL skills, COE support, Gen Eds & Foundations
01. American Sign Language
Start at ASL 1 (SERP 370A) to build a strong foundational knowledge in the language and culture.
02. TLS 197 & 295 Student Success
One-unit success course in fall and spring of your first year to build community within your major and college.
03. Gen Eds & Foundations
Take coursework to help you be well-rounded in your liberal arts knowledge (arts, humanities, sciences, etc.).
Year 3 (Semesters 5–6)
You start interpreting for real.
01. Foundational Coursework
Interpreting theory, models of interpreting/transliteration, and sign-to-English interpretation.
02. Hands-on From Day One
Practicum I & II put you in real educational settings 3 days a week, both semesters.
03. Weekly Seminar
To process and debrief what you're seeing in the field with peers.
04. Deaf Studies Connection
Coursework connects you with Deaf mentors and keeps you engaged in the community.
Year 4 (Semesters 7–8)
You specialize and go independent.
01. Advanced Interpreting & Practicum III
English-to-ASL, interactive interpreting, and Practicum III (your most advanced fieldwork placement, 3 days/week).
02. Independent Study & EIPA Prep
Practice testing, volunteer interpreting, and self-study modules to sharpen your professional skills.
03. Continued Mentorship
Ongoing collaboration with working K–12 interpreters and community mentors all the way through graduation.
04. Real Classroom Experience
Graduate with actual, hands-on work experience having already worked in real K–12 classrooms.
This could be your Year 3.
Student Council
Ambassadors
Dean’s Undergraduate Advisory Board
TRIO Teacher Prep
Your future in education starts with the right support. Join TRIO Teacher Prep to gain mentoring, academic resources, career guidance, and a community dedicated to helping you achieve your goals.
COE Peer Mentor
Ready to make a difference? Become a Peer Mentor and help first-year students thrive while building your leadership skills, expanding your network, and making a meaningful impact on the College of Education community.
Project FOCUS is an inclusive transition program for students aged 18-21 with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our students take classes, work on campus, and engage socially with peer mentor interns like you!
Project Focus Peer Mentor
Alpha Delta Kappa members are hope builders and difference makers who ignite and engage their communities to create meaningful change through leadership, service, and professional growth.
College of Education Involvement
Get Involved!
COE Scholarships: Over 95% of qualifying students who apply for College of Education scholarships received awards.
Federal Work Study: on campus jobs and WordCats/MathCats K-12 tutoring.
College of Education Funding Options
College of Education Tours
THANK YOU FOR JOINING US!