Masters and Graduate Programs, Deaf Education

This program is a state-approved concentration leading to an endorsement for teaching American Sign Language as a foreign language requirement in the public schools. 

The endorsement includes six courses that focus on the skills and tools necessary to teach American Sign Language in public school settings. This is a non-reciprocal endorsement. We cannot guarantee that this curriculum will satisfy other states’ requirements for the Teaching American Sign Language in Public Schools endorsement.

If you do not hold a Florida Teaching Certification, but still wish to take the courses, you may enroll in our Non-Degree Seeking option.

Applications are Accepted for the Fall and Spring Semesters:

• Fall Applications are due by August 1st.
• Spring Applications are due by December 1st.

Requirements:

• Graduate Application ($50 application fee)
• A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution. Applicants must submit an official transcript from every institution they have attended.
• GPA of 3.0 for all coursework completed.
• A copy of Florida teacher certification or proof of eligibility.
• Letter of Intent: Including a statement of purpose (between one and two pages) clearly describing your academic and (if relevant) professional background and your interest in teaching ASL.
• Evidence of Access to a working environment with students who are learning ASL.
• Two letters of recommendation: One letter must be from an instructor familiar with the applicant's academic performance and potential, or provide two letters from professional references.
• Demonstration of ASL Proficiency Scores

Learn more by visiting the course catalog below, which includes the program plan and course requirements.

Course Catalog

This program is a state-approved concentration leading to an endorsement in teaching children with severe and profound disabilities. 

The endorsement includes four courses that focus on the changing population of children with disabilities and give teachers the skills to meet the needs of those with the most severe and profound disabilities. 

This is a non-reciprocal endorsement. We cannot guarantee that this curriculum will satisfy other states’ requirements for the Teaching Children with Severe and Profound Disabilities endorsement.

If you do not hold a Florida Teaching Certification but still wish to take the courses below, you may enroll in our Non-Degree-Seeking option.

Applications are Accepted for the Fall and Spring Semesters:

• Fall Applications are due by August 1st.
• Spring Applications are due by December 1st.

Requirements:

• Graduate Application ($50 application fee)
• A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution. Applicants must submit an official transcript from every institution they have attended.
• GPA of 3.0 for all coursework completed.
• A copy of Florida teacher certification or proof of eligibility.
• Letter of Intent: Include a statement of purpose (between one and two pages) clearly describing your academic and (if relevant) professional background and interest in teaching children with severe and profound disabilities.
• Evidence of Access to a working environment with students with severe or profound disabilities.
• Two letters of recommendation: One letter must be from an instructor familiar with the applicant's academic performance and potential, or provide two letters from professional references.
• Demonstration of ASL Proficiency Scores

Learn more by visiting the course catalog below, including the program plan and course requirements.

Course Catalog

Does the program include a path to a teaching license or certification?

Yes! The Certification Track leads to Florida K-12 teaching certification in Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

What is the program's approach to American Sign Language (ASL) vs. Oral?

We are a very balanced program. Our goal is to support students in becoming high-quality teachers so that they are prepared to work in any educational setting with students using any communication modality.

Is there any substitution for the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) requirement? For example, a bachelor's in interpreting or an EIPA score?

At this time, we can accept the ASLPI or SLPI to determine an acceptable level of proficiency. We can also accept an in-house ASL evaluation to determine an acceptable level of proficiency.

Is there a deposit for the graduate programs?

Yes, a $500 deposit is required upon admission to the program for all degree/endorsement-seeking students.

What is the cost?

Application Fee: $50

Technology Fee: $125 per semester

2026-2027 Tuition: $726 per credit hour 

2027-2028 Tuition: $770 per credit hour

Questions about Financial Aid? Ask Here.

Do you offer graduate classes for non-degree-seeking students?

Yes. Reach out to the program director for more information.

Are all of the master’s courses online?

Yes, all the master’s courses are online offered online and asynchronously. The only exception is EDD 545 Practicum in Working with Deaf Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, which includes a three-week summer residency at the Florida School for the Deaf in St. Augustine. This residency is required only for Non-Certification and Flagler Fast Track students.

When does the program start?

At this time, the master’s program begins in the fall only. Endorsement Programs and Non-Degree Courses begin in the fall and spring.

What is the format like online? Is it more self-led, have heavy teacher involvement, or both?

The online courses we offer are asynchronous. This means the content and assignments are ready to complete in your available time. Each class is eight weeks long*, and instructors typically organize their courses into eight-week-long modules. Instructors give students assignment deadlines. We expect you to interact with the course at least four days per week. Instructors can "meet" with students via email, video, or phone.

* Except for the 12-week internship required for the Certification Track that happens over a 16-week semester.

Are the Endorsement Programs applicable nationwide, or Florida only?

Both Endorsement Programs are designed for the state of Florida’s requirements. We recommend you contact your state’s Department of Education for more information on their requirements. They are often very similar.

Is there a deposit for the graduate programs?

Yes, a $500 deposit is required upon admission to the program for all degree/endorsement-seeking students.

You may be able to apply a maximum of nine credits of high-quality graduate work toward your Master's requirements. However, credits earned to complete a previous Master's degree elsewhere may not be applied to the Flagler graduate degree. 

Three people must approve the transferred credits:  the student's academic advisor, the program director, and the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Transfer credits must meet the following criteria:

• Earned at a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an officially recognized degree-granting international institution
•  "A" or "B" grade. We don't accept "B-" grades. Pass-fail grades are not transferable unless the former institution documents them as having at least a "B" quality.
• Appear on an official graduate transcript
• Be completed before enrolling in the Flagler Master's Program
• Earned within five years before the date you register for the degree program at Flagler

If you transfer credits from a university/college on quarter hours, quarter hours will be converted to semester hours by multiplying the number of quarter hours by two-thirds.

Application Fee: $50

2026-2027 Tuition: $726 per credit hour

Technology Fee: $125 per semester

Questions about Financial Aid? Email us here. 

View the current Graduate Calendar by clicking the link below.

Graduate Calendar