Preliminary California Education Specialist: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teacher Preparation Program (DHH)

A Preliminary Education Specialist credential program with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Authorization is also offered through our partnership with the John Tracy Center in Los Angeles. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing credential authorizes services for individuals ages birth through 22.

THE MSMU/JTC DHH Graduate Program offers a Professional Development School model where graduate students are immersed in the daily services offered to children and families at John Tracy Center in Los Angeles. The program is designed for teachers who want to specialize in Auditory-Verbal education, which focuses on listening and spoken language. The program options of study vary between a one to two year graduate program at the JTC and MSMU campuses in Los Angeles.

Master’s only Option: students complete the coursework and a master’s project within a full one year (three semester) program.

California Credential Option: students complete coursework, practicum (and a master’s degree may be acquired with the completion of a project) in a five semester program (requiring a fall to spring (of second year) semester cycle).

An Intern Option: students complete coursework and the master’s project within a three semester program; after which a student may serve as an Intern in a California Public School during the following two semesters with local supervision.

Experiences embedded in the program include:

Classroom settings using listening and spoken language,

Practicum experiences in a Reggio Emilia preschool setting,

Participation in Auditory-Verbal therapy and inclusive educational settings,

Hands-on fieldwork with parents and their children with hearing loss (birth to age five) and,

Extensive experience with children who use cochlear implants.

Program Stipulations include:

1. Each course in the program is a pre-requisite or co-requisite to all others. A grade of B or better must be earned in each course to be able to maintain status in the program and to move forward to the next term or course.

A student is able to pass a course with a B-, however, in order to qualify for the master's degree and credential the student must maintain a GPA each semester of at least a B (3.0).  

2. If a course is not passed, the student may take the course again when it is offered in the regular school calendar. The program runs in a cohort model, so each course may only be offered once a year. The student may not enroll in any other courses until a grade of B or better has been earned in the course that was failed. The student may take a leave of absence until the next time the course is offered.

3. A course may only be taken twice. If the course is not passed on the second try, the student will not be allowed to continue in the program, and will be academically disqualified.

Admission Requirements

Application Process

1. Interview with directors of the DHH program
2. Application form
3. Application fee
4. Application essay
5. Official transcripts from all colleges attended.
6. Official examination score reports (see below)
7. Two letters of recommendation from academic sources
8.  Documentation of negative TB status

Academic Requirements and Prerequisites

1. Bachelor’s degree from accredited institution
2. GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate and graduate coursework
3. Fieldwork in educational settings, including with children with hearing loss

Admission Examinations

1. California Subject Matter Examination for Teachers (CSET)

Admission Examinations for Candidates Seeking California Credential

A. Registration for the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) or CSET: Writing Skills Assessment.

B. Registration for the California Subject Matter Examination for Teachers (CSET): One subtest related to Multiple Subjects.

C. Application for the California Certificate of Clearance