Research
Faculty and students in Deaf Studies conduct research that includes, but is not limited to, language access, curriculum development, Deaf education, identity development, and inclusive practices that center Deaf experiences and leadership.
Programs
Deaf Studies offers undergraduate and graduate pathways in ASL Education, Deaf Education, and Educational Interpreting.
Undergraduate
The Deaf Studies Major, Bachelor of Science (B. S.) degree in Education has three concentrations: ASL Education, Deaf Education, and Educational Interpreting.
More on B. S. in Education focusing on Deaf Studies
Graduate
We offer Master of Science (M. S.) degrees, a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D) degree, and a graduate certificate to provide opportunities for focused study in areas of Deaf Studies. The M. S. programs offer pathways for both individuals seeking teacher licensure and those who already hold a teaching license related to Deaf or ASL Education. In addition, we offer two graduate certificate options for educators and other professionals who would like to enhance or add on to their knowledge in Deaf education-related fields.
More on M. S. in Teacher Education focusing on ASL Education or Deaf Education
More on Ph. D. in Education focusing on Deaf Studies
More on Graduate Certificate focusing on ASL Education
More on Graduate Certificate focusing on Deaf Education (PreK-12)
Deaf Studies equips students to become changemakers—deepening their understanding of Deaf culture and language while working toward a more inclusive and accessible world.
Deaf Studies Faculty
Sharing Recent Work From Faculty and Students
Tennessee School for the Deaf
Farley, C. (2024), Panel Member on Sociolinguistics, Tennessee School for the Deaf, Knoxville, TN.
Tennessee Association of the Deaf
Haggard, A. (2023). The Basic Parliamentary Procedure. Presentation with the Tennessee Association of the Deaf. Knoxville, TN.
Linguistic Society of America Summer Institute
Collins, P, Hill, S, Shaw, E. (2025). Linguistics for Justice: Advancing Reforms in the Criminal Legal System. ASL in the Criminal Justice System. Linguistic Society of America’s Summer Institute. University of Oregon: Eugene, OR.
American Education Research AssociationHolcomb, L., Dostal, H., & Wolbers, K. (2023). Outcomes of a comprehensive writing program designed for deaf elementary students.
Presentation at the American Educational Research Association.
Chicago, IL.
Tennessee Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
Potts, M. (2020). Coordinator, Tennessee Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (TRID) State Conference.
Language-and Literacy-Rich Environments: Strategies for Young Deaf Children
Secora, K., Ramos, M., Lee, B., & Shahan, C.L. (2024). Language-and Literacy-Rich Environments: Strategies for Young Deaf Children. Washington, DC: Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center, Gallaudet University.
American Annals of the Deaf
Skyer, M. E. (2023). The deaf biosocial condition: Metaparadigmatic lessons from and beyond Vygotsky’s deaf pedagogy research. American Annals of the Deaf, 168(1), 128–161.
American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology
Secora, K., Lee, B., Smith, D. and Coppola, M. (2025). Expert Consensus on the Role of Speech-Language Pathologists in Working with Deaf Children Who Use American Sign Language in the United States: A Classical e-Delphi Study. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology.
ASL Curriculum
- Stricklen, B. (2025). Teaching and instructional design related to ASL courses including ASL 112, 212, and 311. The University of Tennessee.
- Swafford, E. (2025). Teaching and instructional design related to ASL courses including ASL 111 and 112. The University of Tennessee.
- Holder, S. (2025. Teaching and instructional design related to ASL courses including ASL 111 and 112. The University of Tennessee.
58 on Mind published by Gallaudet Press
Smith, D. and Mockus, K. (2024). Teaching Social Studies to Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students. In D. Golos, C. Kurz, K. Wolbers & M. Kuntze (Eds.), 58 on Mind. Gallaudet University Press.
Behavioral Sciences
Wolbers, K., Dostal, H., & Spurgin, K. (2025). Variability in Language and Literacy Outcomes Among Deaf Elementary Students in a National Sample. Behavioral Sciences, 15(8), 1100. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15081100