Lyon College

What you'll study

• Structure: Eight courses totaling 24 graduate credit hours, offered in 16-week terms. Candidates starting in fall can complete requirements in four semesters; with continuous enrollment students can finish in about one and one-half years. Students typically enroll in two three-credit courses per regular semester. Coursework is also offered in summer terms.
• Core courses (each 3 credits):
  • EDU 622 Historical, Social, and Mental Health Context for Deaf Learners and Education
  • EDU 624 Linguistics of American Sign Language
  • EDU 626 Introduction to Audiology and Speech Pathology
  • EDU 628 Language Acquisition and Deprivation in DHH Children
  • EDU 630 Assessment and Special Education Law: IEP Practices and Accommodations for DHH Learners
  • EDU 632 Teaching Literacy in an ASL/English Bilingual Classroom
  • EDU 634 Teaching Deaf and Hard of Hearing Learners: Curriculum, Instruction & Evidence-Based Practices
  • EDU 690 Internship & Seminar for Deaf/HH Professional Practice
• Additional requirement: Candidates must pass the state-required licensure exam to be eligible for the Arkansas endorsement.

Entry requirements

• Completed Graduate Student Application Form and official transcript showing a bachelor’s degree with cumulative GPA ≥ 2.75, or GPA ≥ 3.0 in the last 60 credit hours. Official transcripts for any graduate coursework if applicable.
• Written goal statement indicating intent to work in education for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
• Letter of recommendation addressing effective work with infants, children, adolescents and/or families.
• SCPI rating of Intermediate Plus or concurrent enrollment in ASL coursework or training leading to proficiency.
• Preferred minimum of two years of teaching experience and evidence of Arkansas educator licensure. Note: the endorsement is intended for currently licensed Arkansas teachers; out-of-state candidates must verify state licensure reciprocity.
• Current criminal background check (Arkansas State Police & FBI) and Arkansas Child Maltreatment Central Registry check prior to internship placement, or evidence of current approval.

Career prospects

Completion positions candidates to pursue the Arkansas K–12 teaching endorsement for hearing-impaired students and supports roles as a DHH classroom teacher, specialist within K–12 settings, or a licensed educator supervising DHH services. Employment requires passing the state licensure exam and holding the appropriate state teaching license.

Scholarships & funding angle

The program page does not list specific scholarships. Prospective students should check Lyon College graduate financial aid options, departmental awards, employer tuition benefits, and state or federal funding for special education licensure programs; contact the program office for guidance.