Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026
11:39
Assessment of Audio-Tactile Sensory Substitution Training in Participants with Profound Deafness Using the Event-Related Potential Technique
Published on: September 7, 2022
Deaf studies alumni perceptions of the academic program and off-campus internship
Sheryl B Cooper1, Diana C Emanuel, Jody H Cripps
1Department of Audiology, Speech-Language Pathology, and Deaf Studies, Towson University, Towson, MD, USA.
American Annals of the Deaf
|December 25, 2012
Summary
Graduates of undergraduate Deaf studies programs report high employment rates and successful application of learned skills. The study highlights the value of these programs and suggests improvements for internships and curriculum.
Area of Science:
- Deaf Studies
- Higher Education
- Sociology of Education
Background:
- Undergraduate Deaf studies programs aim to equip students with specialized knowledge and skills.
- Assessing the long-term impact of such programs on alumni's careers is crucial for program evaluation and development.
- Understanding alumni perceptions provides valuable insights into program effectiveness and areas for enhancement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the educational and employment outcomes of Deaf studies program alumni.
- To assess alumni perceptions of their undergraduate academic program and internship experiences.
- To provide recommendations for improving Deaf studies academic programs and internships.
Main Methods:
- An online survey was administered to alumni of an undergraduate Deaf studies program.
- The survey collected data on post-graduation education, employment status, and perceptions of academic and internship experiences.
- Demographic data of alumni were compared to the general university population.
Main Results:
- Alumni reported nearly 100% employment, with most utilizing skills gained from the Deaf studies program in their current roles.
- A significant proportion of alumni were women and pursued dual majors compared to the general university population.
- Alumni generally held positive views regarding their personal, academic, and professional growth influenced by the program and internships.
Conclusions:
- Deaf studies programs demonstrate significant success in preparing graduates for employment.
- Alumni value the knowledge and skills acquired, reporting high job satisfaction and career relevance.
- Continued support for Deaf studies programs is essential, with specific recommendations for enhancing internships and academic curricula.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Hearing
When we hear a sound, our nervous system is detecting sound waves—pressure waves of mechanical energy traveling through a medium. The frequency of the wave is perceived as pitch, while the amplitude is perceived as loudness.
02:16Surveys
Often, psychologists develop surveys as a means of gathering data. Surveys are lists of questions to be answered by research participants, and can be delivered as paper-and-pencil questionnaires, administered electronically, or conducted verbally. Generally, the survey itself can be completed in a short time, and the ease of administering a survey makes it easy to collect data from a large number of people.