Listening and Spoken Language Deaf Education - PMC

About This Certificate

Make a meaningful difference in the lives of children who are Deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) by developing specialized expertise in Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) Deaf education.

Utah State University’s LSL Deaf Education Post-Master’s Certificate (PMC) is designed for currently licensed Speech-Language Pathologists, Special Educators, and Deaf Educators who want to expand their knowledge and skills in supporting LSL development in young children who are DHH.

Building on USU’s established expertise in deaf education, pediatric audiology, and early childhood language development, this specialized graduate certificate emphasizes evidence-based instructional practices and provides mentored support for effective application to educational settings.

Designed for Working Professionals

This 18-credit-hour program can be completed in just two semesters through flexible, asynchronous online coursework. This program features an integrated practicum, which allows students to fulfill practicum requirements within their current professional positions. Through weekly individualized mentoring with USU supervisors, students apply knowledge and skills from coursework directly to the children they serve, bridging theory and practice while strengthening professional competencies.

To participate, students must currently provide services to at least one child who is DHH and uses LSL. The program is particularly relevant for professionals working in early intervention, preschool, and early elementary educational settings.

Expand Your Professional Expertise

Graduates earn a Post-Master’s Certificate in Listening and Spoken Language Deaf Education and may qualify for additional professional endorsements or credentials, depending on individual qualifications and state requirements. Whether you are seeking to strengthen your current practice, expand your professional responsibilities, or develop specialized expertise in LSL education, USU’s Post-Master’s Certificate provides a flexible, practice-focused pathway for professional growth.

What You Will Learn

Through specialized graduate coursework and supervised practicum experiences, students develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to provide effective LSL services to young children who are DHH.

Students will learn to:

• Apply evidence-based LSL strategies: Use instructional approaches that promote auditory development, listening comprehension, spoken language, and communication skills.
• Support language and literacy development: Apply strategies that connect auditory access, spoken language, phonological awareness, and early literacy.
• Understand pediatric audiology and hearing technology: Develop foundational knowledge of hearing loss, hearing assessment, hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other technologies that support auditory access.
• Individualize instruction and intervention: Design and implement developmentally appropriate LSL strategies tailored to children’s abilities, needs, and educational goals.
• Collaborate with families and professionals: Apply family-centered practices and interdisciplinary collaboration to support children’s development across settings.
• Translate research into practice: Strengthen professional competencies by integrating evidence-based practices through supervised experiences, mentoring, and reflection.

Graduates will be prepared to provide specialized, evidence-based LSL services that support the communication, language, literacy, and educational success of children who are deaf or hard of hearing.