Graduate Student Resource Portal
Are you thinking about graduate school? Or maybe you’re about to start? If so, you’re not alone! More deaf students are enrolling in graduate programs each year. Getting a master’s degree or higher can help you earn more money and open up more career opportunities. On average, deaf people with a master’s degree or higher earn $15,000 more per year than those with just a bachelor’s degree (Bloom, Palmer, Winninghoff, 2024). Graduate school can help you gain specialized knowledge and become an expert in your field. Plus, you can inspire other deaf students to pursue graduate school and make your profession more inclusive for future deaf professionals!
However, the journey is not without its challenges. Graduate school can be tough, but there are many resources to help you succeed. This guide provides essential tips and tools to help you navigate the challenges of graduate school. You’ll learn strategies for overcoming barriers, find supportive communities, and discover tools that can enhance your educational journey.
How is Graduate School Different from Undergraduate School?
Graduate school is different from undergraduate school in several ways. For one thing, courses are often more technical and complex at the graduate level. In many ways, graduate education is akin to on-the-job training in a specialized field. You might have to manage a complex schedule, conduct independent research, and work closely with a professor in a lab or classroom.
Self-Advocacy is Vital
Explore Different (and New!) Accommodations
There is no one-size-fits-all for accommodations. You might need different accommodations in different settings. For example, you might prefer an interpreter in a seminar class but a captioner in a statistics class. Don’t be afraid to try different accommodations using a trial-and-error approach to see what works best for you. Explore options like remote interpreting and remote speech-to-text services. Also, dual accommodations may be beneficial for effective communication.
One challenge with graduate-level courses is the use of technical language—it can be helpful to request consistent service providers, like interpreters, who are experienced in your field and familiar with the vocabulary. Consistent interpreters can help you navigate complex subjects more easily. Use available resources to advocate for the consistency in access you need.
In this video, Nida explains her experience requesting dual accommodations for law school.
While you’re in graduate school, you’ll probably do more things outside the classroom like work in a research lab, do practicums, teach a class, present at conferences, or attend networking events. Be proactive in coordinating services for these activities. Some schools centralize accommodation requests, while others may require you to work with different offices.
Did you know the process to request accommodations goes beyond class times? Here are some tips: Requesting Accommodations.
Are You Taking Online Classes?
Online classes can be synchronous, asynchronous, or hybrid, and access needs may differ for each format. Accommodations for online classes are different from in-person classes. Our Remote Services page provides more information about access services that can be provided remotely, as well. This guide outlines some best practices for making online classes accessible, and can be shared with your disability services office.
Be Ready to Engage in Discussions
Graduate classes often involve more discussions than undergraduate classes. You will be expected to participate and engage with your classmates. Meet with your instructors and disability services office before the semester starts to determine the best accommodations for this format.
Prepare for Internships and Clinical Rotations
Internships and clinical rotations are often part of graduate education. These on-the-job training opportunities are crucial for developing necessary skills. Start planning early to ensure you have the right accommodations for these settings, as internships or clinical sites may require security clearances, mandatory training, or specific certifications for service providers. Consider things like dual accommodations, placement of microphones, and appropriate technology for meetings with multiple participants.
Certification and Licensure Testing
Build Your Professional Network
Building a professional network is an important part of graduate school. Attend professional events and conferences to connect with others in your field, and ask event organizers about interpreters or service providers in advance so you can connect with them and prepare beforehand. Preparation with interpreters and service providers will help create a more comfortable experience for all involved.
Connecting with deaf professional organizations can provide mentorship and support. Some organizations to consider include:
Don’t Forget to Prioritize Self-Care!
Graduate school can be stressful, so don’t forget about self-care. Take time for your mental well-being and seek out resources on campus or online. Self-care is crucial for maintaining your health and success. If you need further assistance, seek out resources on your campus and explore options on these NDC pages, Where can I find mental health providers that specialize in serving deaf people? and Mental Health for Deaf People.
Dive Into Helpful Resources
You are not alone in this graduate education journey. See the following resources for more information and solutions specific to your field:
- Deaf Healthcare Students and Professionals
- The Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Doctoral Student’s Success Guide
Many deaf students have successfully navigated graduate school. Read their stories for inspiration and guidance. Some articles to check out include:
- Communication barriers for a Deaf PhD student meant risking burnout
- Biomedical Graduate Student Advocates for More Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Scientists
- Inspiring grads: Born deaf, student overcomes barriers to earn Ph.D.
- Why mutual support matters: surviving as Deaf/HoH graduate students at a predominantly hearing institution
- Phoebe Tay, PhD Candidate
- Danforth Center Graduate Student Dr. Amie Fornah Sankoh Becomes the First Deaf, Black Woman to Receive a PhD in a STEM Discipline
- Arrianna Planey – Lessons from Graduate School (Part 1)
By using the right resources and advocating for yourself, you can overcome the challenges and succeed in your field. Good luck! Don’t forget to check-in with your disability services office if you are finding that your accommodations are not working for you; as your needs change, so should your accommodations!
