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Gallaudet University

A historic, federally chartered private university in Washington, D.C., Gallaudet stands as the world's only institution specifically designed to be barrier-free for deaf and hard of hearing students.

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Gallaudet University
www.gallaudet.edu, og_image_www.gallaudet.edu

What is Gallaudet University known for?

Gallaudet University is the world's only university designed to be barrier-free for deaf and hard of hearing students.

Where is Gallaudet University located?

It is located in Washington, D.C.

What is the history of the university?

Founded in 1864 as a grammar school for deaf and blind children, the university has existed for more than 150 years.

What academic programs does it offer?

Popular majors include Sign Language, Kinesiology and Exercise Science, and Minority and Ethnic Studies.

What are the application deadlines for prospective students?

For the fall semester, the international deadline is May 30 and the domestic deadline is June 1. For the spring semester, the international deadline is October 30 and the domestic deadline is December 1.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Gallaudet University is a private, federally chartered nonprofit institution located in Washington, D.C. It holds a unique global distinction as the only university in the world designed to be completely barrier-free for deaf and hard of hearing students. The campus serves as a vital hub for the education of the deaf, providing a specialized environment that supports its students' specific linguistic and accessibility needs. The institution has a deep history spanning more than 150 years. It was originally founded in 1864, beginning its journey as a grammar school dedicated to the education of both deaf and blind children. Over the decades, it evolved into a comprehensive university, eventually becoming authorized under the Education of the Deaf Act of 1986 to provide a full spectrum of learning, from elementary and secondary levels to undergraduate and continuing education programs. Academic life at Gallaudet is diverse, with popular majors including Sign Language, Kinesiology and Exercise Science, and Minority and Ethnic Studies. The university maintains a competitive admissions process with an acceptance rate of 58%. Beyond the classroom, the university fosters a strong community spirit through its varsity athletics teams, known as the Bison. Today, the campus continues to operate as a specialized educational center. Prospective domestic students typically face application deadlines of June 1 for the fall semester and December 1 for the spring semester, while international applicants follow a slightly different schedule with deadlines of May 30 and October 30, respectively.

Visitor tips

  • Respect the campus environment as an active place of learning for deaf and hard of hearing students.
  • Look for the Bison athletics branding around the sports facilities.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the barrier-free layout of the campus grounds.

Nearby context

Gallaudet University is situated in the Northeast quadrant of Washington, D.C., contributing to the city's diverse academic landscape through its specialized mission and historic federally chartered status.

Sources

Evidence and links