Grad School Question

I am applying to grad schools in the Anthropology and Sociology Field. My goal is to use the knowledge I've learned in these fields and combine them with deaf studies because all over the world there a deaf communities that are ignored or even denied certain rights. However everytime I get calls or email from these schools the second I mention deaf studies they "don't have it" or they've "never heard of it". I feel these two fields will help me better understand certain cultures and why some societies neglect some communities within the same society but should I just go for a masters in deaf studies and education?

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uniglow · 36-40, M

With such a specialised field, people tend to study multiple further degrees. It could be difficult in your case because you'd probably want to study Anthropology and Sociology first, but then the study of why some communities are neglected feels like a Masters topic, and that would normally come first.

Have you investigated whether any of your chosen schools have a decent audiology or deafness research centre? While that's not quite the same as Deaf Studies, it's a potential option to collaborate with two distinct areas of Faculty.

Nine9 · 26-30, F

@uniglow Two of them had audiology centers but their main focus was the typical field work of hearing aids, neuroscience and psychology of the cochlear. I did find a university with a deaf research center but they're not keeping it. I think you're right though, I was thinking I had to take anthropology and sociology first but I may need to change gears. Thanks for your advice.

uniglow · 36-40, M

@Nine9 It does tend to be more practical, yes, although you occasionally get collaborations which touch on the psychology and sociology. Good luck with it, however it goes. I've both worked with and dated the deaf and understand how isolating it can be.