American Sign Language Major

College of Arts and Humanities - Department of World Languages

AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE MAJOR

The World Language Department offers the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in American Sign Language, with concentrations in American Sign Language/English Interpreting and in Deaf Studies.

The ASL/English Interpreting concentration provides students with a theoretical and practical foundation in the knowledge, skills, values and ethical judgment necessary for the successful transfer of meaning, cultural mediation and professional conduct required of working interpreters. Students are involved in coursework, research, service learning (community engagement) and practicum experiences within the context of a public liberal arts education that seeks to strengthen and deepen the knowledge base and critical thinking skills that all successful interpreters must possess. Upon completion of the program, students are well-positioned to state-level interpreter screenings within one year of graduation.

The goal of the Deaf Studies concentration is to provide students with a foundation in American Sign Language and associated courses that cover the history, culture, and literature of the Deaf Community in the U.S., based on a social justice framework. Students graduating from this program qualify for entry-level work in Deaf services agencies, residential programs, and educational and human service settings requiring fluency in ASL. Graduates are well-positioned to pursue graduate studies in Deaf education, rehabilitation counseling, linguistics, social work, or other disciplines. The knowledge and skills acquired in this program may also be applied to other professional domains where Deaf/Hard of Hearing/DeafBlind individuals are served.

View program mission statements and learning objectives >

The General Education Requirement
All students must satisfy a general education requirement consisting of ten (10) courses outside of the major department. The General Education Domain I-C (Language) requirement is satisfied through the completion of the major.

Course Prerequisites
Courses may have specified conditions for enrollment, such as prior completion of less advanced courses, permission of the instructor, or appropriate placement test scores. Students should refer to course descriptions in the department listings for prerequisite requirements.