Colleges Where You Can Learn American Sign Language

American Sign Language (ASL) is important to millions of Americans who are deaf, hard of hearing, or who interact with deaf people. The language is a mode of communication that provides accessibility for its users, and it is a crucial component of Deaf culture.

ASL is also available as a major at some colleges and universities. Though the major may go by a few different names, like Deaf studies or ASL studies, it is critical to spreading awareness for the experiences of deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

Interest in ASL, especially at top-tier colleges, is growing rapidly at U.S. colleges and universities. The following institutions are trailblazers in providing ASL education to their students.

How long an ASL program takes to complete depends on the school a student attends. Some institutions have accelerated programs that require fewer credit hours, while others last just as long as other majors.

On average, a four-year major requires 30-36 credit hours, and a minor requires 18 credit hours. Students should check the number of credit hours required for an ASL major on the institution’s website.

Courses for ASL programs vary but tend to include similar topics. Many programs have a course that discusses Deaf and hard-of-hearing culture. Other common courses involved the study of literature or community-based coursework meant to expose hearing students to Deaf culture outside of the classroom.

Generally, ASL programs also include a social justice course that discusses the rights and realities of those with disabilities. Sociology and other interdisciplinary studies may be a part of the curriculum. Students may also take courses that require them to learn Deaf history. Finally, programs also include the ASL language component where students learn ASL.

As detailed above, many programs focus on interpretation as a primary career for students. However, many professions are available to students interested in Deaf studies and ASL.

Education is a route that graduates often take. Those that are interested in teaching deaf and hard-of-hearing students will benefit from ASL coursework. Additionally, students who graduate with Deaf studies degrees can go on to work for social services and community organizations that cater to deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

However, students can go on to pursue any relevant or adjacent career path with a degree in ASL or Deaf studies.

No. American Sign Language is different from other sign languages in the same way that spoken English is different from other languages. There may be similarities, but each language has a different vocabulary, grammar, and context.

Yes. It’s possible for a person to learn any language on their own, including ASL. There are several online and in-person programs that can teach individuals how to sign.

Students minor in American Sign Language because they have an interest in learning a different language, want to know more about deaf and hard-of-hearing experiences, or just have a general interest in ASL. If you align with any of these reasons, you can earn a minor in ASL.

As of late, ASL interpreters at concerts have come into the limelight because of viral videos on social media that portray energetic interpreters. The first step to becoming a professional interpreter is getting a National Interpreter Certification (NIC). Afterward, you can find employment with artists or venues.

Some colleges recognize ASL as a foreign language, but others do not. Students should be sure to check with their institution to make sure that they are able to enroll or take ASL credits to count for any foreign language requirements.