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Deaf people just want to be able to communicate with their families and friends, but sometimes there’s no way for them to do that. A lot of times, American Sign Language (ASL) is the only way for them to communicate with those around them.
That’s why it’s so important for schools to offer American Sign Language degrees. Schools that offer these degrees teach students how to use American Sign Language so they can communicate with their fellow classmates and friends who are deaf.
If you’re interested in learning more about these degrees, keep reading! We’re going to talk about some of the best schools that offer American Sign Language degrees so you can see what they have to offer and decide which one is right for you!
Schools That Offer American Sign Language Degree
The fourth most-popular language, American Sign Language is a surprisingly versatile area of study that can lead to myriad careers. Almost any workplace or field can benefit from an employee fluent in ASL, and students looking to study it can choose from a variety of focus areas and degree levels. Find out more about the different certificates and degrees available for American Sign Language, how students can benefit from learning this unique language, and the different careers open to those with an ASL degree.
Generally speaking, there are two different tracks in which ASL-related degrees and certificates are available: ASL/English interpretation and ASL language and Deaf culture. The first type of program helps prepare students for a future career in ASL/English interpretation and translation. These programs may also include preparation for an ASL/English interpreter certification exam.
The second type of program is often geared towards students with little to no knowledge of ASL who would like to learn ASL and become more familiar with Deaf culture, Deaf society, and other aspects of deafness and the Deaf community.
American Sign Language/English Interpreting Track
Students of this track should take care to make sure their program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education as well as the relevant regional accrediting body. Also consider obtaining a professional certification for ASL interpreting through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf in addition to the program’s certificate or degree.
Certificate programs in ASL/English interpreting and translation help students already fluent in American Sign Language prepare for a career in interpreting. Students learn the analytical skills and ethical framework needed to be successful interpreters.
Length of Program: Varies; approximately one year
American Sign Language & Deaf Culture Track
American Sign Language certificate programs do not necessarily prepare students for a specific career; rather, these programs are often a foundation for further learning or an opportunity to explore fundamental aspects of ASL and Deaf culture.
Length of Program: Varies; often a year or less
What Can You do With an ASL Degree?
Simply put, individuals armed with an ASL degree and fluency in signing can do nearly anything. American Sign Language can be applied to almost any field in some way, meaning that qualified individuals who know American Sign Language are often in high demand. Additionally, students of American Sign Language can find careers in a variety of fields available only to those with their unique skills, such as those explored here.
Interpreter
ASL interpreters translate spoken language into sign language. Interpreters can work in a wide variety of settings, from schools to hospitals to courtrooms.
- Median annual salary: $47,190
- Employment outlook (2016-2026): +18%
- Education needed: Bachelor’s degree and proficiency in American Sign Language
- Skills needed: Listening, cultural sensitivity, concentration
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018
Medical Interpreter
Healthcare interpreters do the vital work of assuring a patient understands their doctor and a doctor understands their patient. Individuals in this line of work help insure deaf individuals and the Deaf community’s access to quality healthcare and health related services.
- Median annual salary: $44,756
- Employment outlook (2016-2026): n/a
- Education needed: Certification or more
- Skills needed: compassion, quick thinking, good memory/recall
Source: Payscale, 2018
Deaf Educator
Deaf educator is a term that refers to teachers who work specifically with deaf students, possibly at a private school for the Deaf. As with teachers at hearing and/or mainstream schools, deaf educators may specialize in specific subjects or only teach certain grade levels.
- Median annual salary: $58,980*
- Employment outlook (2016-2026): +8%*
- Education needed: In addition to an ASL degree or experience, a bachelor’s degree in special education or a related field may also be needed in addition to teacher certification or licensure.
- Skills needed: Interpersonal, adaptability, patience
*For all special education teachers
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018
Social Worker
Social workers help individuals and communities, especially those which are considered vulnerable, solve problems and overcome challenges which unfairly prevent them from thriving. Social workers fluent in American Sign Language can be especially valuable for working with deaf families, individuals, and children.
- Median annual salary: $47,980
- Employment outlook (2016-2026): +16%
- Education needed: At least a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field, in addition to experience or a degree in ASL.
- Skills needed: Good and effective communication, empathy, problem-solving
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018
Which Colleges Offer ASL Degrees & Certificates?
Schools across the country offer American Sign Language certificates and degrees, from small community colleges to large urban universities. Use this list to explore the many options available for learning American Sign Language, studying Deaf culture, or gaining the skills needed to become an ASL/English interpreter.
The Benefits of Studying ASL
Learning another language is often seen as a vital part of education (hence why colleges and universities require foreign language credits) and this is no different with American Sign Language. In addition to the common benefits of becoming multilingual, such as better cognitive and memory skills, American Sign Language fluency comes with a range of benefits unique to signing.Valuable Skill in Any Field
Nearly every career — from retail industries to medical fields to politics — needs individuals who are fluent in American Sign Language in order to serve deaf customers, patients, and clients. Additionally, individuals fluent in ASL can help assure that products, services, and events are accessible to all community members, including those who do not — or find it difficult to — converse using spoken word.Growing Career Field
Forbes named interpreting and translating to be the 15th fastest-growing field with a projected growth rate of 29%.Language Spoken by Many
Estimates on the number of people who use American Sign Language vary wildly, but a 2005 study from Gallaudet University indicated that most sources agreed that the number of signers was in the hundreds of thousands. Considering the increased popularity and cultural visibility of ASL, that number has only grown since Gallaudet’s study was published.New Form of Expression
For hearing individuals with little or no exposure to sign, ASL is an entirely new and creative way to express ideas, opinions, and even art.
American Sign Language Scholarships
Scholarship opportunities specific to American Sign Language programs are unfortunately not as common as other scholarships. The majority of those available are offered through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf so members can continue their education or fund certification exam fees. Schools and programs may also have in-house scholarships available to current and future students, such as the Austin Community College scholarship listed here.
- American Sign Language Honor Society Scholarships$1,750 – $2,500Current or future students enrolled at a college or university with an active American Sign Language Honor Society are eligible to apply. Students can be majoring or minoring various ASL and Deaf-related fields.
- American Sign Language & Interpreter Training Program Scholarship$500Students enrolled in the interpreter preparation program (an associate-level course) at Austin Community College can apply for this scholarship. Applications include a video of the student using ASL to explain why they should receive the scholarship.
- American Sign Language Project /Nicholas J Deleonardis Scholarship$5,000Current college students compete for this scholarship by submitting project ideas for non-invasive ASL-related communication technologies. The winner receives the first half of funds prior to completing their project and the second half of funds upon completion.
- Arlene Long Education FundUp to $600This scholarship, offered through the Deaf-Hearing Communication Centre, helps fund the further education of ASL interpreters and ASL teachers.
- David H Pokorny Memorial ScholarshipCertification Exam FeeMembers of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deafwho are unable to afford certification exam fees are eligible to apply for this scholarship.
- Elizabeth Benson Scholarship$500 or MoreThis scholarship provides need-based financial assistance to members of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf who are currently enrolled in an Interpreter/Transliterator Training or Preparation Program.
- Evelyn Zola Scholarship$500 or MoreRegistry of Interpreters for the Deaf members who are continuing their education in the field may be eligible for this scholarship.
- Gerald “Bummy” Burstein Scholarship Award$500 or MoreCurrent Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf members who need financial assistance in order to take a certification exam or training program are eligible for this scholarship.
- Preston Bass ScholarshipOne Year’s TuitionThis merit-based scholarship is intended to support individuals with Deaf parents who are studying to become professional ASL interpreters. Only members of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf are eligible to apply.
- US Department of Education Interpreter Training GrantVariesThis federal program funds post-graduate training for individuals with bachelor’s degrees in ASL interpreting (or related fields). Applications are accepted sporadically, with the most recent application cycle ending in 2016.
Resources
- American Deafness and Rehabilitation AssociationADARA is a professional organization for those who work with Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals. The organization’s primary goals include networking opportunities for members and inclusivity/accessibility.
- American Translators AssociationATA is a professional organization for interpreters and translators who work in nearly any language combination. The organization hosts conferences and provides resources and networking opportunities for members.
- The ASL AppThis free app, created by members of the Deaf community, is a user-friendly tool for learning and practicing conversational ASL. Over 1,000 phrases and words/signs are included.
- ASL Pro DictionariesThis free resource, geared towards ASL teachers, includes quizzes as well as three helpful dictionaries (a standard dictionary, a dictionary of religious terms and phrases, and a phrase-specific dictionary).
- ASL UniversityThis website was created by the instructor of a college-level introductory ASL class. It includes a wide range of tools, quizzes, and dictionaries.
- Critical Link InternationalCritical Link is an organization for and by interpreters of all languages. It focuses primarily on the role of interpreters in international contexts and is actively involved in current politics and social issues, such as the recent refugee crisis.
- Deaf-Hearing Communication CentreThe Deaf-Hearing Communication Centre is an organization that promotes linguistic and cultural communication between the Deaf and hearing communities.
- Deaf Interpreter InstituteThe DII’s website is unfortunately defunct because its federal funding ended, but its informational archives and resources (last updated in 2016) remain available.
- Deaf LibraryDeaf Library contains a multitude of resources about Deaf communities and cultures in the United States and Japan. This website was created and is maintained by Karen Nakamura, professor of disability studies at University of California, Berkeley (previously, she taught at Yale University).
- Deaf Studies Digital JournalGallaudet University has four issues of its Deaf Studies Journal available for free online. The digital version of the journal includes academic articles about Deaf studies as well as art and literature by members of the Deaf community.
- International Medical Interpreters Association (ASL Division)This organization offers networking opportunities and resources for medical interpreters. IMIA as a whole caters to all language interpreters, but there is a division specific to ASL interpreters in America.
- Mano a ManoMano a Mano is a nonprofit trilingual (English, Spanish, and ASL) organization that primarily serves deaf individuals in Spanish-speaking American communities. Mano a Mano also works with Puerto Rican dialects of English, Spanish, and ASL as well as with Latin American dialects of Spanish.
- National Association of Interpreters in EducationNAIE is a professional organization for interpreters who work with deaf students in educational settings. In addition to advocating for the educational needs of deaf students, NAIE also provides members with networking opportunities, resources, and hosts conferences; the website has an especially helpful resources section with links to dozens of organizations, journals, and other tools.
- National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and TranslatorsNAJIT is a professional organization for interpreters and translators who work within legal fields. The organization has members who work with a wide range of languages, including ASL.
- National Consortium of Interpreter Educational CentersLike its affiliated organization, the Deaf Interpreter Institute, the NCIEC’s website is no longer actively maintained due to a loss of federal funding. However, its resources, tools, and information (last updated in 2016) are still available.
- Registry of Interpreters for the DeafRID is the primary professional organization for ASL interpreters. This organization works to maintain high standards within the field while also providing resources, scholarships, and networking opportunities to members.
- Signing SavvyThis website is an extensive dictionary with thousands of videos that beginning and experienced signers alike can learn from.
- World Association of Sign Language InterpretersThis organization supports the World Federation of the Deaf and advances the needs of deaf individuals, Deaf communities, and sign language interpreters across the world.
Best Colleges with American Sign Language (Asl) Degrees in the U.S.
If you are seeking a degree in American Sign Language (Asl), you’ll find there is a large range of degrees that can be earned. A major in American Sign Language (Asl) is a somewhat popular major and offered at a decent amount schools, all of which are listed below. Our 2020 ranking of the best colleges that offer American Sign Language (Asl) degrees is based on the compilation of our data from reliable government sources, student surveys, college graduate interviews, and editorial review. You can find more information about a American Sign Language (Asl) degree below along with a look at schools that offer online degrees in American Sign Language (Asl).
The Best American Sign Language (Asl) Colleges of 2019
| 1 | Northeastern University | Boston, MA |  Northeastern University offers 2 American Sign Language (Asl) Degree programs. It’s a large private university in a large city. In 2015, 10 students graduated in the study area of American Sign Language (Asl) with students earning 10 Bachelor’s degrees. | Based on 48 Reviews | Read more: Northeastern University Reviews Get Admissions Info | |
| 2 | University of Iowa | Iowa City, IA |  University of Iowa offers 1 American Sign Language (Asl) Degree program. It’s a large public university in a small city. In 2015, 8 students graduated in the study area of American Sign Language (Asl) with students earning 8 Certificates degrees. | Based on 76 Reviews | Read more: University of Iowa Reviews Get Admissions Info | |
| 3 | Madonna University | Livonia, MI |  Madonna University offers 5 American Sign Language (Asl) Degree programs. It’s a small private university in a small city. In 2015, 8 students graduated in the study area of American Sign Language (Asl) with students earning 7 Bachelor’s degrees, 1 Certificates degree. | Based on 12 Reviews | Read more: Madonna University Reviews Get Admissions Info | |
| 4 | University of Rochester | Rochester, NY |  University of Rochester offers 2 American Sign Language (Asl) Degree programs. It’s a medium sized private university in a mid sized city. In 2015, 10 students graduated in the study area of American Sign Language (Asl) with students earning 10 Bachelor’s degrees. | Based on 16 Reviews | Read more: University of Rochester Reviews Get Admissions Info | |
| 5 | Siena Heights University | Adrian, MI |  Siena Heights University offers 1 American Sign Language (Asl) Degree program. It’s a small private university in a far away town. In 2015, 35 students graduated in the study area of American Sign Language (Asl) with students earning 35 Bachelor’s degrees. | Based on 8 Reviews | Read more: Siena Heights University Reviews Get Admissions Info | |
| 6 | University of Houston | Houston, TX |  University of Houston offers 1 American Sign Language (Asl) Degree program. It’s a large public university in a large city. In 2015, 9 students graduated in the study area of American Sign Language (Asl) with students earning 9 Bachelor’s degrees. | Based on 28 Reviews | Read more: University of Houston Reviews Get Admissions Info | |
| 7 | St Catherine University | Saint Paul, MN |  St Catherine University offers 3 American Sign Language (Asl) Degree programs. It’s a medium sized private university in a large city. In 2015, 3 students graduated in the study area of American Sign Language (Asl) with students earning 2 Bachelor’s degrees, and 1 Certificates degree. | Based on 4 Reviews | Read more: St Catherine University Reviews Get Admissions Info | |
| 8 | University of Minnesota-Duluth | Duluth, MN |  University of Minnesota-Duluth offers 1 American Sign Language (Asl) Degree program. It’s a large public university in a small city. | Based on 16 Reviews | Read more: University of Minnesota-Duluth Reviews Get Admissions Info | |
| 9 | Kent State University at Kent | Kent, OH |  Kent State University at Kent offers 1 American Sign Language (Asl) Degree program. It’s a large public university in a large suburb. In 2015, 3 students graduated in the study area of American Sign Language (Asl) with students earning 3 Bachelor’s degrees. | Based on 60 Reviews | Read more: Kent State University at Kent Reviews Get Admissions Info | |
| 10 | William Woods University | Fulton, MO |  William Woods University offers 1 American Sign Language (Asl) Degree program. It’s a small private university in a far away town. In 2015, 2 students graduated in the study area of American Sign Language (Asl) with students earning 2 Bachelor’s degrees. | Read more: William Woods University Reviews Get Admissions Info |
List of American Sign Language (Asl) Schools in the U.S.
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| School Logo | School Name | Average tuition | Student Teacher Ratio | Enrolled Students |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University Boston, MA | 5/5 | 15 : 1 | 19,940 | |
| University of Iowa Iowa City, IA | 3/5 | 13 : 1 | 30,844 | |
| Madonna University Livonia, MI | 4/5 | 19 : 1 | 3,704 | |
| University of Rochester Rochester, NY | 5/5 | 6 : 1 | 11,105 | |
| Siena Heights University Adrian, MI | 4/5 | 20 : 1 | 2,707 | |
| University of Houston Houston, TX | 3/5 | 30 : 1 | 42,704 | |
| St Catherine University Saint Paul, MN | 5/5 | 14 : 1 | 4,961 | |
| University of Minnesota-Duluth Duluth, MN | 3/5 | 21 : 1 | 10,878 | |
| Kent State University at Kent Kent, OH | 3/5 | 25 : 1 | 30,067 | |
| William Woods University Fulton, MO | 4/5 | 19 : 1 | 2,172 | |
| Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, KY | 3/5 | 22 : 1 | 20,063 | |
| Lamar University Beaumont, TX | 3/5 | 29 : 1 | 14,965 | |
| Goshen College Goshen, IN | 5/5 | 10 : 1 | 839 | |
| Gallaudet University Washington, DC | 4/5 | 8 : 1 | 1,477 | |
| Augustana University Sioux Falls, SD | 5/5 | 12 : 1 | 1,837 | |
| Maryville College Maryville, TN | 5/5 | 14 : 1 | 1,213 | |
| Sierra College Rocklin, CA | 1/5 | 42 : 1 | 18,218 | |
| Utah Valley University Orem, UT | 2/5 | 37 : 1 | 33,211 | |
| Ohlone College Fremont, CA | 1/5 | 41 : 1 | 10,193 | |
| Piedmont International University Winston-Salem, NC | 3/5 | 16 : 1 | 691 | |
| Antelope Valley College Lancaster, CA | 1/5 | 45 : 1 | 14,399 | |
| Grossmont College El Cajon, CA | 1/5 | 45 : 1 | 18,159 | |
| Crafton Hills College Yucaipa, CA | 1/5 | 39 : 1 | 5,985 | |
| North Central University Minneapolis, MN | 4/5 | 18 : 1 | 1,212 | |
| Idaho State University Pocatello, ID | 2/5 | 21 : 1 | 13,078 |
American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual language that uses hand gestures and facial expressions to communicate. It’s used by more than 1 million people in the United States and Canada, according to The American Society for Deaf Children.
There are many schools that offer ASL degrees, including community colleges and four-year universities. Some schools offer associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and PhDs.
Community colleges are great places for students who want to learn more about ASL but don’t want to commit to a full degree program. Many community colleges also have programs where students can earn their associate degree online or on-campus at night or during the weekend so they still have time for other classes or jobs.
The following are some of the top schools for ASL:
Lane Community College – Eugene, OR – Lane Community College offers a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders with an emphasis on ASL certification through the University of Oregon. The program includes courses on American Sign Language linguistics, interpreting skills and clinical practicum opportunities in hospitals and rehabilitation centers throughout Oregon. The coursework includes both general education requirements as well as specific requirements for the major including:
-Students must take at least one course.
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