American Sign Language Major
Major
The American Sign Language degree is an introduction to American Sign Language and the deaf community. This major can supplement students in other human service bachelor programs, such as education and nursing, where interpersonal relationships might benefit from the ability to communicate directly with a deaf person.
100%
of ASL and Interpreting classes include Deaf teachers or co-teachers
11:1
student-to-faculty ratio
100%
of students receive some form of financial assistance
American Sign Language Major
Associate of Arts (AA) Program – 2 years
Courses will include:
- Interpreting for chapel
- Interpreting for tours and role-plays
- Interpreting for theater productions
- Interpreting for nursing simulations
Prepare for an exciting future:
- As an aid for a Deaf classroom
- As a missionary
- In acting
- In any field interaction with Deaf individuals
You’ll gain career-shaping skills such as:
- ASL (American Sign Language) grammar and structures
- Use of ASL classifiers
- Using signing space
- Non-manual markers
- ASL mouth morphemes
- How to become an ally to d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing people
- Essentials of Deaf Culture
- How to work with and communicate directly with the d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing people in your community and workplace
- Appropriate communication in Deaf spaces
American Sign Language Major Highlights
The American Sign Language degree is an introduction to American Sign Language and the Deaf community. This major can supplement students in other human service bachelor programs, such as education and nursing, where interpersonal relationships might benefit from the ability to communicate directly with a Deaf person.
Also Consider These Areas of Study
As you’re thinking about a degree in American Sign Language, you may consider these other areas of study along with it:
Still deciding?
Meet Our Faculty & Staff
Edwin Carrington
American Sign Language & Interpreting Department (ASLID) Chair; Associate Professor of American Sign Language
Holly Kalling
Instructor of American Sign Language Interpreting
Laura Polhemus
Assistant Professor of American Sign Language Interpreting
Take the Next Step
Take the first step toward your Bethel University degree in Deaf studies. Visit campus, apply, request information or ask questions about financial aid.