Linguistics of ASL and Sign Languages: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Explore the intricate structure and cultural significance of American Sign Language (ASL) and global sign systems through a rigorous, interdisciplinary academic lens. This program investigates signed languages not only as dynamic communication tools within Deaf communities but also as complex linguistic systems that intersect with and contrast against spoken and written languages.
- Cognitive linguistics: Examine how sign languages shape and reflect human thought, perception, and conceptualization, emphasizing the mental processes underlying language use and understanding.
- Phonology, syntax, and morphology of sign languages: Analyze the structural building blocks of ASL and other sign languages, including parameters like handshape, movement, location, and orientation, as well as sentence structure and word formation.
- Sociolinguistics of the Deaf community: Investigate how language use, identity, and social dynamics intersect within Deaf cultures, including language acquisition, community norms, and linguistic variation.
- Comparative linguistics: Study the structural and historical relationships among sign languages across regions, highlighting both universal features and language-specific characteristics.
- International sign language studies: Engage with a range of global sign systems, including Auslan (Australian Sign Language), LSF (French Sign Language), Shuwa jiten (Japanese Sign Language), HamNoSys (German Sign Language), and Gestuno, to explore linguistic diversity and cross-linguistic patterns.
Linguistics of ASL and Sign Languages Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Linguistics of ASL and Sign Languages Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Linguistics of ASL and Sign Languages degrees, including Postsecondary Teachers, All Other, Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary and Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 1,298,600 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other 25-1199 | $78,490 | $39,720 - $172,850 | 151,530 | N/A |
| Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1124 | $77,010 | $47,090 - $134,960 | 21,170 | N/A |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education 25-2031 | $64,580 | $47,330 - $104,670 | 1,072,540 | N/A |
| Interpreters and Translators 27-3091 | $59,440 | $35,630 - $99,830 | 53,360 | $28.58 |
Linguistics of ASL and Sign Languages Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $52,335 in Mississippi to $95,715 in California—a 83% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New York, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,298,600 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Linguistics of ASL and Sign Languages by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 2 institutions offering Linguistics of ASL and Sign Languages programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Linguistics of ASL and Sign Languages is found at Gallaudet University (8 graduates), and St Catherine University (St. Kate’s) (2 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 10 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gallaudet University |
Master's
|
8 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | gallaudet.edu |
| St Catherine University (St. Kate’s) |
Master's
|
2 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Private | stkate.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Linguistics of ASL and Sign Languages programs
How much can I earn with a Linguistics of ASL and Sign Languages degree?
Salaries for Linguistics of ASL and Sign Languages graduates vary by role and location. Postsecondary Teachers, All Other earn a median of $78,490 annually, while Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $77,010. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $95,715 compared to $52,335 in Mississippi. Approximately 1,298,600 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Linguistics of ASL and Sign Languages programs?
Currently 2 accredited institutions offer Linguistics of ASL and Sign Languages degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Gallaudet University (8 graduates), St Catherine University (St. Kate’s) (2 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Linguistics of ASL and Sign Languages growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 4 in 2010 to a peak of 12 in 2020, before declining slightly to 10 in 2023-24. This represents a 150% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Linguistics of ASL and Sign Languages degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Postsecondary Teachers, All Other, Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary, and Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education. Related occupations employ approximately 1,298,600 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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