American Sign Language: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Program Overview

American Sign Language (ASL) is a dynamic, visual language with its own grammar, syntax, and cultural context, serving as a primary means of communication within Deaf communities across the United States and beyond. This program provides students with immersive, structured training in ASL acquisition, linguistic analysis, and cultural fluency, preparing them for effective communication and deeper engagement with Deaf and hard-of-hearing populations.

• ASL Linguistics and Grammar: Explore the structural components of ASL, including syntax, morphology, and phonology, to understand how meaning is conveyed through facial expressions, handshapes, and spatial relationships.
• Deaf Culture and Community Studies: Examine the historical, social, and cultural dimensions of Deaf identity, including traditions, values, and the role of language in community cohesion and advocacy.
• Sign Language Acquisition and Pedagogy: Develop strategies for learning and teaching ASL effectively, with attention to developmental stages, language immersion techniques, and best practices in instructional design.
• Interpreting and Communication Skills: Build proficiency in real-time signing, including translation, interpretation, and effective interpersonal communication in diverse settings such as education, healthcare, and legal environments.
• Language and Identity in Multilingual Contexts: Investigate how ASL interacts with spoken and written languages, and how multilingualism shapes personal and communal identity within the Deaf experience.