Program at a glance
How much does it cost?Â
Learn more about how to afford a degree from the Â鶹´«Ã½AV.
How long does it take?
This minor is designed to be completed with any major in four years.
What will I learn in an American Sign Language minor?
The American Sign Language minor provides you with a command of the language, as well as an understanding of the Deaf Community as both a disability group and a linguistic minority. You will see how Deaf Culture is sustained through time and across geography via the sharing of language and unique life experiences. You will learn about Deaf History, the struggle for civil rights and the importance of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) for creating access to information and services for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
In addition, you have the opportunity to study the deep structure of ASL embedded in the physical manifestations of the language on our hands, as well as in our faces and bodies. Engage with the local Deaf Community, expanding access to information, services, and cultural events as part of the ASL Service-Learning Course. You'll meet and sign with Deaf individuals both on and off campus and explore the creative uses of sign though Deaf poetry and film.
Learn more about world languages and literatures
The World Languages and Literatures Department in the College of Liberal Arts offers courses and programs in a range of languages from around the globe and provides a number of opportunities for students, including guest speakers, language clubs, and contests and scholarships.
Take the next step
Careers with a minor in American Sign Language
A minor in American Sign Language (ASL) can unlock numerous career opportunities that involve fostering effective communication with the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. One of the more direct paths, this minor can help prepare you for an ASL interpreter program, where you learn facilitate communication between Deaf individuals and the hearing world in diverse settings like schools, medical facilities and legal proceedings.
For those passionate about education, a minor in ASL can lead to roles as a Deaf education assistant, aiding educators in Deaf education programs and providing essential support to Deaf students. ASL specialists can serve as sign language specialists, offering their expertise in ASL and Deaf culture to educate others and promote Deaf awareness.
The skills acquired through an ASL minor also complement careers in healthcare, such as speech therapists, who assist those with speech and language disorders, including Deaf individuals who use ASL. Additionally, social work and counseling careers can benefit from ASL proficiency when working with Deaf and hard-of-hearing clients.
The versatile nature of ASL skills extends to fields like customer service, event planning, advocacy, and more, making it a valuable minor that enhances inclusivity and enriches career options. An ASL minor equips individuals with not just linguistic abilities but also a deeper understanding of Deaf culture, empowering them to make a positive impact in a diverse and inclusive society.
You can afford the Â鶹´«Ã½AV
76% of students receive financial aid
Almost everyone is eligible to receive some kind of aid. We offer need-based and merit-based forms of financial aid to help you afford college.
54% of all students graduate with no debt
That's right. More than half of our students leave the Â鶹´«Ã½AV with no student debt.
Related programs
Life's a journey. Honors makes it meaningful.
At the Â鶹´«Ã½AV Honors College, our students maximize their unique gifts and passions through a series of personalized experiences that deepen their capacity for transformative societal impact.
Visit the Honors College