Students interested in studying American Sign Language (ASL) can pursue degrees from a variety of Christian colleges and universities in different states. These private institutions vary in location, size and other characteristics. Learn about some of these schools' programs and what makes them special.
School Comparison
Here we take a closer look at some of the 4-year Christian schools of various denominations that offer degree programs in ASL. The table below allows you to compare the undergraduate tuition rates for these schools.
| School Name | Institution Type | Denomination | Location | Tuition (2019-2020)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gardner-Webb University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Southern Baptist | Boiling Springs, NC | $32,240 |
| Liberty University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Evangelical Christian | Lynchburg, VA | $22,747 |
| Maryville College | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Presbyterian Church (USA) | Maryville, TN | $35,578 |
| Goshen College | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Mennonite Church | Goshen, IN | $34,540 |
| Piedmont International University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Baptist | Winston-Salem, NC | $11,900 |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Description of Some Christian Colleges That Offer American Sign Language
Christian colleges that offer ASL may pair the subject with Deaf studies. Students considering these programs may also want to think about the size of the schools, what spiritual growth opportunities are available and what other resources the school provides that will help them succeed. Find out more about a handful of these schools and their programs.
Gardner-Webb University
According to the NCES, Gardner-Webb University in North Carolina had about 2,000 undergraduates in 2020. The school offers a Bachelor of Arts in American Sign Language program that allows graduates to earn an advanced or higher on the Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI). Students in the program can participate in a variety of ASL-related organizations and activities on campus, including Joyful Hands (ASL choir ministry), Deaf Club, ASL Table (weekly silent dinner) and ASL international mission trips. Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), the Religious Students Association and Campus Ministries United are other student organizations on campus that help students grow in their faith.
Liberty University
Liberty University (LU) in Virginia has a Bachelor of Arts in American Sign Language and Interpreting program that includes coursework in Deaf studies. The program also requires students to complete a practicum and internship experience, such as working with Liberty University's Interpreting Services. In 2020, the NCES reported that the university had almost 46,000 undergraduates. The school has the Office of Spiritual Development that oversees Convocation (weekly spiritual service), worship services (Campus Community and Liberty Worship Collective), LU Send (international trips), LU Serve (local service) and LU Shepherd (discipleship).
Maryville College
Maryville College is an undergraduate institution in Tennessee that had close to 1,100 students in 2020, per the NCES. Students at Maryville who wish to participate in religious organizations on campus can choose from groups like FCA, Sisters in Solidarity, Voices of Praise and Progressive Christian Community. The college offers students a major in ASL and English Interpreting that is designed for students specifically wanting a career in interpreting, as well as a major in ASL and Deaf Studies that includes study in Deaf culture and allows students to connect and interact with the local Deaf community. Students in ASL and Deaf Studies are required to take an internship and Senior Study course.
Goshen College
Goshen College in Indiana offers a sign language interpreting major for students wishing to interpret between spoken English and ASL or signed English, and an ASL minor for students who may not wish to interpret as a career. The major program culminates in a 12-week internship experience, and throughout the program students are able to attend Deaf church, workshops and Deaf sporting events to practice their skills. Spiritual life on campus includes Bible studies, chapel, online devotions, a variety of spiritual choirs, Parables (a traveling worship ensemble) and service opportunities. The college had about 850 undergraduate students in 2020, according to the NCES.
Piedmont International University
Piedmont International University is located in North Carolina and had close to 500 undergraduate students in 2020, per the NCES. The university offers an ASL minor and a unique Bachelor of Science in American Sign Language that can be completed on-campus or completely online. Students in the program must participate in hands-on interpreting experiences, and the online format may help familiarize students with online interpreting through online video relay. The university also has a wide range of spiritual activities and events in addition to the required chapel services that are aimed at growing students in their faith. Some of these activities include Dorm Devotions, Spiritual Week each semester and 40 Days of Prayer.
