Sign language is a method of communication that uses hand gestures and movements instead of spoken words. It's primarily used by people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or nonverbal.
In the United States, the primary form of sign language used is called American Sign Language, or ASL. Some colleges and universities offer degrees in sign language.
Want to pursue a career in ASL? Keep reading to learn more about some of the top schools for sign language degrees and the courses they offer.
Top Schools for Sign Language Degrees
A few different colleges and universities across the United States offer sign language degree programs. We've listed our top picks below in alphabetical order.
1. Kent State University
Kent State University is an accredited public research university in Kent, OH. It offers two sign language degree options for students.
The Bachelor of Arts in American Sign Language is offered by the College of Arts and Sciences. This program presents ASL as a culture and community-based language.
It's a four-year degree program that helps students gain proficiency in American Sign Language. It includes courses like:
- Exploration of Deaf Culture
- Fundamentals of Audiology for Students With Hearing Loss
- Listening, Language, and Phonemic Development for Individuals with Hearing Loss
- Sociolinguistics of the Deaf Community
Through the School of Lifespan Development and Educational Sciences, the university also offers a Bachelor of Science in American Sign Language/English interpreting.
This program is for students who are focused on becoming ASL interpreters. It includes courses such as:
- ASL to English Interpreting Process
- Community Setting Interpreting
- Discourse Analysis for Interpreters
- Social Media and Current Events Interpreting
2. Northeastern University
Northeastern University is a private research university in Boston, MA. It offers a major in ASL-English interpreting through the College of Social Sciences and Humanities.
This program provides a foundation of ASL and deaf studies with intensive interpreting skill development. It also addresses social inequalities faced by ASL users.
It includes courses like:
- ASL Linguistics
- Deaf History and Culture
- Research Methods for Interpreting and Translation
- The Interpreting Profession
Students can also choose to combine majors with this program to help them master skills to work alongside and on behalf of those who use ASL.
3. St. Catherine University
St. Catherine University, often called St. Kate's, is a private Catholic women's university in St. Paul, MN.
Its School of Humanities, Arts, and Sciences includes a Department of ASL and Deaf Communities, which offers two bachelor's degrees in ASL.
The first is a Bachelor of Arts in ASL and Deaf Communities. It provides a deeper understanding of the cultural intricacies and necessities of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
This is an immersive program, with many courses taught solely in ASL. Courses include:
- American Sign Language and English Text Analysis
- Applied ASL Skills
- Introduction to American Deaf Culture
- Systemic Barriers to Disability Equity
Students can also earn a Bachelor of Science in ASL and English interpreting. This degree equips students to work as ASL-English interpreters. It includes courses like:
- American Sign Language/English Translation
- Ethics and Decision-Making
- Introduction to the Interpreting Profession
- Specializations in Interpreting
4. University of Houston
The University of Houston is a public research university in Houston, Texas.
Its Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders offers a degree in American Sign Language interpreting.
The Bachelor of Arts in American Sign Language interpreting prepares students to effectively interpret between American Sign Language and spoken and written English.
The program requires 45 credits with courses like:
- Advanced Interpreting Techniques and Skills in ASL/English
- American Sign Language Transliteration and Educational Interpreting
- History and Culture of the American Deaf Community
- History of Interpreting and Translation Profession
The program also requires a service learning internship, during which students will gain practice and educational experience under the supervision of a faculty member.
5. University of Rochester
The University of Rochester is a private research university based in Rochester, NY. It offers a major in American Sign Language through its School of Arts and Sciences.
The major in ASL covers ASL as a language, the literature and culture of the American deaf community, the linguistics and psycholinguistics of languages, and ASL instruction.
Courses offered in this program include:
- Art of Translation: ASLA and English
- History and Culture of the American Deaf Community
- Sociolinguistics of the American Deaf Community
- Structure of Signed Languages
The program also offers an optional, week-long study-abroad program in Paris, as well as courses on French Sign Language and French deaf culture.
FAQs About Sign Language Degrees
Below, you'll find the answers to frequently asked questions about sign language degrees and courses.
What Can I Do With a Sign Language Degree?
Some of the most common careers for those with sign language degrees are interpreters and ASL teachers.
With the increase in awareness around disability rights, ASL interpreters are becoming more common in workplace settings and large public gatherings.
How Long Are Sign Language Degree Programs?
Most sign language programs are bachelor's degrees, which average four years in length. Master's degree programs take an average of two years.
Can I Earn a Sign Language Degree Online?
Due to the nature of sign language programs, which require practicing and conversing with other people, these degrees are usually not offered online.
However, there are online sign language lessons available for those who are interested.
Find Sign Language Degree Programs
Students can earn sign language and sign language interpretation degrees through several excellent colleges and universities.
Check out the programs listed above to find the right one for you today!
