The Major in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies is intended for those desiring to pursue studies in the areas of linguistics or anthropology at the graduate level or communication skills/cultural knowledge for use in counseling, social work, teaching, working in schools for the Deaf, or other service fields. Audio-visual materials are accessible for individual study of a broad cross-section of communication methods. Interactions with D/deaf and hard-of-hearing persons and regular practice using video equipment are principal means for the development of skills.
Successful graduates of the ASL studies major will be able to comfortably communicate in ASL receptively and expressively and to interact comfortably and appropriately in the Deaf community at entry level. The Major in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies requires 44 hours. A double major in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies (whether Standard track or Mental Health track) and American Sign Language-English Interpreting is not permitted.
Required courses include:
Major and Major-Related Courses
| ASL 107 | History and Culture of the American Deaf Community | 3 |
| ASL 111 | Fingerspelling, Numbers, and Classifiers | 2 |
| ASL 203 | American Sign Language III | 3 |
| ASL 204 | American Sign Language IV | 3 |
| ASL 305 | American Sign Language V | 3 |
| ASL 331 | Introduction to Linguistics of ASL | 3 |
| ASL 335 | American Sign Language Literature: Exploring Visual Storytelling | 3 |
| ASL 336 | Introduction to Deaf Studies | 3 |
| ASL 353 | Senior Study in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies | 3 |
| PSY 101 | Introductory Psychology | 3 |
| EDU 202 | Educational Technology | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 32 |
Choose one of the following:
| PSY 211 | Child Development | 3 |
| PSY 218 | Adolescent Development | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3 |
Nine credit hours from the following courses:
| ASL 149 | Selected Topics in American Sign Language | 1-4 |
| ASL 249 | Selected Topics in American Sign Language | 1-4 |
| ASL 337 | Internship | 3 |
| ASL 349 | Selected Topics in American Sign Language | 1-4 |
| PSY 221 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 224 | Cross-Cultural Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 232 | Child Trauma and Resilience | 3 |
| PSY 324 | Child Poverty and Inequality | 3 |
| PSY 331 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 336 | Community Psychology and Social Justice | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 |