Graduate Certificate in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies

ASL Certificate

American Sign Language (ASL), which is a visual language of the Deaf community in the United States, and several ASL-influenced countries. ASL is a complete and complex language that includes signing, facial expressions, body movements, grammar-syntax, morphology, structure, and an extensive and evolving vocabularies. Also with languages, comes with culture and

history. This minor promotes the understanding of Deaf people as a linguistic and cultural group. Students will not only be exposed to the uniqueness of ASL, but also have the opportunity to acquire cultural knowledge that will enable them to interact with the American Deaf community. The minor compliments any other courses of study as it prepares students to work in a variety of settings where basic skill in ASL and knowledge of Deaf history and culture are necessary to work with the Deaf community.

Fun Facts:

• Statistics have shown that ASL is the fourth most common language used in the United States.
• ASL replaced German in 2013 as the third most studied language among postsecondary institutions in the United States.

Apply the Certificate to Your Field

Consider ASL certificate related to your profession that focuses on working with Deaf individuals. This minor emphasizes the language and culture of those who use ASL as their primary and native language. A Deaf Studies minor offers opportunities to work with Deaf persons in their professions.

Note: This minor does not lead to an endorsement for teaching ASL, nor does it provide qualification in ASL interpreting, Deaf Education or other related fields.

Course Requirements

The certificate program consists of 15 credits.

• SNLN 651 American Sign Language 1 (3 credits)
• SNLN 652 American Sign Language 2 (3 credits)
• SNLN 653 American Sign Language 3 (3 credits)
• SNLN 654 American Sign Language 4 (3 credits)
• SNLN 646 Evolution of American Deaf Culture (3 credits)

For complete program requirements and course listings, see the course catalog.

View Catalog

Meet Your Advisor

The role of your academic advisor is more than telling you which courses to take. For starters, they are student success specialists, and they are dedicated to your academic success. You’ll work with a specialist from application to graduation.

Contact your student success specialist, who can answer questions you have about our program.

More about Online Learning

Ready to Apply?

You will first want to check if you meet the admission requirements for the Ball State Graduate School. Then you may apply.

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Students from Other States

Ball State is authorized by the U.S. Department of Education to accept online students from all U.S. states. However, if you are considering a program that leads to professional licensure, some states may have additional regulations. Review our state authorization website if you live outside of Indiana and contact us if you have questions.