American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Studies
The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of General Studies programs in American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Studies are designed for students who have either completed an associate degree with a focus on ASL or ASL/English interpreting or those who have completed ASL 4. These degree completion programs offer comprehensive coursework to provide students with the valuable skills to complement in-demand jobs and the foundations for ASL fluency or interpreting.
Students will learn about intersectionality in Deaf culture, social justice, allyship, and issues in Deaf education while also helping advance their ASL proficiency.
The bachelor’s degree in ASL and Deaf Studies does not prepare students to interpret. Students wishing to sit for the interpreting credentialing exam should complete the ASL/English Introduction and Professional Interpreting certificate in addition to their bachelor's in ASL and Deaf Studies.
In addition to the bachelor's degrees, the School of Professional Studies offers graduate certificates that allow students to extend their knowledge and training in critical areas.
Career Outlook
ASL-fluent professionals and interpreters are needed in a variety of fields in the public and private sectors. The greatest demand is in the field of education. Job postings continue to increase for special education teachers from preschool through secondary, ESL teachers, teaching assistants, behavior interventionists, intervention specialists, and paraprofessionals.
Potential Careers
Law
Social work
Medicine
Human resources
Counseling
Customer service
Interpreting/translating
Education
Career data
Helpful information for positions requiring an ASL/Deaf Studies degree or certificate*
Career statistics
In addition, opportunities exist for ASL-fluent professionals and interpreters and those with a heightened understanding of Deaf culture and social justice. Individuals with ASL proficiency combined with other professional skills/degrees are needed in a wide variety of fields.
*Source: Lightcast. The career information provided is not specific to the KU program or its graduates. There is no guarantee of obtaining these positions.
