B.A. in American Sign Language

Degree Description

The Bachelor of Arts in American Sign Language at Lamar University has three separate tracks for advocacy, teaching and interpreting. This degree could lead you to a career as a sign language interpreter, certified ASL teacher, advocate and lobbyist. Lamar University's Bachelor of Arts in American Sign Language enables students to acquire competence in both expressive and receptive ASL skills as well as familiarity with the literature and culture of the Deaf community.
ASL teaching and interpreting are considered two of the most meaningful jobs in the country. Within this program, you'll learn valuable communication skills that you can apply anywhere and with virtually anyone. ASL is a language that brings everyone together, and you'll get to learn from experts every day.

Why Study American Sign Language at Lamar?

The Lamar University Department of Deaf Studies & Deaf Education is an accredited member of the Council on Education of the Deaf. Lamar presents ASL as a culture- and community-based language that interacts with other world languages. Our program techniques include immersion and bilingual-bicultural comparison classes, community interaction, research, lab activities and use of digital video technology.
You will gain documented proficiency in ASL, validity within the deaf community and networking opportunities within the professional community. You will graduate from this program prepared for a career as an ASL interpreter, advocate or ASL educator.

Admission Requirements

Prospective Lamar University students should apply for admission online using the statewide Apply Texas system. To complete your application, you also may be required to submit standardized test scores and transcripts of previous high school and/or college work.

Visit the Be A Cardinal website for more information. 


Coursework

We offer two tracks for students to select from.

1. The ASL education track prepares students to teach in the EC-12 classroom.

To obtain ASL teacher certification, you must apply to the teacher preparation program. Be sure that you work with your advisor to take all required standardized tests to facilitate a smooth admission process into the teacher preparation program. Admission requirements for DSDE students to the teacher preparation program are:

      • Successful completion of ENGL 1301 and ENGL 1302 with a grade of "C" or better
      • Successful completion of MATH 1314 or higher with a grade of “C” or better
      • Successful completion of 45 semester hours, including PEDG 2310
      • Successful completion of PEDG 2310 with a grade of "C" or better.
      • A minimum GPA overall and in the certificate field of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale)

2. The interpreting track prepares students for careers in ASL interpreting.

 

Your Future

National publications name ASL teaching and interpreting two of the best, most meaningful jobs in the country. Within this program, you'll learn valuable communication skills that you can apply anywhere and with virtually anyone. ASL is the language that brings everyone together and you'll get to learn from experts every day.

What can I do with a degree in ASL?

  • Educational Sign Language Interpreter
  • K-12 ASL Teacher
  • Deaf Mentor
  • Transition Planner

Read our Frequently Asked Questions for more information about this degree.


Costs

Visit LU's Paying For School webpage for more information on tuition and fees, including how to apply for scholarships.