B.A. in American Sign Language

How many hours are required to complete the  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in American Sign Language Studies?

This four-year program is composed of a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework and must be completed to earn a BA in American Sign Language Studies.

Are there scholarships available for students in the BA - American Sign Language Studies program?

Yes. However, department scholarships are highly competitive. Website links for attendance fees and additional scholarships/loans are as follows:

Lamar University Tuition and Fees

Office of Financial Aid

 Is the program designed for the working professional?

No. The content courses require face-to-face classes, which could interfere with full-time employment. Meeting dates and times vary per semester. We offer a few summer courses. Major coursework occurs during the fall and spring semesters. 

 Does the American Sign Language Studies program prepare me for a job?

Yes. The American Sign Language Studies program prepares teachers of American Sign Language as a second language for K-12 educational programs. Pedagogy courses are required to earn a Texas teachers’ certificate (ASL K-12), and you must pass American Sign Language state exams (https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/certification). Students who complete the degree coursework, teacher certification coursework, and pass their certification exams are usually offered employment before they graduate.

The American Sign Language studies program also provides coursework, practicum, and internships for interpreter training. We encourage students, at minimum, to take the Test of English Proficiency before their internship. See the website for specific coursework for the track you wish to pursue.

Does the American Sign Language Studies program ensure that I will get a certification as an American Sign Language interpreter?

No. While we can help you develop the skills necessary to enter the field, enrolling and completing the B.A. program in American Sign Language Studies does not guarantee you will be a certified American Sign Language interpreter after graduating from the program. You must achieve a high skill level in American Sign Language to become an interpreter. Mastering a second language requires a high level of investment on your part.

Our American Sign Language Studies BA program provides students with the content knowledge, beginning/intermediate, and advanced skills in American Sign Language, including American Sign Language Literature and American Sign Language linguistics. Depending on your entering American Sign Language skills and how fast you progress in ASL proficiency, this will impact when you are ready to take the Board of Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI). Students are encouraged to take the Test of English Proficiency https://www.hhs.texas.gov/providers/assistive-services-providers/board-evaluation-interpreters-certification-program/bei-testing) before internship, and if applicable, apply for the interpreter performance exam.

Do you have an online program?

No. For majors and minors, we only offer face-to-face class meetings on campus.

How do I get admitted to the American Sign Language Studies program?

You must go through the regular admissions process to be admitted to an undergraduate degree program at Lamar University. 

If I am Deaf and my first language is American Sign Language, can I apply to the American Sign Language Studies program? What services do you provide?

Yes. We welcome all students who are interested in pursuing a B.A. in American Sign Language! Most of our faculty are Deaf, so communication access in coursework is not an issue.

If you are ASL proficient, you can test out of most ASL language classes. Contact Dr. Smith at zysmith@lamar.edu for specifics. Student Support Services including tutoring for academic coursework are provided by the Student Tutoring and Retention Services (STARS) division (https://www.lamar.edu/student-tutoring-and-retention/index.html). Additional student support services are handled through the Disability Resouce Center (DRC). See the Disability Resource Center website for more information.

If I come to Lamar University already having American Sign Language proficiencies, may I test out of beginning and intermediate ASL courses?

Yes. There is a $150. fee for each College Level Education Program (CLEP) placement exam. You must pass with a B or better to be permitted to go into the next level of American Sign Language course. For information on testing out of ASL classes, contact Dr. Smith at zysmith@lamar.edu. Testing (made by appointment) is conducted throughout the year.

Is there an American Sign Language lab available where I can develop my American Sign Language skills outside of class?

How long will it take me to become proficient in American Sign Language?

American Sign Language proficiency is dependent on multiple factors such as aptitude, motivation, amount of time spent interacting with Deaf adults, attendance and participation in Deaf community events, coursework including the linguistics of American Sign Language, and self-motivation. American Sign Language is like learning any other foreign language. The development of keen receptive and expressive skills is per individual.