Located in Boston, Massachusetts, Northeastern University is a private research university established in 1898 providing interdisciplinary programs to students all over the world. The university emphasizes the importance of research as it provides experience-powered learning through its global partnerships with different corporations, transforming learners into leaders.

The American Sign Language (ASL) degree at Northeastern is an intensive program that provides undergraduate and graduate programs to individuals interested in learning the skills needed to function as linguistic and cultural mediators. The undergraduate major helps students to gain a mastery of ASL and to access the community of Deaf America and acquire insights into the features of spoken languages. The program curriculum involves a firm foundation in language, linguistics, interpretation, and culture. Aside from the courses in interpreting, students also finish a liberal arts course of study in the College of Social Sciences and Humanities to create a solid foundation in the liberal arts. Students may also use elective courses to take minors in other disciplines which can expand their knowledge and can aid in becoming successful interpreters. Access the program curriculum at cssh.northeastern.edu.

With the motto of “Meliora”, a Latin word meaning “ever better”, the University of Rochester (Rochester) is a private research university based in Rochester, New York. The university, established in 1850, grants numerous undergraduate, graduate, professional, and doctoral degrees to more than 12,000 students yearly.

The ASL degree at Rochester’s School of Arts and Sciences provides a major option for students interested in starting a career in education, research, Deaf education, sign language interpreting, counseling, and program administration. The program is a four-year liberal arts degree with courses exploring ASL as a language, linguistics and psycholinguistics of signed and spoken languages, literature and culture of the American Deaf community, and the use of ASL for instruction. The program requires 4 core courses namely Intermediate ASL, Advanced ASL, and Structure of Signed Languages as well as 8 electives in the aspects of ASL such as literature and culture, language and history, and comparison with other sign languages. Inquire about the program at sas.rochester.edu.

Temple University is a top-tier public research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that was founded in 1884 as a night school. With roughly 40,000 undergraduate and graduate students, the university is among the largest universities in the state that provides a dynamic and nurturing learning environment for students to make a real impact in the communities.

Offered by Temple’s College of Public Health, the American Sign Language (ASL) program is a 15-credit certificate program open to all undergraduates in the university who want to develop intermediate-level skills in the language of the deaf community. Students also gain insights about the American Deaf culture from individuals who are deaf in professional and social contexts. Specifically, students majoring in Anthropology, Cognitive science, Education, English, Neuroscience, Psychology, Speech, Language and Hearing Science, and other health-related programs will find this program useful. Go to temple.edu to know more about the program.

Known for its integrated curriculum and distinctive learning opportunities, Goshen College is a private liberal arts college situated in Goshen, Indiana. Founded in 1894, it is considered the top bachelor’s college in Indiana that offers multifaceted education to nearly 1,000 students in the areas of business, education, health sciences, and communications.

The Goshen’s Sign Language Interpreting major introduces students to the rich language, communication, and culture of the Deaf community as a basis for interpretation between spoken English and American Sign Language (ASL). Aside from the rigorous coursework, students explore learning opportunities outside the classroom to practice their ASL skills by attending workshops, Deaf church, and Deaf sporting events. Students finish the program by traveling within the country for 12-weeks to complete a hands-on internship. There is also a Deaf Studies minor that is ideal for students interested in ASL but do not want to pursue a career in the field of interpreting. Students may also choose to minor in ASL for the possibility of working as a teacher, social worker, accountant, nurse, and many more. Explore the program curriculum at goshen.edu.

With over 47,000 students on its campus in Houston, Texas, the University of Houston (UH) is a public research university and is the flagship institution of the University of Houston System. It is one of the largest universities in Texas founded in 1927 that houses a world-renowned faculty, innovative research centers, and exceptional academic programs at all levels.

UH’s Communication Sciences and Disorders Department offers a unique program that provides the ideal depth in American Sign Language to successfully start a career in many related fields. The Bachelor of Arts in ASL Interpreting aims to help students effectively interpret between ASL and English with at least 75% accuracy which is applicable in many kinds of work settings like K-12 schools, social service agencies, colleges and universities, hospitals, courtrooms, community agencies, and television programs. The courses in the program are also taught by Deaf professors to create a cultural and linguistic immersion inside the classroom. Students also get a chance to interact and work with professional interpreters and members of the Deaf community to have real-world experiences. Check the entire program curriculum at uh.edu.

Founded in 1819 as one of America’s oldest colleges, Maryville College is a nationally-ranked institution of higher learning that has been educating individuals for more than 200 years. The college offers over 60 majors and 7 pre-professional programs in the fields of fine arts, history, sciences, math, literature, and languages.

With a rich history of teaching American Sign Language (ASL) by partnering with the local Deaf Community, the ASL program at Maryville College provides the necessary knowledge and experiences to explore the language’s history, culture, structure, and communication tools. The Major in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies is perfect for students who want to pursue advanced studies in the fields of linguistics and anthropology at the graduate level. It is also helpful in acquiring communication skills and cultural knowledge that can be applied in works such as counseling, social work, working in schools for the Deaf, and teaching. By the end of the program, graduates are expected to comfortably communicate in ASL in order to have a meaningful and appropriate interaction with the Deaf community. More details about the program can be seen at maryvillecollege.edu.

Located in Fulton, Missouri, William Woods University is a private university founded in 1870 as the Female Orphan School of the Christian Church of Missouri. The university provides unique undergraduate programs to more than 3,500 students around the world and these include internationally-recognized programs like American Sign Language interpreting and Criminal Justice with a concentration in Homeland Security.

William Woods University offers two options for undergraduates who want to discover the beauty of American Sign Language (ASL) as well as its importance in many fields. The Interpretation Studies in American Sign Language program is a nationally-ranked program that offers a unique combination of academic excellence, community, and affordability which enhances students’ skills and knowledge through hands-on experience, engagement, and collaboration with the Deaf community, culture, and history. The Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees both require 51 credits for core subjects, 3 credits of English electives, and 3 credits of other electives. The additional requirements for the BA degree are a minor in a related field and 1 year of a foreign language. Upon completion of any of these degrees, graduates are eligible to take the National Interpreter Certification (NIC) from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. For more information about the program, go to williamwoods.edu.

Originally a school for deaf and blind children in 1864, Gallaudet University is a federally chartered private university for the education of the deaf and signing community. The university, located in Washington, D.C., is the go-to school of the deaf and signing community with over 23,000 alumni worldwide as it carries a rich history, achievement, and inspiration that transformed the community.

The Bachelor of Arts in American Sign Language (ASL) at Gallaudet is a program that provides an introduction to ASL as a language through an integrated research approach to studying the language. The program helps students gain a solid foundation in language, teaching, and Deaf Culture in preparation for careers in deaf education, interpretation, linguistics, social work, and sociology. Aside from finishing the general education curriculum, students also take pre-major and major courses, and free electives to widen their knowledge in the field. These include Visual Language Resource Development, ASL Literature, Language Attitudes and Ethics, Sign Language Rights and Advocacy, Introduction to ASL Instruction, and Dynamics of Oppression. Visit gallaudet.edu to view the entire program curriculum.

St. Catherine University (St. Kate), originally called the College of St. Catherine, is a private, Catholic university in St. Paul, Minnesota committed to providing higher education grounded in the liberal arts and catholic values. Established in 1905 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Kate is among the largest private women's universities in the country.

Available in the St. Paul Campus, the School of Humanities, Arts, and Sciences at St. Kate offers a 4-year American Sign Language (ASL) degree that provides unique insights into the different cultural and social aspects of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals. Students may choose to double major in education, communication studies, nursing, and psychology to prepare for their careers in the fields of education, community services, government services, and many more. The courses in the program include Beginning ASL, Introduction to American Deaf Culture, Fingerspelling, Advanced ASL, Conversational ASL, and Educational Interpreting. There is also a Bachelor of Arts degree in ASL Interpreting and a minor program in ASL offered in the school. More details about the program are available at stkate.edu.

As the state's oldest institution of higher education founded in 1847, the University of Iowa (Iowa) is a public research university located in the heart of Iowa City. With nearly 32,000 students enrolled in more than 200 fields of study, it is also considered the second-largest university within Iowa. Iowa, a global leader in the study of writing, is also home to the most acclaimed academic medical centers in America.

Iowa’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers a minor in ASL (American Sign Language) that provides students an introduction to the rules of grammar and usage of ASL in comparison with English and any other foreign language. The 4-semester program ranges from introductory to advanced courses in history, literature, as well as the culture of the deaf community in the United States. The courses in the program include American Sign Language, ASL Conversation, American Deaf Culture, Issues in ASL and Deaf Studies, Deafness in the Media, and History of the American Deaf Community.

Offering more than 700 programs of study, Liberty University (LU) is a private evangelical Christian university located in Lynchburg, Virginia. It initially opened in 1971 to equip students with the values, knowledge, and skills vital for success. With most of its students utilizing online learning, the university enrolls 100,000 students who want to earn associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in the fields of law, medicine, divinity, and many more.

The Bachelor of Arts in ASL and Interpreting academic concentration at LU’s Department of Modern Languages is a program that equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to bridge gaps in communication and culture in pursuing a career as Sign Language interpreters. The program offers a general education curriculum as well as courses in learning ASL as a language and Deaf Studies. Students also undergo a practicum and internship that involves working with the university’s interpreting service agency called Liberty University Interpreting Services, with the university’s Washington Fellowship, or at different locations nationwide.

Founded as Duluth Normal School in 1895, the University of Minnesota - Duluth (UMD) is a public land-grant research university based in Duluth, Minnesota. The university has been operating under the University of Minnesota System since 1947. The Duluth campus offers programs in the fields of education, business and finance, arts and sciences, and engineering.

Offered by the Department of Education at UMD, the minor in Deaf studies is a 16-credit undergraduate program that allows individuals to communicate with the members of the Deaf community by learning the basics of American Sign Language (ASL). The program complements many fields of study which include education, liberal arts, human services, theatre, and business. The program is also helpful for students who want to pursue advanced study in dead studies or sign language interpreting. Some of the courses in the program include Beginning ASL, Deaf Culture, Linguistics of ASL, History of the American Deaf Community, and Advanced ASL. Check the entire program curriculum at d.umn.edu.

Opened in 1916 as Eau Claire State Normal School, the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire (UW Eau Claire) is a public university headquartered in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Formerly called the Wisconsin State University, it merged with the University of Wisconsin in 1971 which eventually led to its current name. UW Eau Claire also has a Rice Lake Campus in Barron County offering associate and bachelor's degrees.

The Communication Sciences and Disorders program at UW Eau Claire offers a certificate in American Sign Language (ASL) for students who want to develop a certain level of proficiency in using ASL as a language. Students also gain a deep understanding of the history and culture of the Deaf community which helps them behave appropriately as they interact and work with them throughout the program. The program only gives an introduction about ASL, hence, students who are interested to become interpreters must complete an associate or bachelor’s degree in the field. For additional information about the program, go to uwec.edu.

As the first public Normal School established in 1839, Framingham State University (FSU) is a public university located in Framingham, Massachusetts that offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the fields of business, arts and science, education, social sciences, and engineering. It enrolls more than 4,000 students who engage in active learning, experience talented teaching, and achieve the professional edge needed for success.

The World Language Department under FSU’s College of Arts and Humanities offers a BA as a major in American Sign Language (ASL) that provides a solid foundation in using ASL as a language as well as a comprehensive introduction to the history, culture, and literature of the Deaf Community. The program offers concentrations in ASL/English Interpreting and in Deaf Studies. Students with prior background in ASL are assessed to determine the appropriate level of entry into the program curriculum. Students under the ASL/English Interpreting concentration are expected to take the state or national-level credentialing exams after a year of graduation which will allow them to start a career as entry-level interpreters. On the other hand, students in the Deaf Studies concentration are qualified to work in Deaf service agencies, and in any educational and human service agencies requiring ASL fluency. Visit framingham.edu to compare the two program options.

Hosting over 1,500 students on-campus and online, Keuka College is a private residential college located in Keuka Park, New York. The university aims to provide transformational career education grounded in the liberal arts and experiential learning. Since its founding in 1890, Keuka has been offering programs in business, humanities, education, health sciences, and social sciences.

The online degree in ASL at Keuka College is a collaborative program that allows students to explore ASL as a language. The program aims to build a high level of ASL comprehension skills to enable students to communicate with fluency as the language has its own sentence structure, grammatical rules, historical contexts, and idioms. Students of the program gain a deep understanding of ASL history, linguistics, literature, and culture. The college also offers an ASL minor that pairs well with majors related to the general public like education, criminal justice, social work, and occupational therapy. Access the program curriculum at keuka.edu.

With more than 100 career-focused academic programs, Madonna University is a private Catholic university with locations across Michigan namely Livonia, Gaylord, and Macomb. The university offers associate and bachelor’s degrees in the fields of arts and humanities, education, business, criminal justice, and many more. It is also the first university in the country to offer a bachelor’s degree program in Sign Language Studies.

The Sign Language Studies Department at Madonna University offers undergraduates two program options to develop their American Sign Language (ASL) skills and to gain an understanding of the language and the Deaf community. The Bachelor of Arts in Sign Language Interpreting Studies is a 4-year program that suits well for students interested to become professional sign language interpreters. Some of the courses in the program are Beginning American Sign Language, Deaf Culture, Fingerspelling and Numbers in ASL, Fundamentals of Interpretation and Transliteration, and Interpreting in Specialized Settings. The department also offers a Minor in ASL which can be completed in just 30 semester hours.

As a member of the University of Wisconsin System, the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh (UW Oshkosh) is a public university with its main campus in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and additional locations in Fond du Lac and Menasha. The university enrolls nearly 12,000 students every year who pursue bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in more than 200 fields of study.

Offered by the College of Education and Human Services in UW Oshkosh, the ASL and Deaf Culture degree is a certificate program that helps students attain conversational fluency in ASL. The program is open to both undergraduate and graduate students who want to advance their careers in the field of ASL. The 15-credit program is useful to teacher candidates in elementary, early childhood, and special education, to students involved in human services such as counseling and nursing, and to parents of young children and other family members with hearing disabilities. The courses in the program include basic, intermediate, and advanced American Sign Language series, Manual Communication Systems, and Deaf Culture. Go to uwosh.edu to view the entire program curriculum.

Formerly called Bethel College, Bethel University is a private Christian liberal arts college in Mishawaka, Indiana. It was established in 1947 by Missionary Church visionaries with the goal to prepare future leaders of the world. Bethel University also ranks as one of the best colleges in the United States offering more than 50 areas of study to help students enhance their skills, grow their networks, and prepare for their chosen careers.

The Bachelor of Arts in Sign Language Interpreting at Bethel University is a 120-credit program that provides students with knowledge about the culture and community of deaf people, specifically the study of their language, American Sign Language (ASL). The second half of the program focuses on interpreting which includes courses on models of interpreting, translation, cognitive skills, culturally sensitive involvement in the Deaf Community, and professionalism. Graduates of the program are then expected to communicate well in the language to be able to apply for entry-level positions in different community and educational settings. They are also eligible to take the national performance exam from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. The university also offers an Associate of Arts in Deaf Studies which is basically an introductory course to ASL and the Deaf community. Explore the programs at betheluniversity.edu.

Founded in 1910 as a teacher-training school, Kent State University (Kent State) is a premier public research university based in Kent, Ohio. The university has been ranked as one of the top universities in the United States with more than 27,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Kent State also has 7 additional campuses in Northeast Ohio and additional facilities in Florence, Geneva, China, and India.

Having one of the largest American Sign Language (ASL) programs in the country, the Kent State Department of Modern and Classical Language Studies offers a Bachelor of Arts degree and a minor in ASL. The Bachelor of Arts in ASL is a 4-year program that provides a deep understanding of ASL as a community- and culture-based language that regularly interacts with other foreign languages. Students in the program gain a high level of proficiency in ASL through research, immersion, bilingual-bicultural comparison classes, and interaction with the Deaf community. For students interested in a teaching certification, they can take the required Education minor to be eligible for the teaching licensure exam. The department also offers a minor in ASL that provides an introduction to ASL and the study of Deaf culture. Access the program curriculum at kent.edu.

As one of the best Catholic colleges in Michigan, Siena Heights University is a private Roman Catholic coeducational university with campuses across the state namely Adrian, Southfield, Dearborn, Benton Harbor, Monroe, and many more. It was established in 1919 as the St. Joseph's College for women. Today, it offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs on-campus and online.

Accommodating more than 26,000 students, Boise State University (Boise State) is a public research university in Boise, Idaho that was founded in 1932 by the Episcopal Church. The university is classified as a doctoral research institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as it offers more than 200 programs of study that include 14 doctoral programs.

Offered by Boise State’s Department of World Languages, the ASL minor is a program that introduces ASL as a language and its importance to today’s society. Since it’s the 6th most common language in the United States, it is very helpful to take a minor in ASL no matter what field students chose as their major. The program consists of 24 credits of ASL courses starting with the basics and progressing to advanced lessons towards the end of the program. See the entire program curriculum and more program details at boisestate.edu.

Eastern Michigan University (EMU) is a public university located in Ypsilanti, Michigan, on a campus covering more than 800 acres.  EMU offers more than 200 degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. At the undergraduate level, the major and minor concentrations are delivered via the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Educaiton, Health and Human Services, and Technology.

The nearly 700 full-time faculty members at Eastern Michigan University have doctoral degrees and are experts in their fields. Many faculty members involved students in their research, including those at the undergraduate level.

History

Eastern Michigan University was founded in 1849 as the Michigan State Normal School to educate teachers for the state's public schools. In 1959, after several name changes, the "Normal School" became Eastern Michigan University. After training thousands of teachers for certification over its first 100 years, EMU expanded its curricula to match the demands of its university status.

More recent advances at EMU include the construction of the Terrestrial and Aquatic Research Facility, the Convocation Center, the Bruce T. Halle Library, John W. Porter College of Education, and the Everett L. Marshall College of Health and Human Services, among other school buildings.

Academics

The academic calendar for Eastern Michigan University follows the semester format, with fall, spring semesters.

Colleges and Schools

• College of Arts and Sciences
• College of Business
• College of Education
• College of Health and Human Services
• College of Technology
• Graduate School

Student Life

There are hundreds of student organizations available on campus at EMU, including everything from an Accounting Club to the American Marketing Student Association, and Big Brothers Big Sisters to many sports clubs or fraternities and sororities.

Student services at EMU include:

• Student Government
• Service EMU
• The Children's Institute
• Disability Resource Center
• Diversity and Community Involvement
• International Students
• Orientation
• Veteran Services
• Ombudsman
• Academic Projects Center
• Academic Advising
• Holman Success Center
• Library
• CATE lab (Center for Adaptive Technology Education)
• Writing Center 

On campus housing is available through several options, including Living-Learning communities. Many dining options are also available.

Traditions

The school colors for EMU are green and white, and the school mascot is the eagle. The EMU athletic teams are nicknamed the Eastern Michigan "Eagles."

Athletics

The Eastern Michigan "Eagles" athletic teams compete in many intercollegiate sports, including:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross County
• Football
• Golf
• Swimming and Diving
• Track and Field
• Wrestling 

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Gymnastics
• Rowing
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Volleyball

Community Life

Eastern Michigan University has 14 research institutes and centers devoted to community improvement and civic engagement in several areas. Some of the community assistance provided by EMU includes:

• EMU's Center for Regional and National Security and the Michigan Citizens Corps train high school students how to be first responders during emergencies on their campuses.
• The University's Checkpoint Program has, for more than 10 years, helped both college students and area youth learn about alcohol and drug issues. 
• EMU's Coatings Research Institute is working with the Pentagon to develop a coating to protect military equipment and vehicles from corrosion and chemical and biological weapons. 
• The interdisciplinary EMU Water Resources Consortium is researching water concerns and the multifaceted importance of this valuable and endangered natural resource. Its research supports conservation projects and will help maintain high-quality supplies.

With over 30,000 students, the Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) is a public research university in Indianapolis, Indiana. It was formed in 1969 through the merging of Indiana University and Purdue University. Today, IUPUI offers over 550 bachelor’s, master’s, professional, and doctoral programs in the fields of health sciences, art and design, education, business, philanthropy, law, engineering, and many more.

The bachelor of science in American Sign Language and English Interpreting at IUPUI School of Liberal Arts is a 4-year program that prepares students to become effective and capable communicators and interpreters. The program provides an introduction of the theory and practice of interpreting to build a strong foundation in ASL linguistics, culture, interpreting, and literature. Students analyze the features of both ASL and English to enhance their learning and to guide them in practicing simultaneous and consecutive interpreting. For students who already have a bachelor’s degree in any field, a certificate program that consists of 11 core courses in interpreting is ideal to gain a background in ASL. Graduates are then eligible to sit for the national certification exam administered by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. Inquire about the program at liberalarts.iupui.edu.

North Central University is a private Christian university situated in Minneapolis, Minnesota that operates under 11 Assemblies of God districts in the upper Midwest. It was founded as North Central Bible Institute in 1930 with a commitment to academic excellence that is grounded on a Bible-based and Pentecostal foundation. Today, the university serves 1,100 students enrolled in over 60 programs of study.

The American Sign Language Interpreting major at North Central is an undergraduate major that trains students in becoming successful and capable interpreters. Students explore the usage of ASL as a language, interpreting, and deaf culture which prepares them to enter professions in various fields. Graduates of the program demonstrate proficiency in ASL, enhanced linguistic and cultural skills, and extensive knowledge of cross-cultural perspectives within the deaf community in order to facilitate communication and understanding between people. Check out the complete overview of the program at northcentral.edu.

As one of the fastest-growing universities in Texas, Lamar University is a public university based in Beaumont operating under the Texas State University System since 1995. With more than 15,000 students, Lamar offers high-quality education at all degree program levels in the areas of arts and sciences, engineering, business, education, and engineering.

The Bachelor of Arts in American Sign Language (ASL) at Lamar University’s Department of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education provides students the necessary knowledge, skills, and competence to become successful professionals in their own field by exploring the world of ASL, its literature, history, culture, and linguistics. The program has 3 tracks where students can choose from teaching, interpreting, and advocacy. The Teaching track allows students to obtain a teacher certification by simultaneously applying to the university’s Teacher Preparation Program. The Interpreting track prepares students for careers as ASL interpreters which includes courses in Interpreting, Sign-to-Voice Interpreting, and Interactive Fingerspelling. Finally, the Advocacy track provides sufficient background in ASL and the Deaf community to start careers involving advocacy projects with Deaf individuals. Read more about the program tracks at lamar.edu.