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"The professors in this program are so passionate for ASL that it is impossible not to fall in love with all the unique characteristics of the language."
—Natalie Wolf

Students who want to study American Sign Language (ASL) have two options:

  • A five-course minor in American Sign Language including advanced ASL courses and a combined course in Deaf history and culture. 18 credits.
  • A three-course sequence that meets the foreign language requirement for majors for which there is such a requirement. 12 credits.

American Sign Language Minor

American Sign Language is a complete, complex language that employs signs made with the hands and other movements, including facial expressions and postures of the body. In the ASL minor program at Mason, students learn how to better communicate with family, friends, clients, students, and others who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Foreign Language Requirement

Take one, two, or all three American Sign Language courses to learn how to better communicate with family, friends, clients, students, and others who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. ASL is a three-semester sequence that meets the foreign language requirement for majors for which there is such a requirement.

Students may be eligible for a waiver of the foreign language requirement if they demonstrate intermediate-level proficiency on the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI). Contact the Division for more information on ASL placement testing or waiver.

What are some of the benefits of the American Sign Language minor at Mason?

  • ASL is the primary language of many North Americans who are deaf and is one of several communication options used by people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
  • In addition to studying the language, students in the minor at Mason gain insight into the rich culture and history of the Deaf community.
  • Students who complete EDSE 115 (or equivalent), 116, and 219 also meet the foreign language requirement for majors that have one.