Culture and language intertwine in the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) in American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Studies. Gain an understanding of Deaf studies and social justice, advanced ASL and interpreting. This degree consists of tracks designed for those who have completed a minimum of ASL I-IV, Deaf and heritage language users, working interpreters and graduates of Interpreter Education Programs.
Coursework and skill development provides a strong foundation in language and cultural education for those interested in fields such as social work, education, legal, medical, ASL/English interpretation and more. In addition, Deaf or hearing, heritage ASL users gain a deeper understanding of their home language and culture while earning a valuable professional credential.
Undergraduate Admission
Admission to KU
All students applying for admission must send high school and college transcripts to the Office of Admissions. Unless they are college transfer students with at least 24 hours of credit, prospective students must send ACT or SAT scores to the Office of Admissions. Prospective first-year students should be aware that KU has qualified admission requirements that all new first-year students must meet to be admitted. Consult the Office of Admissions for application deadlines and specific admission requirements.
Visit the International Support Services for information about international admissions.
Students considering transferring to KU may see how their college-level course work will transfer on the Office of Admissions website.
The BA/BGS in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies has the following degree requirements in addition to the statewide general education requirements:
- 120 (minimum) total credit hours
- 45 (minimum) upper-division credit hours (these may include the following)
- 30 major credit hours (completed through 10 courses at three credit hours each)
The following table describes the specific courses to fulfill the above requirements.
Courses:
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| ASLD 311 | Introduction to Deaf Studies | 3 |
| ASLD 312 | Intersectionality and Deaf Communities | 3 |
| ASLD 313 | Social Justice and Allyship with Deaf Communities | 3 |
| ASLD 505 | American Sign Language V (ASL V) | 3 |
| ASLD 506 | American Sign Language VI (ASL VI) | 3 |
| ASLD 588 | Internship in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies | 3 |
| or ASLD 589 | Research Experience in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies |
| |
| Historical Foundations of Deaf Education | |
| Special Topics in Deaf Studies: _____ | |
| Introduction to the ASL/English Interpreting Profession | |
| Theories of Interpreting: Co-Constructions of Meaning | |
| American Sign Language Linguistics | |
| Discourse Analysis of ASL | |
| ASL Pragmatics and Syntax | |
| American Sign Language Literature | |
| Research Experience in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies | |
| ASL/English Interpreting Observation Practicum | |
| Topics in ASL Vocabulary and Discourse: _____ | |
| Advanced American Sign Language Literature | |
| Language in Culture and Society | |
| Bilingualism | |
| Psycholinguistics I | |
Bachelor’s degree in ASL & Deaf Studies does not prepare students to interpret. Students wishing to sit for the interpreting credentialing exam should complete the ASL/English Interpreting certificate (Introduction and Professional Interpreting) in addition to their bachelor's in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies. Completion of the bachelors and certificate programs may result in the need to complete additional coursework. Please consult with your academic success coach for additional information.
A sample 4-year plan for the BA degree in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies can be found here: American Sign Language and Deaf Studies, or by using the left-side navigation.
A sample 4-year plan for the BGS degree in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies can be found here: American Sign Language and Deaf Studies, or by using the left-side navigation.
