American Sign Language Studies
Minor
Overview
The ASL Studies Minor at SDSU offers you the chance to build intermediate to advanced skills in American Sign Language (ASL). The program focuses on vocabulary, grammar, and how the language is used in different social situations.
You will also gain a deep understanding of the following topics from the perspective of the Deaf community:
- culture
- history
- education
- society
- legal issues
- the arts
This minor is helpful for students planning careers where communicating well with Deaf individuals is important, such as:
- education
- social work
- nursing
- speech and hearing sciences
- clinical and pediatric audiology
- educational audiology
- other fields working with the Deaf community
The program aims to improve your communication abilities so that you can interact confidently and respectfully with Deaf communities in many different settings. Classes focus on advanced grammar, fluency, and clear expression, while also introducing students to ASL literature, linguistics, and ASL interpreters.
Program Structure
- Total Units Required: Minimum of 21 units in ASL
- Upper-Division Units: At least 13 units must be upper-division
- Residency Requirement: Minimum of 6 upper-division units must be completed in residence at SDSU or through an SDSU-approved ASL study abroad program
- GPA Requirement: Minimum of 2.0 in the minor for graduation
- Credit Residency: At least 50% of ASL minor credits must be earned at SDSU
Courses
The following courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better:
Prerequisite Course
- ASL 101 – American Sign Language I (4 units)
Major Courses
The ASL Minor consists of a minimum of 21 units, including:
Lower-division Courses
- ASL 102 – American Sign Language II (4 units)
- ASL 201 – American Sign Language III (4 units)
Upper-division Courses
- ASL 301 – American Sign Language IV (4 units)
- ASL 311 – Deaf Culture (3 units)
- ASL 322 – ASL Literature (3 units)
- ASL 324 – ASL Fingerspelling (3 units)
Program Highlights
- Obtain strong ASL communication skills.
- Gain cultural competence and understanding of Deaf community norms
- Study Deaf history, education, legal issues, and arts from a Deaf worldview
- Enhance fluency and conceptual accuracy in ASL grammar
- Opportunities for immersive learning through study abroad or in-residence courses
- Preparation for careers requiring ASL proficiency and cultural sensitivity
Career Opportunities
Graduates with an ASL minor are well-prepared for careers in:
- Education (e.g., teaching, special education)
- Health-related fields (e.g., nursing, speech therapy)
- Human services and social work
- Legal and advocacy roles involving Deaf communities
- Interpreting and communication access services
- Other fields requiring effective communication with Deaf individuals
Frequently Asked Questions
Students must complete ASL 101 and ASL 102 with a grade of “C” or better before advancing to upper-division courses.
A minimum of 21 units are required, including at least 13 upper-division units. At least 6 upper-division units must be completed in residence at SDSU or through an approved study abroad program.
Yes, ASL classes fulfill the foreign language requirement for SDSU undergraduates.
Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the minor courses.
SDSU plans to offer study abroad programs that count toward the minor's residency requirement.
The minor is valuable for careers in education, health-related fields, human services, legal advocacy, interpreting, and any profession requiring effective communication with Deaf
communities.
Students can seek advising through the SDSU College of Education’s Office for Student Success.
Please complete an online interest form, then schedule a meeting with Dr. Brad Cohen ([email protected]), the ASL Studies minor advisor.
Useful SDSU Resources for ASL Minor Students
- ASL Program Overview and Course Information: SDSU College of Education - ASL Program
- Undergraduate Programs and Minors at SDSU:
- ASL Studies Minor Advising and Student Support: Dr. Brad Cohen, [email protected]
- Study Abroad Opportunities: Explore approved ASL study abroad programs through SDSU’s study abroad office or related departments.
Related Programs
- American Sign Language (ASL) Courses for the Undergraduate Language Requirement
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