Students:

Thank you for being interested in the American Sign Language (ASL) Studies minor at Indiana University. We are temporarily pausing new applications for the ASL Studies minor to allow the ASL team to develop additional elective courses and enhance the curriculum. Our hope is to have the minor reinstated with additional course offerings by Fall of 2028. 

Students already accepted into the program can continue their studies and complete the minor, but no new applications will be accepted at this time.  Please note:  Retroactive applications for the ASL Studies minor for students who have completed all ASL Studies minor courses but have not applied for the minor will not be considered. Students must have applied for and been accepted to the minor before Fall 2024 to earn the minor.  

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.  

For questions or more information, contact Joe Murray <jfmurray@iu.edu>.

 

What is the American Sign Language Studies minor?

A minor in American Sign Language (ASL) Studies at Indiana University consists of a 15-credit hour program that is devoted to intensive acquisition of the language. An in-depth understanding of Deaf culture also reinforces an appreciation of the Deaf experience through social, historical, and cultural lenses. Skills developed by the minor include continued advancement of linguistic and cultural competence, the ability to communicate in a variety of situations with Deaf individuals who use ASL, and introspective unpacking regarding oppressive beliefs and behaviors.

Why add the American Sign Language Studies Minor?

An ASL Studies minor offers opportunities to communicate conversationally in ASL directly with patients, clients, colleagues, and acquaintances who are Deaf. You will acquire an interdisciplinary understanding of the language and its culture, and learn how innovative solutions for the issues that perpetuate the marginalization of Deaf people can be created for the betterment of society. The ability to communicate in ASL with Deaf people and other ASL users is an invaluable asset, especially in assistive professions such as hearing and speech pathology, nursing, social work, criminal justice, advocacy, and more. Additionally, a combination of ASL competency and cultural knowledge are strengths that create strong candidates for higher-level academic pursuits and future employment opportunities.

Note: This minor does not lead to a certification or an endorsement for teaching ASL, nor does it provide qualifications in ASL interpreting, Deaf education, or any other related professional field.