The Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences offers an academic minor in “American Sign Language Studies” which may be of particular interest to students majoring in areas such as communication arts and sciences, business, education, linguistics, music therapy, vocal music, occupational therapy, interdisciplinary health services, nursing, psychology, social work, and others. Pre-professional studies in such curricula as pre-dentistry and pre-medicine can also be augmented meaningfully through inclusion of studies in American Sign Language.

The minor in American Sign Language Studies requires a minimum of 18 hours. Students will learn communication competency in a visual language and gain a better understanding of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing culture. This minor builds a solid foundation of ASL language and skills but does not lead to interpreter or Deaf Education certification.

Students are required to take the following courses: SIGN 1010, 1020, 2010, 2020 and 2030. In addition, students must select a 3-hour elective from the listed options to complement the student’s educational and vocational goals. Credit for one course, SIGN 1010, may be transferred if the course is approved for equivalency by Western Michigan University and a grade of “C” or higher is received. Students should check with the ASL program coordinator if they have questions about transfer equivalents for SIGN 1010. All remaining course work must be completed at Western Michigan University with a grade of “C” or better.