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Man using sign language to communicate.

American Sign Language (ASL) Studies

A common misconception about American Sign Language (ASL) is that it’s the English language “spoken” with gestures. But in fact, it’s far more intricate and nuanced than that. ASL is actually its own language, with its own unique syntax and grammar. And like many languages, ASL is a bond for those who practice it. Beyond communication, ASL is a source of pride, community, and culture.

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Degree Types
Major, Minor, B.A./M.S. Pathway
Institution
Complementary Programs
Deaf Education, M.S.
Heart
Distinctive Requirements
Demonstrated Competence in ASL

Why McDaniel for your degree in ASL?

McDaniel’s major and minor in American Sign Language (ASL) Studies offer a variety of courses related to the language, culture, and literature of Deaf people in the United States and Canada. This program of study includes various opportunities for immersion in the language and culture of Deaf people, including an option to be a visiting student for a semester at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., and completing a January Term in an ASL environment. 

Future Career Paths

Students who complete the major or minor in ASL Studies will be well prepared to apply for McDaniel’s Master of Science in Education for the Deaf. 

Additionally, experience in ASL can supplement McDaniel’s pre-med or pre-health track, giving you a distinctive highlight on your graduate school application. Healthcare providers who speak ASL and understand the needs of the Deaf community will not only be better able to serve deaf patients and their families but will also be better prepared to serve all patients with dignity and empathy.

Graduates with a B.A. in ASL could go on to advanced degrees in speech and language pathology, teaching, interpreting, social work, mental health, Deaf and hearing linguistics, neuroscience, computer programming, and more. Their career paths will likely support the education and development of minority students in the Deaf community. 

McDaniel's breadth of academic opportunities provides you the chance to craft compelling and highly distinctive major/minor combinations that support compelling applications for medical dental or veterinary school. Many McDaniel students double or triple major, giving you breadth and depth in your academic studies and a more competitive application for your next step.

Learn more about the Pre-Med Track

MCDANIEL COLLEGE BA/MS PATHWAYS M.S. in Deaf Education from McDaniel College Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s Programs

For students wishing to pursue a career in teaching Deaf students, McDaniel College offers a nationally recognized graduate program in Deaf Education. All courses are taught in ASL.

Students can choose from traditional enrollment after receiving their undergraduate degree or McDaniel's Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's program, resulting in a Bachelor of Arts in ASL and a Master of Science in Deaf Education. 

For ASL Majors, the BA/MS Pathway allows students to gain valuable knowledge and qualifications while saving time and money to meet their career goals through the attainment of an advanced degree.

ASL minors will be well prepared to enter the Master's program upon completion of their undergraduate degree. The ASL minor provides a critical foundation for the graduate degree and includes courses that satisfy prerequisites for Deaf Education.

Learn more about BA/MS Pathway for ASL Majors Learn more about the M.S. in Deaf Education Program

Distinctive Courses

ASL 1140 - Dominican Republic and the Educational Life Experiences of the Deaf

Students will be involved in presenting instructional activities at the National Deaf School of the Dominican Republic as well as at a private school serving Deaf students with learning disabilities and behavior issues.

ASL 3338 - Linguistics of American Sign Language

This course provides an analysis of the major structural features of American Sign Language phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and discourse.

ASL 3370 - International Perspectives on Sign Languages and Deaf Culture

The study of diverse signed language and socio political structures of Deaf communities in various countries and the impact on society. This course provides a global perspective of a linguistic and cultural minority group.

ASL 4492 - Seminar in ASL Studies

This course examines current trends and issues in the study of ASL and ASL Linguistics as it relates to the socio-cultural aspect of the Deaf community.

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Special Opportunities in ASL

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Experiential Opportunities

At McDaniel, there are a variety of ways to earn hands-on experience in American Sign Language. Students can earn an EXP credit by serving as a lab mentor for the department, applying what they have learned in the past and getting a glimpse of what teaching is all about. Students can also pursue internships through the department's partnership with regional organizations and institutions, like the Maryland School for the Deaf in Frederick. And don't forget on-campus research and independent studies that you can connect directly to your major and scholarly interests!

A group photo of graduates of the Deaf Education program wearing their caps and gowns and laughing.

Deaf Education Bachelor's-to-Master's Pathway

McDaniel ASL students benefit from the unique opportunity to go right from their undergraduate program into our Deaf Education master's program. By staying at the school they know and love, students maintain their connections with the department and community while earning their master's degree in just one year. 

McDaniel Commitment in Action

The McDaniel Commitment—a series of opportunities guaranteed to all students—provides enhanced mentoring and coaching, and ensures every undergraduate student completes at least two meaningful experiential learning opportunities.

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Study Abroad

An employer talks to students at a job and internship fair.

Internships

Summer Research Team 2

Research

Lorelei McElroy stands in front of a red brick building at McDaniel while wearing her graduation robe and cap with a green stole.

Meet an American Sign Language Studies major Lorelei McElroy ’25

During her time on the Hill, Lorelei McElroy was president of the ASL Club and an ASL department tutor. She also went on a Jan Term trip to the Dominican Republic, during which she taught Deaf students at six different schools while exploring the Deaf community and culture in the country.

"I quickly fell in love with the language and had a strong appreciation of Deaf culture. I knew I wanted to pursue it further and commit to a major."

Read a Q&A about Lorelei's time as an ASL major.

Green Terror Alumni

A female student wearing all black poses with a film slate.

Sabina Alvarez Prats ’26

Puerto Rico native Sabina Alvarez Prats arrived on the Hill ready to make connections and start a new life. She thrived in two different majors — Cinema and American Sign Language — and is the first Green Terror to graduate from the women’s wrestling team. She recognizes that life isn’t linear, but as she discovers what’s next, she knows that McDaniel will always have a special place in her heart.

Katherine Taveras tossing a soccer ball

Katherine Taveras '25

Katherine was a member of the first Latin/x-based sorority on campus, Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha Inc., and was a four-year player on the volleyball team. Next, she’s heading to graduate school for an M.S. in Athletic Training, carrying on the skills she learned on the Hill in her Practicum in Athletic Training and as a student worker in the athletic training department on campus.

Class of 2023: Capri Savoy

Capri Savoy '23

Social Work and American Sign Language (ASL) major Capri Savoy learned to be a role model on the Hill through experiences like captaining the cheerleading team, joining the ASL Club, and interning with the Carroll County Department of Social Services. By discovering her inner strength, Capri learned to show up for others in Phi Mu, as a resident assistant, and as an executive board member of GirlTrek.

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Department Chair, Charles Herbold Faculty Q&A

What inspires you to teach ASL?

I am passionate about teaching ASL because, as a Deaf person, I understand the importance of effective communication and equal access for all. ASL is a vibrant and expressive language that allows Deaf individuals to fully engage with the world around them. Through teaching I can empower others to bridge the Deaf and hearing communities, break down barriers, and foster inclusivity. This not only benefits the Deaf community but enriches the lives of those who learn ASL and gain new perspectives. ASL is not just a language; it is a rich and expressive form of communication that reflects the values, history, and experiences of the Deaf community.

Read the full Q&A with Prof. Herbold.

Research with an American Sign Language Major

Two women sit at a table with five children in school uniforms and show them how to make ASL signs.

2024 Jan Term to the Dominican Republic Chronicling the experience.

During the 2024 January Term session, five McDaniel students traveled to the Dominican Republic to learn about the education of Deaf individuals and meet the Deaf community on the island. Hear from each of them through daily blogs about their experience.

Two female students sit in front of laptops at a table and lecturer Alexander Champoux-Crowley looks down at one of their screens.

A summer of research discoveries in ASL, Theatre, and Accounting Student-faculty research

Inspired by their majors, two students in the Student-Faculty Collaborative Summer Research Program launched studies in underrepresented fields.

Two students collaborate at a computer.

Machine learning research Computer Science meets ASL

Six McDaniel students designed computer models to classify videos of American Sign Language and a variety of actions using a process called machine learning — which happens all around us on a daily basis but often goes unseen.

Related Programs

English Deaf Education, M.S. Elementary Education Social Work Sociology
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Keep in Touch

Tell us a little about yourself and we'll share updates & information. (We'll also make sure you don't miss any important deadlines.)

Request More Info
mapsearch Created with Sketch.

See Yourself Here

Take your first steps on the Hill! Visiting campus is one of the best ways to determine if McDaniel is right for you.

Visit McDaniel
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