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Undergraduate Programs
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ASL and Deaf Studies

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Contact Information

Chair:  Arlene B. Kelly, Ph.D. 
Contact: Kim Sexton
Sorenson Language and Communication Center (SLCC)  1200

TTY: 202-651-5814
Voice: 202-651-5814

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The Department of American Sign Language and Deaf Studies gives students an opportunity to acquire an understanding of the deaf community as part of human diversity. The courses are designed to prepare students to spend their professional or social lives after graduation in the deaf community or to make further contributions in a chosen academic discipline.

The Department of ASL and Deaf Studies offers an introductory course (DST 101) to help all entering students develop a special focus on the sociological, historical, and linguistic aspects of deaf and hard of hearing people. If interested, students can then explore further by majoring in either ASL or Deaf Studies, providing that pre-major course requirements are met. Core programs in both majors are designed for students to develop a multidisciplinary approach in the areas of teaching, language, community, history, culture, and literature to the study of deaf and hard of hearing people.

Gallaudet University also offers extension classes in American Sign Language (ASL) through the College of Professional Studies and Outreach.


Declaring a Major

Requirements for Admission to a Major in American Sign Language

Students must complete or demonstrate the following before declaring a major in ASL:

  • A letter of interest
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • A cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better.
  • A SCPI rating of Advanced Plus or better.
  • A C+ or better in English 102 and 103, or the equivalent.
  • An interview with at least 2 members of the program faculty.
  • A grade of B or better in DST 101 and LIN 263.
  • Students are required to purchase a laptop computer and a digital camcorder.

Requirements for Admission to a Major in Deaf Studies

Students must complete or demonstrate the following before declaring a major in DST:

  • A letter of interest.
  • Three letters of recommendation from other faculty members
  • A cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better.
  • An interview with at least two DST faculty members.
  • A grade of B or better in DST 101, DST 201.
  • A grade of C+ or better in ENG 103, or the equivalent, prior to declaring a major in Deaf Studies.
  • Students are required to purchase a laptop computer and a digital camcorder.

Requirements for Admission to a Minor in Deaf Studies

Students must pass DST 101 and DST 201 with a grade of "B" or better and a "C+" or better in ENG 103 or the equivalent prior to declaring a minor in Deaf Studies.

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