Mission Statement

Gallaudet University’s ASL Program is dedicated to providing an exemplary array of comprehensive and interactive curricula for individuals interested in learning American Sign Language (ASL) as a second language or foreign language. Using direct instruction and immersion in ASL, augmented by written English and visual learning supports, the program’s instructors engage learners in acquiring and developing increasing levels of proficiency in expressive and receptive use of the language. They also guide student’s exploration of the development of the language, its complexities and relevance in American Deaf communities.

About the ASL program

The ASL program offers a variety of credit and non-credit courses and training opportunities for visiting students, parents, professionals and other interested individuals including the Gallaudet community at large. Classes are offered in ASL I-VI, Visual Gestural Communication, and ASL special topic areas as well as those designed to meet the needs of a specific professional discipline or audience. During the fall and spring semesters, classes are offered during the day, evenings, or on the weekend, meeting 1 - 2 times per week throughout the semester. During the summer, classes meet daily during four two-week intensive sessions. Classes can also be tailored to meet the needs of an organization, school or business and offered on-site at locations within the metropolitan D.C. area upon request. Professional Studies (PST) courses provide deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing professionals with skills that lead to advancing their professional credentials. These courses carry college credit and students receive a grade report upon completion of each semester. While PST courses offered through the Graduate School and Professional Programs are not applied to degree programs at Gallaudet University, they may be transferable to other universities and often satisfy requirements for professional development. Some PST courses are offered as clusters that lead to professional certificates.