Online Graduate Certificate: American Sign Language Education

American Sign
Language Education

College of Education, Health, & Human Sciences

Program Overview

Did you know that there's an increasing need for American Sign Language teachers in K-12 schools nationwide? This is particularly true in Tennessee public schools. Earn your online ASL graduate certificate to meet this demand! The University of Tennessee, Knoxville offers an online Graduate Certificate in American Sign Language Education. This fully online ASL graduate certificate program is for licensed teachers. Apply if you have completed an undergraduate degree and can demonstrate an advanced or higher level on the Sign Language Proficiency Inventory (SLPI) or a 3+ or higher on the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI.)

Credit Hours

12

Cost Per Credit Hour*

In-State $744

Out-of-State $819

Testing Requirements

No GRE

Admission Terms

Fall, Spring

*Cost per credit hour is an estimate based on maintenance and university fees. Some programs may have additional course fees. Please contact your department for additional information on any related fees, and visit Tuition and Fees in Detail at One Stop.

two students practicing American sign language

Secure Credentials to Teach Sign Language 

The need for American Sign Language teachers in the K-12 school system nationwide is increasing, particularly in Tennessee public schools. The American Sign Language (ASL) Education graduate certificate is designed for licensed teachers who are interested in adding on an ASL Education PreK-12 teaching endorsement. Coursework can also be tailored for persons interested in teaching American Sign Language at the post-secondary level.  

Featured Courses

Examples of courses for the American Sign Language Education Graduate Certificate include:  

ASL 521: History & Culture of the Deaf

Comprehensive overview of historical and socio-cultural aspects of the Deaf. Students will explore beliefs, theories, and evidence about the historical experience of Deaf people; the influence of geographic, cultural, educational, and economic forces on Deaf people; concepts and implications of disability theory; social and medical models as ways of defining the Deaf population.

ASL 422: Deaf Literature & ASL Folklore

Provides an opportunity for ASL students to explore various genres of literature by and about d/Deaf people. Concentrates on d/Deaf characters and the influences of Deaf culture and Deaf history on literacy works from early 1900s to the present. There will be extensive use of videotaped materials. Course content will include viewing and discussing works performed by Deaf poets, writers, dramatists, and storytellers. Taught in ASL.

ASL 435: Linguistics of American Sign Language

Introduction to grammatical and linguistic structures of ASL. Language variations, discourse, bilingualism, and language contact also covered. Conducted in ASL.

ASL 455: Teaching of World Languages

ACTFL standards-based instructional methods, resources, integrated technologies, second language theories, research and evaluation for world languages.

male professor using American sign language while teaching course

Program Concentrations

The online American Sign Language Education Certificate at UT has two academic pathways for professionals to meet educational teaching requirements and endorsements. 

American Sign Language Teachers Association (ASLTA)

12 Graduate Credit Hours

ASL Education PreK-12 endorsement to an existing TN teaching license 

15 Graduate Credit Hours

Ready to Lead the Way in American Sign Language Education? 

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