Online Graduate Certificate: 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 $700
Out-of-State $775
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.
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.
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
