American Sign Language Studies, B.A.

Western Oregon University

United States of America, Aberdeen

Go to Official Website

Compare

Wishlist

Duration4 year(s)

Tuition Fee

USD 44,172 / Year

Next IntakeSeptember 26, 2022

American Sign Language Studies, B.A.

About

In earning your Bachelor of Arts in American Sign Language Studies, you will learn to transmit your knowledge of ASL in a way that promotes respect for deaf culture, deaf history and the deaf community. You will not only continue to hone your ASL skills, but you will also study areas such as linguistics, language acquisition, cultural competency and mental health and learn how this information can serve the deaf population.

Depict language mastery in ASL linguistics including the ability to express and comprehend ASL
Demonstrate sensitivity and understanding of deaf culture and deaf history perspectives in a global society
Develop strong background knowledge skills suitable for pursuing careers in education, government, social services, graduate work and lifelong learning of ASL.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Freshman Requirements

Graduate from an accredited high school with a standard diploma.
Have a cumulative unweighted high school GPA of 2.75 or higher. (Students with a cumulative GPA below 2.75, please see note below.)
Complete the following courses upon high school graduation with a minimum of C- or Pass grade:
- 4 years in English
- 3 years in math (including algebra II or higher)
- 3 years in science&
- 2 years in social science
- 2 years in the same second language
Optional: Submission of ACT or SAT scores is optional for freshman applicants. Students with a cumulative GPA below 2.75 are encouraged, but not required, to provide ACT or SAT scores as part of the admission review process.

English Requirements

IELTSMin 5.0
TOEFLMin 61

English Program Requirements

In order to apply for admission to WOU, students must submit a score of 5 or greater on the IELTS or at least 61 on the TOEFL. While these cut-off scores are lower than those at most universities, they are equivalent to the lowest cut-offs at a few other institutions. According to research by ETS (the TOEFL producer) a 61 on the TOEFL is equivalent to a low 6 on the IELTS (http://www.ets.org/toefl/institutions/scores/compare). Given this imbalance in the admissions requirements, it is not surprising that most students in the last several years have sought admission to WOU using the IELTS because it will be easier for them to achieve a 5 on the IELTS than a 61 on the TOEFL. In any case, both test makers caution against screening students solely on test scores, and both recommend that for university study, students should have higher scores than what most universities set as cut-offs for admission (link).

Using standardized language proficiency tests for admissions decisions is not controversial, but setting cut-off scores is, because each institution (and programs within them) can choose their own acceptable levels, and these levels have a direct impact on both the university’s recruiting, admissions, and enrollment on one hand, and the ability for students to adjust to life in the US and succeed academically on the other.

Career

Deaf rehabilitation counseling
Research specialist
Professional interpreter
Consultant for businesses that cater to deaf community
Deaf education

Fee Information

How to Apply

1. Completed and signed application form and financial affidavit form
2. $60 Application Fee + $80 International Express mailing fee.
3. Official transcripts from previous school(s).
4. Financial documentation:
Students must submit an official copy of personal or parent’s/sponsor’s bank statement showing a balance of at least $45,000 and/or official award letters for any scholarships/grants.
5.Photocopy of current passport ID page
6. Official copy of English testing score report.

American Sign Language Studies, B.A.

Western Oregon University

United States of America, Aberdeen

Go to Official Website