American Sign Language Studies

The Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences offers an academic minor in "American Sign Language Studies" which may be of particular interest to students majoring in areas such as communication arts and sciences, business, education, linguistics, music therapy, vocal music, occupational therapy, interdisciplinary health services, nursing, psychology, social work and others. Pre-professional studies in such curricula as pre-dentistry and pre-medicine can also be augmented meaningfully through inclusion of studies in American Sign Language.

The minor in American Sign Language Studies requires a minimum of 18 hours. Students will learn communication competency in a visual language and gain a better understanding of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing culture. This minor builds a solid foundation of American Sign Language (ASL) language and skills but does not lead to interpreter or Deaf Education certification.

Students are required to take the following courses: (SIGN 1010, 1020, 2010, 2020 and 2030). In addition, students must select a 3-hour elective from the listed options to complement the student's educational and vocational goals. Up to six credits of SIGN coursework may be transferred if approved for equivalency by Western Michigan University and a grade of "C" or higher is received. Students should check with the ASL program coordinator if they have questions about transfer equivalents. All remaining course work must be completed at Western Michigan University with a grade of "C" or better.

1. Copy of passport identification page
2. Proof of English language proficiency*
3. Transcripts from all secondary and post-secondary schools attended or are attending, including diplomas, examination results, mark sheets and certificates.* Unofficial transcripts and other academic documents are acceptable for admission decision-making. Uploaded documents will show as received only AFTER an admissions counselor has completed the evaluation. 

   The Office of International Student and Scholar Services (I3S) may accept credential evaluation reports from certain credential evaluation services to make admission decision at Western Michigan University for undergraduate and graduate international admissions. Although it is not required, we strongly encourage submission of evaluation reports to expedite application processing and decision-making. Admitted and enrolled students are required to send your official high school or university transcripts and proof of degree before the beginning of the second semester of your studies. Following are the evaluation agencies that you may use to get your transcripts evaluated: World Education Services: www.wes.org Educational Credential Evaluators: www.ece.org Academic Evaluation Services: www.academicevaluations.org Global Credential Evaluators: www.gceus.com Spantran: The Evaluation Company: www.spantran.com

4. $100 non-refundable application fee
5. Proof of sufficient funds for the first academic year of study at WMU according to estimated cost of attendance. Proof of sufficient funds is a bank statement in your own name for cost of attendance. If the bank statement is not in your own name, then additionally provide a letter signed by your financial sponsor indicating that they will pay your cost of attendance.

*Official documents are those sent directly to International & Student Scholar Services (I3S) from the issuing institution or testing agency. Hand-carried transcripts will be accepted if in a sealed envelope from the institution. Documents sent by the student cannot be accepted as official.

If any documents are not issued in English, also provide an official English translation of each document. 

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