Jump to main content

Real-World Experience, Career Preparation

Gain the knowledge and skills to effectively teach the third most popular modern/foreign language in the United States - American Sign Language (ASL) – from Colorado's top-ranked institution for online graduate programs in education.

UNC’s Teaching American Sign Language Master of Arts program offers a state-of-the-art curriculum based on the newest research with input from national experts in the field of ASL, and incorporates standards from the American Council on Teaching Foreign Languages. You’ll learn from nationally recognized instructional staff that includes both native and non-native ASL users and will gain valuable real-work preparation through extensive field-based learning experiences that includes hundreds of hours of student teaching and observation.

You will earn your Teaching American Sign Language master's from UNC in five consecutive semesters through a primarily online format with on-campus summer sessions in Greeley, Colorado. This program provides you with the pedagogical coursework necessary to teach ASL as a modern/foreign language; not learning or mastering ASL. You'll demonstrate your ASL proficiency prior to being accepted into the program.

Degree Details

Credits Required:

30

Location/Delivery:

Online + Greeley Summer Visits

Cost Estimator

Degree Options

UNC’s Teaching American Sign Language (ASL) program offers two tracks.

Master's in Teaching ASL

Complete coursework equipping you to effectively teach ASL as a modern/foreign language in a variety of roles to various age groups in different settings with an focus on adult learners. This track is approved by the Colorado Department of Higher Education.

Degree Requirements

Master's in Teaching ASL: World Languages (K-12)

This degree equips you to effectively teach ASL as a modern/foreign language, from kindergarten through high school settings and beyond.  The degree includes teacher licensure with K-12 endorsement in ASL and World Languages to meet state-mandated requirements to be a licensed educator in Colorado. Your Colorado state teaching license may be accepted by other states. This track is approved by the Colorado Department of Higher Education and the College Department of Education.

Degree Requirements

ONLINE/GREELEY M.A. in Teaching ASL PROGRAM

Related Programs

Special Education: Deaf and Hard of Hearing (M.A.)

Your Future in Teaching American Sign Language

At UNC, you’re part of an elite group. As a Teaching ASL student, you are in one of the first programs nation-wide to prepare teachers of American Sign Language. As a UNC student, you are in one of the top education programs and online education graduate programs in the nation and the institute preparing the largest number of teachers in Colorado.

Consider UNC’s Teaching ASL M.A. if you:

  • Have a bachelor’s degree and are proficient in American Sign Language
  • Want to become an ASL instructor in secondary or post-secondary education
  • Want to pursue your master’s degree in a mostly online environment
  • Want real-world classroom experience done locally

You’ll learn:

  • Theories and methods for teaching ASL to diverse audiences
  • American Council on Teaching Foreign Languages standards (5 Cs) for effective instruction
  • How to develop and design curriculum in ASL education across a variety of settings
  • ASL assessment tools and evaluation techniques for the classroom
  • Research methods for ASL education

Sample courses:

  • ASL Teaching Methods
  • ASL Assessment and Testing
  • Contemporary Professional Issues in Teaching ASL
  • ASL Research Methods
  • Practicum for ASL Teaching (I & II)

Where can your degree take you?

The Master of Arts in Teaching American Sign Language at UNC will prepare you to teach sign language to diverse students in a variety of educational settings, including community colleges and universities.

Ready for what's next? Here's what you need to know.

If there's anything else we can do, be sure to connect with us. We're only a shout away.

Still not completely sold? We understand. Here's more information on costs and funding and how to apply.

Klawz signature on paper application

Apply now

Look at you go! We're excited to meet you.

Flying envelope illustration

Request information

We'll send you some more details.

Visit shuttle illustration

Plan a visit

There's nothing quite like walking on our turf. Take a virtual tour.