Teaching ASL
You can teach ASL as a foreign/modern language.
The Master's program in Teaching ASL (TASL) provides you with the approaches and methods needed to teach language learners.
TASL is for native or
near-native ASL users.
Developing your proficiency in ASL
is not the goal of TASL.
Pauline Ballentine, Programs Manager for UNC's ASLIS department, provides an overview of TASL in ASL.
Please disregard any year-specific dates and deadlines mentioned in the video. This year’s application deadline is listed below.
Overview of TASL
UNC's Extended Campus offers two graduate programs in Teaching American Sign Language. As a TASL student, you will select one of two programs. You take all of the same TASL courses in either program.
If you select the TASL with Licensure program, you will take four (4) additional courses.
These additional courses meet the requirements by the Colorado Department of Education to teach in K-12 settings. You will obtain your Colorado teaching license at the end of this program which may be accepted by other states.
Teaching ASL
Masters Only
Time to Complete
18 months / 5 consecutive semesters
(starts in summer)
Delivery Method
Online = Fall & Spring semesters
Hybrid = Summer semesters
Mandatory summer residential session
Total Credits
30 credits
Course Descriptions
# of Courses Per Semester
2 courses per semester
6 credits
Practicum Experiences
Practicum I = 300 hours
Practicum II = 300 hours
Grade Requirement
B (85%) or better
3.0 cumulative GPA
Program Requirements for Graduation
Practicum I & II
Portfolio
Research Project
Application Due Date
November 1 (Priority)
January 31 (Standard)
Application Information
Approved By
Teaching ASL
Masters with Licensure
Time to Complete
18 months / 5 consecutive semesters
(starts in summer)
Delivery Method
Online = Fall & Spring semesters
Hybrid = Summer semesters
Mandatory summer residential session
Total Credits
42 credits
Course Descriptions
# of Courses Per Semester
2-3 courses per semester
6-9 credits
Practicum Experiences
Practicum I = 400 hours
Practicum II = 400 hours
Grade Requirement
B (85%) or better
3.0 cumulative GPA
Program Requirements for Graduation
Practicum I & II
Portfolio
Research Project
Application Due Date
November 1 (Priority)
January 31 (Standard)
Application Information
Specifics of TASL
Apply to the TASL Programs
Become a UNC Student
Apply to the Grad School
For Academic Program of Interest, choose either...MA only
or MA with Licensure
GRE scores are not required.
Submit Supplemental Items
In your Bear App Profile,
- Initiate requests for two (2) academic/professional letters of recommendation from supervisors/teachers who can attest to your academic potential and abilities,
- Add a 1-2 page statement of your educational goals and philosophy, and
- Submit ASLPI score if you have it
Show Language Proficiency
Demonstrate ASL & English proficiency.
Additional information will be sent prior to the screening.
Pay the screening fee.
Complete the screening in January.
While the ASLPI is not a requirement for admission consideration to the program, submitting these scores is an opportunity for you to present additional evidence of readiness for TASL. TASL's Admission Review Committee is dedicated to the practice of conducting holistic evaluations of all admission materials submitted as part of your file.
UNC Graduate School will send a letter of acceptance in February-March.
After which, you will be contacted by a TASL team member about initial cohort advising, the TASL orientation, and details about beginning the program in the summer.