8 Best Online Sign Language Classes for 2025

Sign language is a communication system of hand gestures called signs. Sign languages are an innovative and valuable method of communication.

Sign language allows the deaf or verbally impaired to communicate efficiently and fluidly.

There are numerous sign languages. Online sign language classes can help individuals master American Sign Language (ASL) or another sign language.

Online Sign Language Classes

Here are some excellent online sign language classes

1. Gallaudet University

Gallaudet University is a leader in sign language education and offers several levels of American Sign Language (ASL) classes online.

Courses are mainly self-paced with several structured deadlines. Students will benefit from a cutting-edge virtual immersion education system.

ASL classes are three credits and can be transferred to most universities. The cost per credit is $330.

Six levels ranging from introductory to advanced are offered.

2. StartASL

Individuals looking for high-quality online sign language classes should consider StartASL's resources.

Four levels of ASL classes are offered in a flexible online format. All classes meet foreign language requirements of the California World Language Standards.

Students will go beyond basic vocabulary and learn about the grammar of American Sign Language.

Helpful instructors are available to support students at each step of their learning journey.

3. Oregon State University

Oregon State University's award-winning online learning platform is home to many excellent sign language classes.

Students will earn transferable college credits in different levels and topics in sign language.

The online classes cost $350 per credit hour and will help students become fluent in ASL.

Students will understand key aspects of visual languages and the unique grammar and syntax structures that arise.

4. University of Wisconsin Milwaukee

The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee offers continuing education classes in sign language.

The introductory ASL course is perfect for beginners and has no prerequisites.

All classes are delivered online and led by expert instructors with years of experience in sign language education.

The course cost is $179 but discounts may be available.

5. Oklahoma School for the Deaf

The Oklahoma School for the Deaf offers two levels of online sign language classes.

The classes are self-paced and consist of eight video lectures designed to increase sign language fluency.

All classes are taught by an ASL specialist and a certificate is available upon completion.

The course does not provide college credit and is available at no cost.

6. Santa Barbara City College

Santa Barbara City College supports communication with the deaf through its online sign language classes.

Classes can be completed in a flexible asynchronous format and provide transferable college credits.

Students can complete four levels of ASL and learn vocabulary, grammar, and regional dialects in sign language.

7. Sacramento State University

Sacramento State University offers a one-year online ASL class to enrich the linguistic abilities of any learner.

Students will learn basic greetings and introductions as well as common conversational vocabulary.

The class is appropriate for anyone who is interested in ASL. Students can earn foreign language credit for the class.

Students who complete both courses will earn eight academic credits in one year of study.

8. University of Georgia

The University of Georgia's Center for Continuing Education presents several online sign language classes.

There are four levels of conversational ASL classes and students will be awarded a certificate upon completion.

Benefits of the classes include the ability to communicate with the deaf, increased employment opportunities, and increased cognitive flexibility.

The classes cost $225 each and provide 2.0 continuing education units.

Benefits of Learning Sign Language

Learning sign language can enable individuals to communicate with deaf friends and loved ones.

Sign language is recognized as a foreign language and can often provide a foreign language credit in educational contexts.

Learning sign language can also increase cognitive function and give you a new way of expressing yourself.

Can I Earn a Degree in Sign Language?

Yes, students who would like to dive deeper into the rich structure of sign languages can pursue a degree in sign language or deaf studies.

Sign languages possess a unique structure and do not simply copy spoken languages.

A degree in sign language can help students learn about syntax, prosody, and trends in sign language.

What Careers use Sign Language

There are many career paths that involve the use of sign language. There is always a need for skilled sign language interpreters.

Being fluent in sign language can also provide opportunities in special education, social work, speech-language pathology, audiology, and child development.

American Sign Language is the third-most used language in North America so there are numerous career benefits to learning sign language.

Find an Online Sign Language Class Today

Find a great online sign language class today and learn this valuable method of communication. Mastering sign language can be personally meaningful and rewarding.