Sign Language Certification: Online Programs
Certification programs in American Sign Language (ASL) do not currently exist. If you want to study sign language, you can sign up for an ASL certificate program, though these programs are not usually offered online. Learn about what institutions offer these ASL certificate programs, what you can study and your potential career options.
<h3 id="section---WhatAreMyOnlineOptions">What Are My Online Options?</h3>
<p>There are no online-only certificate programs in ASL, but certain in-person certificate programs may offer online classes through distance education initiatives. In general, ASL programs require in-person attendance most or all of the time in order to successfully complete the program and obtain an ASL certificate.
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<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Online Options</b></td><td>No online-only certificate programs in ASL are available, but online classes may be available for certain in-person programs</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Program Objectives</b></td><td>Communicate in sign language; learn about deaf culture; understand the struggles of hearing-impaired people</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Study Locations</b></td><td>Community colleges, 4-year universities</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Career Options</b></td><td>Interpreter, ASL teacher</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td> $52,330 (<i>for all interpreters and translators</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 20% growth (<i>for all interpreters and translators</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
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<h3 id="section---WhatWillILearnInAnASLCertificateProgram">What Will I Learn in an ASL Certificate Program?</h3>
<p>Certificate programs in ASL will teach you the basic foundations for understanding and speaking sign language. Many programs will introduce you to deaf culture, so you can understand some of the issues hearing-impaired people encounter on a daily basis. You will earn a certificate through these programs that may be later used to pursue a more advanced interpreting program.
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<h3 id="section---WhereCanIStudy">Where Can I Study?</h3>
<p>Many community colleges and 4-year universities offer sign language certificate programs, which can usually be completed within 3 semesters. Some of these schools recognize ASL as a foreign language, so if you're currently pursuing a 2- or 4-year degree, you may be able to apply your certificate toward your foreign language requirement. Additionally, some schools will allow you to apply credits earned through your ASL certificate program toward a certificate or 2- or 4-year degree program in sign language interpretation.
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<h3 id="section---WhatJobsWillBeAvailableToMe">What Jobs Will be Available to Me?</h3>
<p>In general, a certificate program in ASL won't qualify you for a specific job, though it could help you in your current career or personal life. With additional training, however, you could go on to become an interpreter or ASL teacher.
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<p>To become a sign language interpreter, at minimum, you'll need to complete a sign language interpretation certificate program. You will also need to meet any licensure or certification requirements, which usually vary by state. If you want to teach ASL, you will likely need a bachelor's or master's degree in sign language or sign language interpretation.</p>