The ASL/English interpreting program at UNH Manchester was the nation’s first program to be accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education and is one of only 14 accredited programs in the country.
What is American Sign Language and deaf studies?
American Sign Language is a visual language that is predominately used by Deaf and hard of hearing communities in the United States and many parts of Canada. Learning the intricacies of American Sign Language and Deaf culture prepares students to work with the Deaf community.
Why study ASL and deaf studies at UNH Manchester?
UNH Manchester is home to the nation’s first accredited interpreting program and one of only 14 accredited programs in the country. The American Sign Language and Deaf studies minor gives you the foundational knowledge and skills to become more involved with the Deaf community. Guided by distinguished faculty who are native ASL signers and/or certified interpreters, you’ll acquire basic fluency in American Sign Language all while gaining a sociocultural perspective on Deaf culture.
Potential career areas
- Education
- Government
- Law
- Linguistics
- Medicine
- Performing arts
- Psychology
- Social services
Curriculum & Requirements
American Sign Language is a visual language that is predominately used by Deaf and hard of hearing communities in the United States and many parts of Canada. Developing fluency in American Sign Language and expertise in the community and culture provides a foundation for careers that work with the American Deaf community.
For more information, contact Laurie Shaffer, minor supervisor.
To earn a minor in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies, students must complete 24 credits, with no individual grade lower than C-.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| ASL 435 | American Sign Language I | 4 |
| ASL 436 | American Sign Language II | 4 |
| INTR 438 | A Socio-cultural Perspective on the Deaf Community | 4 |
| Electives | ||
| Select three courses from the following: | 12 | |
ASL 531 | American Sign Language III | |
ASL 532 | American Sign Language IV | |
ASL 621 | Advanced American Sign Language Discourse I | |
ASL 622 | Advanced American Sign Language Discourse II | |
INTR 539 | Comparative Linguistic Analysis for Interpreters | |
| Total Credits | 24 | |
Explore Program Details
An important part of learning any language is moving beyond the classroom lessons to become more comfortable in real-life situations.
The ASL lab helps you advance your skills, giving you valuable practice in grammar and vocabulary through communication exercises with Deaf lab facilitators and members of the Deaf community.
ASL is a visual language, so the lab includes a video room to record your progress, which allowing you to receive valuable feedback from your professors and peers.