Northeastern University

Overview

The American Sign Language and Linguistics B.Sc. program at Northeastern University offers a comprehensive education that blends the development of American Sign Language (ASL) skills with an in-depth exploration of linguistic principles. Students will delve into the rich history and culture of the Deaf community while gaining insights into how linguistics informs communication across both signed and spoken languages.

What you'll study

The program spans four years and comprises eight semesters, during which students will complete a variety of courses designed to build their knowledge and skills.

Year 1 (Foundations)

• Introduction to American Sign Language (ASL)
• Deaf People in Society
• Deaf History and Culture
• Core Linguistics Concepts
• Academic Writing and Communication for Language Students

Year 2 (Building Skills)

• ASL Linguistics
• Language and Culture
• Phonetics for Language Analysis
• Psychology of Language (language processing and learning)
• Interpreting Profession (overview of roles, ethics, and professional practice)

Year 3 (Advanced Study)

• Advanced ASL
• Linguistic Analysis (methods for analyzing language data)
• Sociolinguistics (language variation and social meaning)
• Statistics in Psychological Research (research literacy)
• Elective: Communication, Translation, or Language in Community Settings

Year 4 (Integration and Capstone)

• Interpreting Research Capstone (research project and presentation)
• Elective: Topics in ASL/Deaf Studies or Linguistics
• Elective: Language, Identity, and Communication

Capstone requirement: The degree culminates in a research capstone focused on interpreting, integrating ASL proficiency with linguistic analysis.

Entry requirements

Admission requirements may vary; prospective students should verify the latest criteria with Northeastern University's admissions office. Currently, there are no specific minimum GPA or GRE/GMAT requirements listed for this program.

Career prospects

Graduates of the American Sign Language and Linguistics program are well-equipped for various career paths in fields such as interpreting, education, linguistics research, and community services. The skills developed throughout the program enable students to engage effectively with diverse populations and contribute to the understanding and appreciation of Deaf culture and sign languages.