American Sign Language (ASL)

A Visual Language

American Sign Language (ASL) is a valuable language to learn as an estimated 2 million people speak ASL in the United States and parts of Canada. Gaining proficiency in ASL can prepare you for a variety of fields where sign-language interpretation skills are increasingly in demand, including education, medicine, law, and artistic performances. Being able to communicate with the Deaf community can open the door to exciting careers in teaching and translation/interpretation. Opportunities abound in government offices, social-service agencies, hospitals, courtrooms, schools, churches, banks, offices, and retailers.

A minor in ASL from Portland State will help you develop the vocabulary and receptive and expressive skills you'll need to become effective communicators with deaf and hard-of-hearing ASL users. In your ASL courses, you'll develop fluency in receptive and expressive skills for a variety of settings and contexts, and broaden your understanding of the current attitudes, movements, policies, and trends that affect the Deaf community as a linguistic minority. Our experienced faculty recognize the difficulty in learning a distinct and complex language like ASL and are prepared to assist you every step of the way and provide a wealth of opportunities to practice in a supportive environment. Learn more here. 

Undergraduate Programs

• The Department of World Languages and Literatures offers a Minor in American Sign Language.
• The department also offers a Certificate in Intercultural Competence for the Workplace and a Certificate in Pedagogy in World Languages.

Upcoming ASL Courses

• Use the Schedule of Classes to help you plan your course schedule.

Advising and Placement

Visit the ASL Advising and Placement page for instructions on how to:

• Take a placement test, if you have previously taken ASL and have questions about which course is appropriate for you
• Request a faculty advisor for minors, if you plan to minor in ASL
• Access the ASL minor advising worksheet

ASL Tutoring Services

• The Department of World Languages and Literatures offers drop-in tutoring services for 100- and 200-level language students. See the schedule here. Non-PSU students, please see our list of community tutors and translators here. 

Second Language Requirements

• American Sign Language (ASL) meets the Second Language Admission Requirement and the Second Language Bachelor of Arts (BA)/Master of Arts (MA) Requirement.