Overview

The American Sign Language and Deaf Studies programme at the University of Kansas provides a comprehensive academic foundation for students aiming to engage deeply with Deaf communities. This degree completion pathway focuses on intersectionality, social justice, and advanced linguistic proficiency beyond basic conversational skills.

Students explore the diverse experiences of Deaf individuals while developing cognitive academic language proficiency. The curriculum is specifically designed to complement other majors, making it an ideal choice for those pursuing careers in healthcare, education, or social services where direct engagement with ASL users is essential.

Why American Sign Language and Deaf Studies at the University of Kansas?

The University of Kansas offers a unique environment through its School of Professional Studies, focusing on practical application and social advocacy. The programme emphasises allyship and the complexities of Deaf education, ensuring graduates are prepared for modern professional challenges.

While the degree itself is not an interpreter training programme, the university provides a clear pathway for those seeking national certification. Students can transition into specialised certificate programmes that offer guided practice and supervised field experience to meet professional credentialing standards.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 30177 per year
National fee: USD 30177 per year
Local fee: USD 11298 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on advanced language acquisition and the socio-political landscape of Deaf culture. Modules may include:

American Sign Language
Deaf Studies and Social Justice
Intersectionality in Deaf Communities
Allyship
Deaf Education
ASL/English Interpreting

Careers with American Sign Language and Deaf Studies

Graduates are well-positioned for roles that require high-level ASL fluency and cultural competence. There is significant demand for professionals in the education sector, including special education teachers, intervention specialists, and teaching assistants across all primary and secondary levels.

Beyond the classroom, alumni may find opportunities in legal advocacy, social work, and healthcare. Professionals with these skills are essential for safeguarding equitable employment policies in human resources or providing accessible mental health services directly through sign language.

The programme also serves as a foundation for those entering the interpreting and translating industry. Graduates often work in diverse settings to facilitate communication between Deaf, Deaf-blind, and hearing populations, or pursue roles in customer service to improve accessibility for businesses.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Critical Thinking, Quantitative Literacy

Communication

Arts and Humanities

American Sign Language Linguistics

Culture and Diversity

Integration and Creativity

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-07-25 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-15 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Lawrence, United States

Disciplines

American and Australasian studies View 538 other Bachelors in American and Australasian studies in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

All students are encouraged to apply, as we individually review each application for these factors:

Cumulative high school GPA

ACT or SAT scores, if available

GPA in the core curriculum

Strength of courses

College transcripts, if sent

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

30177 USD / year

≈ 30177 USD / year
Out-of-State

30177 USD / year

≈ 30177 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

11298 USD / year

≈ 11298 USD / year

Living costs

Lawrence

United States

900 - 1400 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for American Sign Language and Deaf Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Lawrence

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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