The American Sign Language Program in the IU School of Liberal Arts gives you the opportunity to engage deeply with one of the most widely used and expressive languages in the United States.
American Sign Language (ASL) is now the third most studied modern language on college campuses—after Spanish and French—and Indianapolis is home to one of the largest and most active Deaf communities in the country. Studying ASL here means learning in a city where the language is part of everyday life, from schools and healthcare settings to community organizations and cultural events.
When you pursue the minor in ASL, you develop advanced signing skills that pair seamlessly with majors across the liberal arts and beyond. Whether you’re studying education, social work, psychology, business, nursing, or another field, ASL strengthens your ability to communicate across cultures and serve diverse communities with confidence and respect.
Your coursework gives you a strong foundation in ASL, Deaf culture, and linguistic diversity. You explore the richness of the Deaf community, study the social and historical contexts of ASL, and build practical skills that support your academic and professional goals. In the process, you deepen your understanding of communication, identity, and accessibility—abilities that matter in every career.
By adding ASL to your major, you prepare yourself for meaningful work in special education, social services, healthcare, case management, community outreach, and many other fields where inclusive communication makes a real difference.