Teaching American Sign Language M.A.
The Teaching American Sign Language (TASL) M.A. Program is a distance delivered master’s degree with required onsite summer sessions which prepares instructors to teach American Sign Language (ASL) on the post-secondary level. The focus of this program is on pedagogical coursework as applicable to teaching ASL as a foreign or as a modern language, not learning or mastering ASL. Therefore, all students must demonstrate ASL proficiency through an informal screening prior to acceptance into the program.
Please note: The licensure option is available through the Teaching American Sign Language (TASL) M.A.: Licensure: World Languages (Grades K-12) Program.
Admissions requirements:
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 on the last 60 semester hours of coursework.
- International applicants must pass the TOEFL exam with a minimum score of 550 or 90 for the internet based exam.
Application requirements:
- Complete the online application for the UNC Graduate School and pay the graduate application fee.
- Send all official transcripts to the UNC Graduate School.
- Submit two letters of recommendation from supervisors/teachers who know the applicant’s work to the UNC Graduate School.
- Submit a 1-2 page statement of educational goals and philosophy to the UNC Graduate School.
- All applicants will be required to demonstrate ASL proficiency prior to acceptance to the TASL Program.
Application Deadline: February 15th for the following summer. However, applications will be accepted until all spots have been filled. Applicants will be notified no later than April 15th whether they have been accepted into the program or not.
Demonstration of ASL Proficiency:
Although all applicants will undergo an informal screening for the application process, all students will be required to submit the results of their American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) prior to the practicum courses, TASL 593 and TASL 594.
For degree and program requirements, see:
Teaching American Sign Language M.A.