Thank you for your interest in Madonna University's Sign Language Studies! The Sign Language Studies department offers three degree paths - Sign Language Interpreting Studies (B.A.), American Sign Language (ASL) Education (B.A.), and Deaf Community Studies (B.A.) – in addition to a minor in American Sign Language. Read below to learn more about each pathway, as well as our department's philosophies!
Have any questions? Interested in entering one of our pathways? Contact us using the form to the right, and we will get back to you as soon as possible!
In 1975 Madonna "College" (at the time) was one of 12 institutions that received funding for the first interpreter education programs in the US. Madonna was one of two to propose a four-year program, whereas the others were two-year programs. Madonna quickly became a hub for Deaf students, and has since worked to further grow our department by adding two additional majors – ASL Education and Deaf Community Studies, as well as our minor in American Sign Language.
Our guiding principle for our department, as developed by co-founders Mike Meldrum, Sharon Meldrum, and Ken Rust, has been sign language is a human right – a principle that still guides us today.
As a student in Madonna's Sign Language Interpreting Studies program, you will have an opportunity to develop American Sign Language (ASL) skills while gaining an understanding its use in Deaf communities. Through extensive training and practice over four years, students will develop the interpreting skills and knowledge needed to become a professional sign language interpreter.
As a student in Madonna’s ASL Education program, you will be part of a community on the cutting edge of ASL Education and Deaf studies in Michigan. You will receive all of the resources you need to develop your signing skills, prepare for the ASL proficiency test required as part of the State of Michigan’s endorsement process for teaching ASL, and gain diverse skills that will give you an advantage as a future educator. Madonna is the only university in Michigan to offer a bachelor’s degree in ASL Education. When you choose Madonna, you are choosing the leader in the field.
As a student in Madonna’s Deaf Community Studies program, you will be part of a community dedicated to Deaf cultural studies in Michigan. In addition to studying a rigorous language curriculum, you will gain an in-depth understanding of the unique features and needs of American Deaf communities, which will make you an invaluable asset in any field where Deaf services are provided. Madonna University is the first and only university in Michigan to offer a bachelor’s degree in Deaf Community Studies.
Complement your degree with a minor in American Sign Language. Any professional can benefit from a background in ASL: from any aspect of Healthcare to Criminal Justice, Social Work, Business Administration, and more, your skills will aid in creating a more accessible and welcoming environment for all.
As a student in Madonna's minor in American Sign Language, you will gain a foundation in ASL, as well as a background about Deaf communities and cultures.
