American Sign Language (ASL) courses

UCF School of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Overview

The School of Communication Sciences and Disorders is proud to offer high-quality American Sign Language (ASL) courses designed for students interested in communication, language, accessibility, and Deaf culture. Our ASL coursework provides a strong foundation in both receptive and expressive signing skills while deepening students’ understanding of Deaf community, its history, and rich linguistic traditions. ASL is a full, natural language with its own grammar and structure, and learning it opens the door to meaningful communication with Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals – an invaluable skill for students pursuing careers in speech-language pathology, education, healthcare, psychology, social work, and other helping professions.

Why take an ASL course?

Build meaningful communication skills through a visually rich, interactive language while fostering a deeper understanding of the Deaf community and its culture.
Develop language proficiency by developing expressive clarity, cultural awareness, and the ability to engage in authentic conversations across a wide range of real‑world contexts.
Build professional value by applying knowledge of ASL and Deaf culture across diverse careers and workplace settings, and by becoming a more informed and effective ally to the Deaf community.
Satisfy Foreign Language Proficiency Requirement (Bachelor of Arts) equivalent to one year of college instruction.

Curriculum

  • ASL 2140 Introduction to American Sign Language
  • ASL 2150 Intermediate American Sign Language
  • ASL 4161C American Sign Language III
  • ASL 4201 American Sign Language IV

Proficiency Examinations

Foreign Language Proficiency must be demonstrated in a foreign language equivalent to one year of college instruction for Bachelor of Arts students. This requirement can be met by successful completion of appropriate college-level courses or by examination.

ASL Foreign Language Proficiency Examination: Students electing to satisfy the foreign language requirement via American Sign Language Proficiency Exam should contact the UCF School of Communication Sciences and Disorders ASL Instructors and their Academic Success Coach regarding testing. Foreign Language Proficiency Exam is conducted through the UCF Testing Center. For more information including registration and payment please visit https://utc.sswb.ucf.edu/asl/. All scores are final and may not be appealed. Students may retake the entire ASL Foreign Language Proficiency Examination after at least 90 days have passed. Fees apply.

ASL Proficiency Assessment for ASL 2140: Students seeking proficiency testing to bypass ASL 2140 Introduction to American Sign Language and enroll directly in ASL 2150 Intermediate American Sign Language should also contact the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders ASL Instructors and their Academic Success Coach for departmental assessment. All scores are final and may not be appealed. Students may only take the ASL Proficiency Assessment for ASL 2140 one time.

Program Contact Information

College of Health Professions and Sciences
School of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Health Sciences II (HS2), Room 101
407-823-4798

Undergraduate Program Director: Punam Desormes
ASL Instructors: Ashley Mackay, Shawn Olmstead

Connect – Academic Success Coaching

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