Bachelor of Science in American Sign Language and Human Services

American Sign Language (ASL) is estimated to be the third most used language in the United States and its visibility in society is on the rise in recent years. There are roughly 500,00 to 2,000,000 Deaf, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing people in the United States who use ASL as their primary language, and a large number of non-Deaf signers use or learn ASL as a second language. A disproportionate percentage of Deaf people experience socioeconomic disadvantage due to their dual status as members of both a cultural linguistic minority group and a disability group. As a result, there is a broad societal misunderstanding of Deaf, signing people’s minority language and culture—their lived experience—which creates barriers to educational and economic opportunity. While state and federal legislation enables improved civic engagement by Deaf, hard of hearing, and DeafBlind individuals, there is continued need to elevate quality of life, equity, and the rich contributions of the diverse members of the American Deaf communities. The Bachelor of Science in American Sign Language and Human Services is an integrated program of study dedicated to preparing individuals to interact in a positive and supportive manner with members of the American Deaf Community. The curriculum is designed to assist students in acquiring competence in ASL, developing an understanding of the diverse American Deaf communities and Deaf culture, and applying linguistic and sociocultural skills and knowledge to the discipline of human services, in order to contribute to civic engagement and social justice for Deaf people.

All high school transcripts must be sent directly to Northeastern by your high school by the application deadline. Any transcripts sent by you, your family or an independent educational consultant will not be accepted.First-year applicants must provide a transcript which includes final grades from grades 9, 10, and 11 (or the international equivalents). Additionally:If 9th Grade in your education system is considered middle school, please exclude 9th Grade.If you apply for Regular Decision, or if you are deferred to Regular Decision from an earlier round, your high school should send the Mid-Year Report with an updated high school transcript.If you\u2019ve graduated from high school or will graduate before admissions decisions are released, your high school should send your final high school transcript (with date of graduation).