American Sign Language Elementary-Level Teaching Certificate
December 1, 2025
January 12, 2026
Overview
Ohio State’s American Sign Language (ASL) Elementary-Level Teaching Certificate is designed to develop and enhance the teaching skills of those fluent in ASL aspiring to teach in a community-based or college setting. It is also ideal for current ASL teachers seeking to strengthen their pedagogical skills. Recognizing the growing demand for knowledgable ASL instructors, this program was thoughtfully created to address this need.
This 100% online program is taught entirely in ASL and blends formal study and hands-on training using synchronous courses to provide participants with a solid foundation in ASL language structures, intercultural competence, and effective teaching methodologies tailored to teaching introductory-level higher education courses. Ohio State is committed to providing accommodations and full access to University resources, including advising.
Students will leave the program with a practical toolkit of knowledge about ASL linguistics and Deaf people’s social issues, experience in teaching methods, and valuable career insights to meet the unique expectations of academia as a workplace. Please note this certificate does not lead to teaching licensure.
Why choose the ASL Elementary-Level Teaching Certificate?
Why choose the ASL Elementary-Level Teaching Certificate?
World-class faculty
Courses are taught in ASL by faculty with extensive teaching experience in one of the nation’s largest university-level ASL programs, serving approximately 1,500 students per semester in a program that offers general education courses, a minor, and a forthcoming major.
Top-ranked education
Ohio State, ranked #15 among public universities, is a leader in higher education. Earning a certificate opens doors to new opportunities and a powerful professional network.
Career-focused learning
With no residency requirement, you can earn your certificate from anywhere. Take one course at a time while balancing your personal and professional commitments and complete the entire program in less than a year. This program also includes a unique course to equip you with the tools to successfully obtain and retain employment in academic settings.
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“The interaction with my classmates was amazing. The support I felt from all of them at one time or another was up lifting.”
Marci M. Ohio State Online student -
“As an online student, there’s so many connections you can make that will have a really meaningful impact on your education. The opportunities that exist at Ohio State feel limitless.”
Audra H. Ohio State Online student -
“The knowledge base that you gain at Ohio State is second to none.”
Michael M. Ohio State Online graduate
Frequently Asked Questions
Please find key information about the certificate below.
Yes, this program is designed for those already fluent in ASL. Fluency will be determined during the application process through a submitted video essay and virtual interview.
No, this online ASL teaching certificate program is offered 100% online.
This certificate program is taught in American Sign Language entirely online over video calls in synchronous classes, meaning there will be specific times when you are required to attend live sessions.
This certificate does not lead to ASLTA certification or state teaching licensure. Instead, it offers professional development for ASL-fluent individuals who want to strengthen their teaching skills. Through expert-led online coursework, you’ll gain practical strategies for ASL instruction, connect with a community of educators, and enhance your ability to teach in a variety of settings, including higher education.
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Virtual Info Session for the ASL Elementary-Level Teaching Certificate
Join us for a virtual info session on Sunday, October 12 at 12 p.m. ET to learn more about how the ASL Elementary-Level Teaching Certificate can benefit your teaching career.
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Academic Calendar
The ASL Elementary-Level Teaching Certificate enrolls new students in the spring semester.
Academic Calendar
The ASL Elementary-Level Teaching Certificate enrolls new students in the spring semester.
Have questions?
Fill out the form at the top of the page to contact an enrollment advisor today for more information on the ASL Elementary-Level Teaching Certificate.
Admission Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements to apply:
- Have a completed bachelor’s degree (any field)
- Be fluent in American Sign Language (ASL)
How to apply
- Submit your application
- Submit your transcripts: Send transcripts from all the schools you’ve attended.
- Upload your video essay: There will be a designated section in the application where you can provide a link to share your video essay. The video essay should explain your passion for teaching ASL and your future professional goals.
- The video essay must be in American Sign Language.
- Keep your video under 3 minutes.
- Make sure the video is well-lit, with a neutral background.
- Record in landscape mode (horizontal).
4. Interview with the Admissions Committee: After your video essay is reviewed, the admissions committee will notify you by email if you are selected to interview. This Zoom interview will last about 15 minutes.
- If you have questions, you can contact your personal enrollment advisor or email onlineenrollment@osu.edu.
The Ohio State University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).
SARA is a national initiative that increases student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. Institutions participating in SARA can offer educational opportunities in all 49 SARA member states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico without seeking individual approval in each state.
California is not a SARA member state, however, OSU may offer online courses and programs to students located in California under the California Private Post-Secondary Act of 2009.
Career Outlook
The demand for American Sign Language (ASL) instructors is rapidly increasing as more educational institutions recognize the importance of ASL programs. ASL is the third most commonly taught language in US institutions of higher education (Modern Language Association, 2023, p. 49), and schools and universities are continuing to incorporate ASL to meet world language requirements and expand their language offerings.
Despite this growing demand, there remains a shortage of qualified ASL educators to fill these roles. In response, the ASL Elementary-Level Teaching Certificate was developed to equip aspiring instructors with the skills and credentials necessary to meet this demand. By preparing educators to teach ASL effectively, this program helps fill critical instructional gaps.
Graduates of the ASL Elementary-Level Teaching Certificate will be prepared to step into roles such as:
- American Sign Language Instructor (College & Adult Education)
- American Sign Language Lecturer (College & Adult Education)
- ASL Educator (College & Adult Education)
- Adjunct ASL Professor (College & Adult Education)
- ASL Tutor (Higher Education)
Curriculum
Students will develop mastery of foundational ASL language structures, learn to integrate Deaf cultural elements into their teaching, and apply this knowledge during a practicum experience. Courses for the upcoming spring semester will be held weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:55 PM EST – 6:35 PM EST.
This course examines the linguistic aspects of American Sign Language (ASL), including phonology, morphology, pragmatics, syntax, semantics, and sociolinguistic variations in ASL.
This course explores ways that contemporary social issues impact access to American Sign Language and Deaf lived experiences. By examining language access and intercultural competence, students will consider how thoughtful critique and the exploration of versatile perspectives can lead to deeper understanding and civic engagement to achieve common goals.
This course examines methodologies of full-immersion teaching, purposeful interactive communicative language teaching, task-based and content-based instructional teaching techniques as they pertain to teaching American Sign Language (ASL).
This course provides students an opportunity to observe a qualified ASL instructor and apply knowledge from ASL Linguistics and Teaching Methods courses.
This course provides an exploration of system structures, norms and expectations that will focus on aspects of academia culture’s “hidden” curriculum. Through an examination of Deaf culture values and professionalism, students will gain essential preparation for successful employment in ASL education.
Understanding Online Course Types
As you research the right online program for you, you likely will come across the terms “asynchronous” and “synchronous.” Learn what these terms mean and how they’re important to consider when understanding how a program will fit into your life.
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Faculty
Ohio State’s faculty are skilled educators and practitioners with backgrounds in linguistics, deaf education, and cultural studies. They are passionate about fostering a learning environment that values all perspectives. Please note, the language of instruction for all courses is American Sign Language.
Octavian E. Robinson
Octavian is an Associate Professor and Director of the Center for ASL and Deaf Equity. A trained historian with fields in women, gender, sexuality, and African-American histories who has emerged as a leading scholar in disability studies. His research focuses on language attitudes towards signed languages within academia and linguistic protectionism among deaf communities. A central theme in his work is the politics of the body and difference.
Kristin Wickham-Saxon
Kristin’s introduction to sign language began with a desire to communicate with her Deaf cousin. After enjoying a decade-long career teaching deaf and hard of hearing high school students in central Ohio, she joined the OSU ASL Program as a Senior Lecturer in 2005. Kristin became Director of Undergraduate Studies in 2022.
Kristin serves the ASL Instructors Network as their ASL Teaching Proficiency Coordinator. She also holds Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) National Interpreter Certification, with experience in community and video relay interpreting.
Testimonials
See what students and graduates have to say about learning online with Ohio State.
“I could not have faced so many obstacles without the support, strength and guidance from the faculty and staff. Even when times were tough, they believed in me, so I believed in me.”
“Ohio State is a large institution with a lot of possibilities and opportunities. You will meet people who you can connect with and who will connect you with others.”
“While going into the program, I was concerned that by Ohio State being one of the largest institutions, I would feel like one in 1,000 students. Instead, I felt a sense of close-knit, connected support from both classmates and faculty.”
Tuition Fee Overview
Investing in your future with a higher education degree is one of the best investments you can make for your future success. At Ohio State, we know understanding your program’s cost is an important part of your decision-making process.Please note that summer semester instructional and general fees are 75% of the cost of autumn and spring fees, and this will decrease your total cost for the program.
| Tuition Fees | Part-Time – Per Credit Hour (unless otherwise noted) |
|---|---|
| Instructional Fee (Autumn and Spring) | $522.71 |
| Instructional Fee (Summer) | $392.03 |
| General Fee (Autumn and Spring) | $23.79 |
| General Fee (Summer) | $17.84 |
| Learning Technology Fee | $13.50 |
| Distance Learning Fee | $100.00 (per semester) |
| Non-Resident Surcharge (if applicable) | $200.00 (per semester) |
| International Surcharge (if applicable) | $129.29 (per credit hour) |
Tuition fees are subject to change. The table above serves as a guide and not an official bursar’s bill. Full-Time costs are total tuition costs per semester.
Financial Aid Resource
Financial Aid Resource
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Get Started
Reach out to a knowledgeable Enrollment Advisor for assistance with your questions and to learn more about the ASL Elementary-Level Teaching Certificate at Ohio State. We are committed to accessibility, ensuring full support and accommodations for students who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
