Introductory American Sign Language – Online Microcredential

Gain inclusive, in-demand communication skills through ASL

Did you know? American Sign Language is the third most commonly used language in the United States — after English and Spanish. With more than 10,000,000 people using it across classrooms, clinics and everyday life, ASL makes it possible to foster connection, bridge communication gaps and build more inclusive communities. 

When you earn a microcredential in Introductory American Sign Language online from Oregon State University, you’ll develop foundational skills in facial expressions, fingerspelling, ASL vocabulary, grammar and conversational fluency. You’ll also gain cultural insights that help you respectfully and effectively engage with deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. 

Whether you're in education, health care, social services or simply want to expand your communication abilities, this microcredential will prepare you to use ASL in real-world situations and promote inclusive communication wherever you go.

Coursework

This 12-credit, online offering is designed for students with no prior education in American Sign Language.

Required courses (12 credits)

• ASL 111 – First-year American Sign Language (4)
• ASL 112 – First-year American Sign Language (4)
• ASL 113 – First-year American Sign Language (4)

Transfer credit and placement tests may not be used toward microcredential course credits.

Skills

The in-demand skills you’ll develop in this microcredential will give you what you need to stand out and level up your career.

• American Sign Language (ASL)
• Numerical communication in ASL
• Nonverbal communication
• Language interpretation
• Fingerspelling
• Sign language proficiency