Penn State is now offering American Sign Language (ASL) as a new minor by the Penn State Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders for any undergraduate.

The minor offers students “the opportunity to acquire proficiency in ASL while gaining a deeper understanding of Deaf culture, communication, and history.” Courses will provide students with linguistic knowledge and the ability to engage with the Deaf community in all settings.

The minor will also explore dimensions of Deaf culture, including social, historical, and political aspects, for students to appreciate the diversities and complexities of the community.

“ASL and its application transcends any specific major or field of study and can be a beneficial skill to leverage across many industries,” said Sommar Chilton, ASL program coordinator, in a statement. “The lineup of coursework for the ASL minor is not only about being skilled in the language but also being knowledgeable about the cultural differences and how to integrate Deaf and hearing culture together for success, communication, and collaboration from both sides.”

The ASL minor consists of 18 credits, and students can visit the page to learn more. While it will teach students a strong foundation, it will not provide sufficient preparation for a career as an ASL interpreter.