Applying to this Teaching American Sign Language Program
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Get Started – Starts Each Summer Term
Application Deadline
Priority Application Deadline: December 1. Admission is competitive and completed applications will be reviewed as a group beginning in December.
Standard Application Deadline: January 31. If space is available, additional applicants will be considered until this date. Please contact the Program Coordinator about available space. All admission decisions will be made by the end of February.
Application Process
Thank you for your interest in this UNC graduate program! You will complete the UNC Graduate School application and then submit additional materials. Please review the Eligibility section of the Program Summary page prior to application.
U.S. applicants (outside of Colorado) for online programs: please be sure to check your eligibility by state of residence.
Step 1 – Apply
Apply to the UNC Graduate School. You will start a "UNC Graduate School Application." The following bullets will support you as you complete the application and material submission process.
On the application, you will choose one of the following programs:
- Teaching American Sign Language (M.A.)
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Teaching American Sign Language: World Languages Licensure - Grade K-12 (M.A.)
Request 2 academic or professional letters of recommendation from those who can attest to your academic potential and abilities. You will be asked to supply contact information for your recommenders in the application.
International applicants: please visit the International Students Admission Requirements page for information about additional requirements.
If you are unable to complete your application in one session, you can log back in to your application later to complete it. The application fee process will appear once you submit your application.
Step 2 – Submit Transcripts & Supplemental Items
You will then continue in the system (or log into the Admissions Portal) to complete the following:
All applicants will need to request one official transcript from each regionally accredited college or university where a bachelor's degree or higher was earned (or is in progress). Some applicants may need to provide additional transcripts. Situations that require this are listed on the Graduate School website (choose Domestic or International). Directions for having your official transcript(s) sent are listed in the Application Portal.
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1-2 page statement of educational goals and philosophy.
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Applicants are encouraged to submit ASLPI scores as part of the admission application. While the ASLPI is not a requirement for admission consideration to the program, submitting these scores is an opportunity for applicants to present additional evidence of readiness for TASL. TASL's Admission Review Committee is dedicated to the practice of conducting holistic evaluations of all admission materials submitted as part of an applicant's file.
The application portal will also show you which of your recommendations have been completed.
GRE scores are NOT required for this program.
Once You Have Applied
Once you apply to the UNC Graduate School and your application packet is complete, your application will be reviewed by the graduate school then sent to the faculty/program for an admission decision. The ASLIS department will contact you about the following requirements:
ASL Proficiency: All applicants (including those with ASLPI scores) will be contacted to complete the required screening to demonstrate ASL proficiency prior to acceptance. This screening process takes places in January and there is a fee associated with this screening.
Program Entrance Screening: When your UNC application package is complete, prospective students will be contacted for a program screening to determine acceptance into the TASL Program. Please note that screenings begin in November of each year with decisions made monthly until space is filled and by February of each year. The sooner you apply, the better your options are. If you meet the acceptance criteria after space is full, you will be offered the option of being on a waitlist and/or starting the following summer.
Acceptance and Getting Started: If you receive a letter of acceptance from the Graduate School you will then be contacted by a TASL team member regarding the initial cohort advising, required TASL orientation and details about beginning the program in the summer.
Potential Background Check: To comply with practicum agency/school requirements, students may be required to submit evidence that a criminal background check has been completed prior to practicum/field-based experiences.
