Admission Requirements for English and ASL

Due to Gallaudet University’s unique nature, every member of the campus community is encouraged to reach his or her potential in being bilingual in the visual modalities of American Sign Language (ASL) and written English. The University strives to accomplish this goal by creating a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment that fosters visual bilingual communication.

Because the vast majority of students at Gallaudet University rely on visual communication, the intent behind these guidelines is to help ensure that applicants can participate in effective and meaningful communication that promotes their success at the time they are admitted, and that they will avail themselves of University resources to reach proficiency in ASL and written English. Applicants to programs at Gallaudet are expected to embrace the use of written English and ASL, and to strive to continually improve their skill in the two languages.

Applicant’s English language skills

Gallaudet will determine the skill level in English that it feels is appropriate to help ensure an applicant’s academic success at the University. For undergraduates, these standards comply with ACT, and for graduates, they comply with the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). TOEFL will accommodate deaf and hard of hearing students, such as waiving the spoken part of the test and having a sign language interpreter explain the instructions. Students must request the accommodations themselves. Go to the link for more information. If an applicant has difficulty in taking either of these tests, an alternative test may be acceptable, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), although any alternative must be approved by Gallaudet. The applicant should arrange to have the English test results provided to Gallaudet by the application deadline. If the applicant has difficulty in taking either of these tests, an alternative test may be acceptable, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), although any alternative must be approved by Gallaudet. The applicant should arrange to have the English test results provided to Gallaudet by the application deadline.

Applicant’s American Sign Language skills

At the graduate level, applicants who seek to become special (non-degree) students are required to possess “working knowledge” of ASL, as interpreted by each department within the Graduate School and specified in the 2014-2015 University Catalog. Graduate applicants are referred for ASL skills evaluation that is based on their proposed area of study. If the applicant has prior sign language skills and has been evaluated after taking the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview test, the student must provide the results of the test; if not, department administrators will interview the applicant to determine his/her readiness to study at Gallaudet without classroom communication support.