Tennessee Technological University introduces American Sign Language dual enrollment program

Tennessee Technological University has introduced a new opportunity for high school students in the state of Tennessee: dual-enrolled American Sign Language courses. The courses are available beginning in the fall semester and will satisfy both high school and college foreign language requirements.

According to an article on Tennessee Technological University’s website, Ted McWilliams, who is the assistant director for admissions at Tennessee Tech, described the new dual enrollment opportunity, saying, “We wanted to offer something that was unique but would also be relevant and meet a practical need. In our conversations with high school guidance counselors across the state, we saw there was significant interest in American Sign Language among their students. We’re excited to do this in a way that brings the quality and reputation of Tennessee Tech directly to high school students; helping them earn college credit hours while still in high school and develop a valuable skill to better communicate with deaf or hard of hearing individuals – typically at zero cost to them.”

Tennessee high schoolers have the opportunity to take up to five dual enrollment courses for free, thanks to the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation. If students want to take more than five dual enrollment courses, they may do so, at a discounted tuition rate for any courses beyond the first five and up to their tenth course.

The American Sign Language dual enrollment courses are online and asynchronous, so the participating high school students will be able to fit the course material in around their high school schedules. Another benefit to the program is that the school has eliminated textbook costs for this course. Students will be provided with any and all materials they will need to complete the course.

American Sign Language I is set to begin in the upcoming Fall 2024 semester, and American Sign Language II will begin in Spring 2025 semester.

Students who take dual enrollment courses at Tennessee Tech will be able to access the benefits and amenities of campus, including admittance to facilities and student discounts. Additionally, once they are out of high school, their application fee to apply to Tennessee Tech as a college student will be waived. Other dual enrollment courses offered by the school include cybersecurity, English, French, history, and more.

For more information about Tennessee Technological University, visit the school’s website.