American Sign Language (A.S.)

American Sign Language (ASL) is the third most studied world language in the United States. The demand for college-educated individuals with a degree in ASL is increasing nationwide as the skills and knowledge are useful in careers where interactions with Deaf individuals are likely, such as human services, education, health services, and business, just to name a few. In addition, growth in the ASL-English interpreting field continues at an undaunted pace with endless career possibilities. If you picture yourself working in a career that uses American Sign Language, then this degree program will be of interest to you. The A.S. degree in American Sign Language is designed to provide students with a broad educational experience, which includes the balance and diversity of general education, acquired competence in American Sign Language, and development of an understanding of the American Deaf community, culture, and history. While this program is designed for those students seeking successful transfer to a 4-year ASL-English Interpreting program, it also lends itself to students seeking to supplement another degree so they may integrate with their foundation of American Sign Language and the Deaf community to a particular academic area of study and career.

Mission Statement

The mission of the American Sign Language (ASL) program is to provide students with the unique opportunity to develop competent language skills, as well as cultural knowledge and attitude, in a climate that promotes respect and inclusion for the Deaf community, culture, and history.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate intermediate-high level of mastery and proficiency in expressive and receptive use of the language across a broad range of topics within authentic ASL discourse.
2. Develop an understanding of ASL phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics.
3. Explain key cultural, linguistic, political, educational and social issues that have shaped Deaf culture, community, and history.
4. Analyze elements of different kinds of Deaf artistic expression, including works of art, literature, and film, and critiquing them in terms of historical and contemporary perspectives of the Deaf community.
5. Explore the profession of sign language interpreting through historical and contemporary perspectives, including theoretical interpreting models, practices, terminology, and professionalism.