American Sign Language Degree
MC's associate's degree in American Sign Language is a transfer-degree program designed for students who plan to enter fields in which they would work with Deaf people on a daily basis. The program fosters the acquisition of the language and culture of the Deaf in the United States and Canada. Following the national standards established by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, the program focuses on communication through the study of semantics, syntax, pragmatics, and culture. After program completion, you can transfer to a four-year degree program majoring in American Sign Language, Deaf studies, Deaf education, interpreter education, or social work.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to:
- Demonstrate an appreciation of the culture and cultural practices of the Deaf community and support ASL as the visual language of the Deaf community.
- Effectively utilize signed communicative and interpreting skills learned in the classroom in general situations in and out of the Deaf community.
- Achieve an overall proficiency rating in all skill areas, both linguistic and pragmatic, of 2.5?on the MC?American?Sign Language Proficiency Assessment?(MC-ASLPA).
Program Advising
Meet with your academic advisor regularly to discuss your academic plans and make sure you are on track to graduate and/or transfer.
- (PDF, )
- Find a Program Advisor
Transfer Opportunities
MC has a long history of successfully preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions. See all transfer agreements.
Careers
For some positions listed, a bachelor's degree or higher may be required. Use the Career and Program Explorer to see a full report for this career field. See links below chart for further guidance and/or connect with a Program Advisor to discuss career goals.
American Sign Language interpreters are in high demand. Employment opportunities exist in health care, business, law, education, the arts, and more. Qualified interpreters need to have some level of state qualification or certification, and years of training, but opportunities exist for internships and entry-level positions, as well.
- MC Student Employment Services: Speak with the Student Employment Specialist for help with resume writing, interviewing, setting up a new window account and other job search topics.
- : Explore Career Coach to learn more about this career and/or discover related majors and in-demand careers based on your current interests! Take a Career Assessment and then browse careers and job opportunities in the area.
Curriculum
A suggested two-year course sequence for students in ASL follows
- All students should review the advising guide and consult an advisor.
- Find out about related programs and course in the Fields of Study section.
- Most courses have either assessment levels that must be met or prerequisites (courses that must be taken first). Part-time students and those who need to meet assessment levels or take prerequisite courses will take longer to complete a degree. An advisor will help make sure you are taking your courses in the right order.
- All degree-seeking students must take a central group of General Education courses in English, mathematics, arts, behavioral and social sciences, humanities, and science. These courses are included in the suggested course sequence below.
Suggested Course Sequence
Students should complete the required??and??foundation courses within the first 24 credit hours. All students should review the ?and consult an advisor.
First Semester
- ?3 semester hours ?
- ?3 semester hours ?(BSSD)
- ?3 semester hours ?(HUMD)
- ?3 semester hours
- ?3 semester hours
Second Semester
- ?3 semester hours (ENGF)
- 3 semester hours (MATF)
- ?3 semester hours ?(GEIR)
- ?3 semester hours ? ?(BSSD)
- 4 semester hours (NSLD)
Third Semester
- 3 semester hours (ARTD)
- 3 semester hours (NSD)
- ?3 semester hours
- ?3 semester hours
- ?3 semester hours ?(GEIR)
Fourth Semester
- ?3 semester hours
- ?3 semester hours
- ?3 semester hours
- ?1-4 semester hours ?(2 semester hours)
- ?3 semester hours
* /,?if needed for /,?or elective.
AA and AS programs require one global and cultural perspectives (GCP) General Education course.
Related Programs and Courses
General Studies Degree
Students who major in general studies explore personal, professional, and academic areas of interest within a flexible framework supporting transfer.
Workforce Development and Continuing Education
MC offers a wide variety of noncredit classes. These courses are designed to help you upgrade your skills, pursue career training, or learn something new.