American Sign Language Certificate

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Communication: Engage in basic ASL conversations (receptive/expressive) on daily topics, using signs, body language, and facial expressions.
2. Language Structure: Study ASL’s unique grammar, comparing it to English and appreciating its distinct features (parameters, non-manual signals).
3. Cultural Competence: Gain cultural awareness, understand Deaf history, community values, and the significance of ASL within it.
4. Career Readiness: Develop skills applicable to roles like instructional aide, counselor, social worker, or healthcare professional working with Deaf individuals.
5. Critical Thinking: Make analytical comparisons and connections between Deaf culture, beliefs, and behaviors.

The American Sign Language (ASL) Certificate is designed to provide students with a foundation in American Sign Language (ASL), Deaf culture, and the history of the Deaf community. It also introduces students to the types of support services that are available to Deaf and hard-of-hearing persons. After achieving this certificate, the student will be able to communicate in ASL with others in various settings.  Some careers that benefit from the ability to use ASL are instructional aide for Deaf students, dorm counselor at a Deaf school, Special Ed teacher, Audiologist, a credentialed teacher for Deaf or Hard of Hearing students, ASL instructor, School Psychologist, Speech and Language Pathologist, Social Worker, or anything involving Deaf people.

This certificate does not qualify the students as a sign language interpreter by itself.