American Sign Language

Liberal Arts & Transfer Studies Division

American Sign Language

Associate of Applied Science • 60 Credit Hours

The Associate in Applied Science Degree Program in American Sign Language (ASL) gives students a foundation in ASL and to acquaint them with basic issues of concern to the Deaf Community.

Learn American Sign Language (ASL)

The Associate in Applied Science Degree Program in American Sign Language (ASL) offers a foundation in ASL and to acquaint them with basic issues of concern to the Deaf community. Furthermore, the program offers an opportunity to individuals already working in the Deaf community to increase their understanding of ASL and Deaf Culture in order to strengthen their knowledge and their communication skills.

What You’ll Learn
Upon completion of the Associate of Applied Science Degrees in American Sign Language, the graduate will be able to effectively communicate with Deaf persons in informal settings in teaching, human services, or health care.

Program Learning Outcomes:

Utilize fingerspelling to communicate with Deaf persons.
Converse fluently in ASL with peers both Deaf and hearing by applying the language in conversations, ASL storytelling, or narratives.
Compare and contrast Deaf Culture/the deaf community with the hearing community.
Apply ASL grammar structures when in dialogue.
Identify local and national resources for Deaf, hard of hearing, and late Deafened adults.

Learn about our one-year certificate in Deaf Studies.

Frequently asked questions

What is the culture at Mountwest like?

Many ASL students say that they have created an ASL family at Mountwest. Upon graduation, many students and faculty meet up to practice ASL together. The ASL Program offers a very welcoming and supportive environment for ALL students!

What are some of the highlights about your program?

Our program has a lot of community outreach. We try to involve our students with the Deaf community as much as possible. Annually,we host a Deaf Santa event where Deaf and Hard of Hearing children and their families have brunch and recieve presents from Santa who is Deaf and Mrs. Claus, who is Deafblind. This is an amazing event that students remember for years to come!

How long does your program take to complete?

Our ASL Program offers a 1 year certificate in Deaf Studies as well as a 2 year Associate’s degree in American Sign Language. Students have the option of 1 year or two years of study.

How can community college help you achieve your career goals?

Smaller classes and more one on one attention from faculty goves students ample opportunity to practice learning the foreign language of ASL. The courses are much more affordable that a 4 year institution.

Can I transfer classes from this program to a 4 year university?

Once we have recieved your transcript, most General Education courses as well as college level ASL courses are accepted in our program with a grade of C or higher.

How can I be successful in your program?

Attending class and participating is vital to learning American Sign Language and becoming skilled in the new and exciting language. Because ASL is a visual language, you must be present to learn, practice, and be successful.

How do I apply for your program?

Click on the green “Apply Now” button above, and once you have completed the application process, we can get you registered for your ASL courses at MCTC!

Admission Requirements

The college adheres to an open admission policy which means applications with a high school diploma or GED are eligible for admission. Applicants with neither a high school diploma nor GED may be admitted on a conditional basis.

Potential Employers

Enter an Interpreter Training Program, after which they may sit for certification examination, sponsored by the national
licensing organization.
Seek employment with programs that serve Deaf and Hard of Hearing children.
A background in ASL and Deaf Studies will be useful in absolutely any field of employment.

Career Outlook: projected to grow 19 percent from 2018 to 2028

Employment of Interpreters and Translators projected to grow 19 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Interpreters work in settings such as schools, hospitals, courtrooms, meeting rooms, and conference centers. Some Interpreters work companies, individual organization, or private clients. Self-employed interpreters frequently have variable work schedules.

American Sign Language skills are needed by professionals in public and private agencies and educational settings serving the deaf/hard of hearing people (e.g. teachers, counselors, consultants, therapists, specialists) by enhancing their ability to understand and communicate with the deaf and hard hearing. In addition, sign language interpreting is a rapidly expanding filed. Schools, government agencies, and private businesses employ interpreters. Interpreters work in a variety of settings including medical, legal, religious, mental health, rehabilitation, performing arts, and business. Part-time, full-time, freelance and salaried positions are available in most metropolitan areas across the country.

Want to learn more about this program?

Interested in learning more about the MCTC program? Send us a message and talk to our program coordinator.

Leigh-Ann Brewer

Associate Professor, American Sign Language