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American Sign Language/Deaf Studies

What is Deaf Studies?

American Sign Language/Deaf Studies takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of Deaf and hard-of-hearing people in American and world society. The program promotes the understanding of Deaf people as a linguistic and cultural group. Students are encouraged to analyze existing stereotypes and policies relating to Deaf and Hard of Hearing people. This prepares them to work both within their own communities and others in effecting change for the betterment of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community as well as Deaf-Hearing relationships.

The core program is designed for students to develop a multidisciplinary approach to the study of Deaf and Hard of Hearing people drawing from the areas of language, community, history, culture, and literature.

What Can I Do With a Deaf Studies Degree?

Deaf Studies majors and minors can enter careers in both publc and private sectors.

Students may combine an ASL/Deaf Studies Major with a related Minor field of study such as Education, Counseling, Audiology, or Speech Therapy. Deaf Studies will provide sudents with a well-rounded grounding in the issues relating to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in their fields. Students pursuing careers in the areas of health sevices, legal advocacy, and social services may also experience an edge in gaining employment.

With a Deaf Studies degree, students can find work among the following possibilities and much more:

  • Administrative Assistant
  • Community Advocate
  • Corporate Support Staff
  • Community Relations Specialist
  • Educational Paraprofessional
  • Human Resources Officer
  • Legal/Political Professional
  • Vocational Training Paraprofessional

With further training students can also pursue the following careers:

  • ASL Instructor
  • Counselor: Resident, School, Youth
  • Sign Language Interpreter
  • Social Worker
  • Teacher K-12

ASL/Deaf Studies Degree Programs at Sac State

  1. ASL/Deaf Studies Major (B.A.)
  2. ASL/Deaf Studies Minor

Applications to the ASL/Deaf Studies Major or Minor

Interested students may also consider obtaining a Certificate of Advanced Studies in American Sign Language as they complete this minor.

Requirements of the ASL Certificate Program

Sac State Catalog and Course Descriptions

Sac State Course Schedules