AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE/DEAF STUDIES

WELCOME!

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 and encourages students to analyze existing stereotypes and policies relating to Deaf and hard-of-hearing people in order 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.

Students may combine an ASL/Deaf Studies Major with a related Minor field of study such as Education, Counseling, Audiology, Speech Therapy, and Communication Studies for a more well-rounded grounding in the issues relating to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in their fields. Students in fields which are not specifically Deaf-related such as nursing, law, computer engineering, and many more may also experience an edge in gaining employment, whether in Deaf-related settings or not, with a Major or Minor in ASL/Deaf Studies compared to those without similar coursework or experience. Further, students having completed the ASL/Deaf Studies Major may be able to waive similar coursework at other universities with specialized fields of study relating to Deaf and Hard of Hearing people that may or may not be offered in the Sacramento region while pursuing advanced or continuing courses of study. Deaf Studies majors and minors enter careers and professions in both the public and private sectors. Program advising and other information can be obtained from the Program Coordinator and Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation, School Psychology and Deaf Studies.

 

What can I do with a Deaf Studies Degree?
With a Deaf Studies degree, students can find work among (but not limited to) the following possibilities:

• Administrative Assistant
• Advocate: Community/Individual
• ASL Instructor: Community, Educational, Individual
• Corporate Support Staff
• Community Relations Specialist
• Counselor: Resident, School, Youth
• Educational Paraprofessional
• Human Resources Officer
• Legal/Political Professional
• Sign Language Interpreter: Educational, Freelance, VideoPhone
• Social Worker
• Teacher
• Vocational Training Paraprofessional

 

ASL/Deaf Studies Degree Programs at Sac State

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

For Applications to the ASL/Deaf Studies Major or Minor, please click here.

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

To view the requirements of the ASL Certificate Program.
click here

Sac State Catalog and Course Descriptions
click here

For CSUS Course Schedules
click here