American Sign Language

Overview

This program is designed to help communicate with clients and others who utilize American Sign Language as their method of communication.

The American Sign Language (ASL) certificate is designed to make students more marketable in their chosen fields of study, as well as prepare them for careers in the growing field of ASL communication and interpretation. With ASL being the third most commonly used language in the U.S., the ASL Certificate provides valuable language skills to benefit a wide array of career fields including education, business, legal, health care, and human services/social work. Please note that this program will not certify students as an interpreter in ASL as it is is not a certification. However, completion of this certificate program may enable students to transfer to an interpreting program in preparation for certification.

A minimum of 22 semester hours is required with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better. This certificate can be taken alone or in conjunction with another major, e.g., Human Services, Paralegal, etc. Students who are interested in interpreting may continue their education online with Spartanburg Community College in their Sign Language & Interpreting Programs as well as other colleges nationwide.

Program Type

Academic Certificate

How to Enroll

To pursue this degree, you must apply to MTC using our online application.

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Questions?

Print Plan

Sample Program Plan and Costs

The American Sign Language Academic Certificate can be paired with any MTC program or be taken as a stand-alone certificate. Take just two classes per semester (22 credit hours total).

On-Campus Traditional. Classes meet on campus.
Virtual 100% online. Meets with a live instructor and classmates on specific days, at specific times. Uses web conferencing software, like Zoom.
Hybrid Some classes on campus. Some classes online or virtual.
Online 100% online. Due dates for projects and assignments. Self-paced work on your time.
Semester Course ID Course Title Classroom Online Hybrid Virtual Credits
Semester 1
(4 Credit Hours)
ASL-101 American Sign Language I

American Sign Language I

ID: ASL-101

Credit Hours: 4

This course is a study of visual readiness and basic vocabulary, grammar features, and non-manual behaviors, all focusing on receptive language skill developments.

4
Semester 2
(6 Credit Hours)
ASL-102 American Sign Language II

American Sign Language II

ID: ASL-102

Credit Hours: 4

This course is a continuation of American Sign Language I, designed to expose students to additional vocabulary, grammar features, and non-manual behaviors, all focusing on conversational skills.

4
ASL-110 Careers in American Sign Language

Careers in American Sign Language

ID: ASL-110

Credit Hours: 2

This course will provide students with a knowledge of various career options related to the field of sign language interpretation and deafness. Students will observe, research, and analyze various settings in ASL.

2
Semester 3
(6 Credit Hours)
ASL-201 American Sign Language III

American Sign Language III

ID: ASL-201

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a continuation of American Sign Language II and covers additional vocabulary, grammar features, and non-manual behaviors, all focusing on conversational skills.

3
ITP-106 Linguistics of American Sign Language

Linguistics of American Sign Language

ID: ITP-106

Credit Hours: 3

This course consists of a study of the structure, grammar, and syntax of American Sign Language.

3
Semester 4
(6 Credit Hours)
ASL-202 American Sign Language IV

American Sign Language IV

ID: ASL-202

Credit Hours: 3

This course concentrates on intermediate conversational and discourse skills using American Sign Language. This course is conducted entirely using American Sign Language.

3
ITP-201 Deaf History and Culture

Deaf History and Culture

ID: ITP-201

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the history and culture of deaf people. The course explores language, education, community, and attitudinal changes toward deaf people as a minority.

3
  Total Credit Hours 22
  Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
$4,400.00
Not including fees and equipment

What’s next after I complete this program?

Earn an AAS Degree in Human Services

Students can apply credits earned in the American Sign Language Certificate program toward the Associate in Science Degree in Human Services.

Continue Education to Become Certified as an ASL Interpreter

Completion of the American Sign Language Certificate program may enable students to transfer to an interpreting program in preparation for certification.

Want more information?

Academic programs count as academic credit for a certificate, diploma or degree and may transfer toward future academic endeavors at four-year colleges and universities.
Training programs can be completed in a matter of weeks or months, are focused on career training, and provide credentials and certificates needed in the specific fields of study. Coursework does not transfer.
Not sure: Check out these resources to explore what fits your goals.

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