Learn to Communicate with American Sign Language
Expand your communication skills with the American Sign Language (ASL) certificate of specialization (CS) at St. Louis Community College. You’ll learn how to use ASL to connect with others and better understand Deaf culture and communication practices. ASL can help bridge communication gaps with family, friends, coworkers and community members while providing a skill that can benefit you personally and professionally.
Knowledge of ASL is valuable in many fields, including health care, education, social work, public service and law enforcement. Adding an ASL certificate to your education can help strengthen your communication abilities and expand your career opportunities.
What is Deaf Communication Studies at St. Louis Community College?
The deaf communication studies program introduces you to ASL while exploring Deaf culture, history and the experiences of Deaf communities. You’ll develop communication skills through immersive ASL coursework taught by Deaf faculty in an environment designed to help you build confidence using the language.
No prior ASL experience is required to begin the program. Through focused instruction and practice, you can develop foundational ASL skills and complete the certificate in as few as two semesters.
This program is a great option for anyone looking to improve communication access, connect with Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals or add ASL skills to their personal and professional goals.
What Can You Do with a Certificate in ASL?
An ASL certificate helps you develop communication skills that can support personal connections, community involvement and professional growth. It is a great option for people who want to communicate with Deaf and hard-of-hearing family members, friends or coworkers while gaining a valuable skill for the workplace.
Beyond building your ability to communicate with the Deaf community, ASL skills can open opportunities in a variety of fields. Graduates may use their training to:
- Support communication as an ASL interpreter in settings such as schools, hospitals, courts and businesses,
- Advocate for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals through government agencies, nonprofit organizations or community groups,
- Provide support services in social service agencies, health care organizations and employment programs.
Students interested in pursuing professional interpreting careers can continue their education and build on their ASL skills through STLCC's interpreter training program.
CS in Deaf Communication Studies: American Sign Language
- Degree offered: Certificate of specialization
- Locations: Florissant Valley, Wildwood
- Hours to complete: 24
- Program contact name: Eric Driskill
- Program contact email: jdriskill@stlcc.edu
Tuition for district residents is $127 per credit hour for in-district students. Find out more about our straightforward and low-cost tuition structure.
Accreditation
All College degree programs are approved by the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development.
Why You Should Choose STLCC's Deaf Communication Studies: American Sign Language Program
Learn From Native Deaf Signers
Become immersed in American Sign Language classes taught exclusively by deaf faculty.
Technology Designed Especially for ASL
Learn more effectively with specialized resources and computer programs designed for learning a visual language.
One-of-a-Kind Program
The certificate of specialization at STLCC is the only American Sign Language program of its kind in Missouri.
Real-Life Practice and Tutoring
Practice your ASL skills with a deaf individual or get help with class assignments at the tutoring center.
STLCC. What's your reason?