Learn to Communicate with American Sign Language
Whether you're a parent of a deaf child, a person who wants to broaden your communication skills or learn a new language, the American Sign Language (ASL) certificate of proficiency (CP) at St. Louis Community College will help you develop this valuable skill.
ASL can help you bridge the communication gap with deaf and hard-of-hearing family members or friends. Even infants as young as six months of age can learn sign language.
Sign language is a valuable skill for many professions, including health care, education, social work and law enforcement. Having an American Sign Language certificate on your resume makes you a more competitive candidate.
What is Deaf Communication Studies at St. Louis Community College?
The deaf communication studies program teaches you ASL as you study the culture, history and lives of deaf people. As a student, you develop sign language skills in classes taught by deaf faculty in classes where you are immersed in ASL.
Even if you don't have any ASL experience, you can complete the program in as few as two semesters. If you want to continue to build your skills, this certificate provides a strong foundation needed for the deaf communication studies: interpreter education associate of applied science program, which will train you to become an ASL-English interpreter.
What Can You Do with a Certificate in ASL?
The ASL certificate is ideal for hearing people who want to learn sign language to communicate with deaf family members, friends and co-workers, or to broaden their professional skill set.
American Sign Language is the third-most used language in North America after English and Spanish. It is also the primary language for an estimated two million people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.
Beyond expanding your ability to communicate with the deaf community, a certificate in ASL prepares you for a variety of careers. You can:
- Work as an ASL interpreter in settings such as schools, hospitals, courts and businesses.
- Become a deaf advocate, working to promote the rights and well-being of people. You can work with government agencies, non-profit organizations or self-advocacy groups.
- Provide services at social service agencies, health care organizations or employment agencies.
You can also choose to continue your studies in STLCC's deaf communication studies: interpreter education associate of applied science program.
CP in Deaf Communication Studies: American Sign Language
- Degree offered: Certificate of proficiency
- Locations: Florissant Valley, Wildwood
- Hours to complete: 24
- Program contact name: Eric Driskill
- Program contact email: jdriskill@stlcc.edu
Cost of Attendance
Tuition for district residents is $122 per credit hour. 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 proficiency 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.
Come as you are. See what you become.