American Sign Language (ASL) Certificate

Why Study American Sign Language (ASL)?

Learning ASL promotes inclusion and accessibility for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing people. It also provides a range of personal and professional benefits. You'll make better connections with Deaf people, whether they are your friends, clients, or co-workers. As a part of studying ASL, you'll also gain a cultural understanding of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community.

Studying ASL can also increase your career opportunities as many occupations, from education to healthcare to tourism, prefer candidates with ASL proficiency. Earning a certificate proves to employers you can communicate in ASL.

Finally, learning a new language can be a challenging and rewarding experience. You'll boost your problem-solving skills and creativity as you learn to think in new ways.

Why Earn a Certificate in American Sign Language at San Juan College?

Experience and Expertise

San Juan College has offered an American Sign Language class for many years in recognition of the importance of ASL as another language. The certificate enhances the curriculum to address the history, culture, and issues associated with ASL. Our instructors not only want to grow students' ability to comprehend other signers but to help them express themselves when conversing in ASL.

In-Person and Online Classes

We offer flexibility in the way you can take your ASL courses. Our program provides in-person and online courses that cater to your learning style and schedule.

• In Person: Take courses on our SJC campus to learn alongside your instructor and classmates.
• Online Live: Attend live online classes via Zoom that meet at a set time.
• Online: Watch pre-recorded sessions and complete homework assignments by recording your signings. Your professor will send back video-recorded feedback so you can correct any mistakes. This approach allows you to learn and improve your ASL skills at your own pace while still receiving the same quality instruction as a live or in-person course.

Affordable Option

Because of SJC's low tuition rates, the American Sign Language Certificate is an excellent investment. You'll gain ASL skills that will help you both personally and professionally at an affordable rate. Discover if you can get your certificate tuition-free through the NM Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships

What You'll Learn in the ASL Certificate Program

Gain fundamental skills in American Sign Language so you can communicate with others. The ASL Certificate program consists of five courses: an Introduction to Deaf Studies course and four ASL courses. Each ASL course builds on the previous one so you can grow your skills. Your courses teach you:

• How to sign to others and understand when they sign to you
• The language, culture, and history of American Deaf people
• Local and national resources for Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and late Deafened adults

Note: This certificate does not qualify you as a sign language interpreter. If you wish to become an interpreter, you should consult your advisor

American Sign Language Certificate Curriculum

Careers and Outcomes for American Sign Language Certificate Graduates

SJC's ASL Certificate is helpful for people who will interact with Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing people in their professions. While the certificate may not lead directly to a job, it can help increase your career prospects. By adding an ASL proficiency to your résumé, you will find more career opportunities because you can communicate with more clients, customers, and co-workers. Careers that can benefit from an ASL certificate include:

• Counselors
• Medical assistants
• Nurses and certified nurse aids (CNAs)
• People in management who work with Deaf employees or customers (Amazon, Target, Safeway, Walmart, etc.)
• Postal workers
• Psychologists
• Teachers and teachers' aides