Learn to communicate with American sign language

This program provides students a foundation in American Sign Language (ASL) and basic issues of concern to the Deaf community, while strengthening knowledge and communication skills.

Furthermore, the program broadens students' appreciation and understanding of Deaf culture, history and language to enable students to:

  • Facilitate effective communication with Deaf persons in informal settings in teaching, human services or health care.
  • Enhance their credentials for employment opportunities which do not require interpreter certification but do assign value to skills in ASL and knowledge of Deaf culture.
  • Earn the academic qualifications for entry into advanced studies at universities offering sign language programs.
  • Enter an interpreter training program, after which they may sit for a certification examination, sponsored by the national licensing organization.
  • Partner with organizations and clubs relevant to the Deaf community.

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Career Opportunities

Successful completion of the Applied American Sign Language Studies AAS degree may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations. Below are examples, some of which may include additional degree work at a transfer institution. Northeast Ohio median salaries in 2020 for interpreters and translators was $59,690 and for speech and language pathologists was $82,610. See O*Net OnLine for additional wage and employment trends as well as required knowledge, skills and abilities.

  • Interpreters and translators
  • Speech and language pathologists
  • Special education teacher
  • Audiologist
  • Postsecondary education, English language and literature teacher
  • Computer programmer

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Get Involved

Students interested in the American Sign Language, transfer, or liberal arts are encouraged to get involved:

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Layce Artman I graduated with my associate degree from Lakeland while at the same time graduating as Valedictorian from high school. I plan to attend the Holden University Center to complete my bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Layce Artman College Credit Plus

Michelle Timms One thing I really love about Lakeland and being in the honors program is that the teachers have small classes and they are very devoted to their students. My friends at four-year institutions are taking the same intro classes that I am, but in large lecture halls with a lot more students. Michelle Timms Associate of Arts

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