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 CertificateHow to Enroll
To pursue this degree, you must apply to MTC using our online application.
Questions?
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).
Class Delivery Methods
View current courses offered via our online course directory.
| 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. |
Part Time Schedule
| 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.