American Sign Language certificate
Develop in-demand communication skills and cultural awareness that help you connect with others and stand out to future employers.
Program at a glance
DEGREE TYPE
Certificate(s)
PROGRAM FORMAT
In person*
LENGTH (FULL TIME)
Certificate(s) – 3 semesters
CAREER COMMUNITY
*Please note: Many Stark State classes have online and in-person options.
Program overview
Explore Deaf Culture. Learn ASL. Expand Your Impact.
Step into a diverse community while building valuable communication skills that set you apart. In this program, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Deaf culture, identity, and community while progressing through three levels of American sign language.
Through hands-on community learning experiences, you won’t just study the Deaf community – you’ll actively engage with it, building real-world awareness and cultural competence that employers value.
Two certificate options
- The one-year certificate, designed for a student who want to pursue a career in interpreting or related fields, includes community observation hours, giving you meaningful, real-life exposure that strengthens both your skills and your confidence.
- The short-term certificate is designed for individuals who want to pick up courses in ASL to complement another primary major or career.
Both the one-year and short-term certificates stack directly into an associate degree in education, so you can keep building toward your long-term goals.
These skills can enhance careers in many fields, including:
- Education
- Social work
- Healthcare
- Public service
- And more
Important: These certificates build foundational ASL and cultural knowledge but do not qualify you to become a licensed interpreter.
Program details
American sign language students can choose between two certificates at Stark State – one-year or short-term – depending on their career goals and fields of study. Both options offer small classes (capped at 20 students). Many classes offer hands-on learning experiences, including classroom observations in the community.
The two certificates serve different purposes. The career enhancement certificate (CEC), also known as a short-term certificate, is designed for individuals who want to pick up courses in ASL to complement another primary major or career. Most often, students are in education, social work, nursing or other health careers. This American sign language certificate focuses on language courses along with our Student Success Seminar and College Composition.
The ASL one-year certificate is a bit broader and is intended for students who want to pursue a career in interpreting or related fields. It has the same language courses but also an Introduction to Interpreting. This certificate also requires a few general education courses beyond the short-term certificate, such as Effective Speaking, General Psychology, and Dynamics of the Family. Students in this certificate often continue their education for a bachelor’s degree in interpreting or Deaf Education.
Both the one-year and short-term American Sign Language (ASL) certificates stack directly into the associate degree in education. The classes you take for these certificates apply right toward the degree, allowing you to seamlessly continue your education.
Careers and outcomes
Graduates of Stark State’s American sign language program go on to pursue careers as:
- Special education teachers
- Teaching assistants
- Interpreters
- Translators
- A supplement to another career such as social work or in a health field
FAQs
Yes, it is possible to work full-time while working on one of the American sign language certificates.
Yes, many of the classes in the certificates transfer to other colleges or universities.
We offer a prior learning assessment for American sign language classes. There is a fee per class for this option.
Both the American sign language short-term and one-year certificates can be completed within 3-4 semesters.
Yes, many of the American sign language classes require classroom observations out in the community.
Related programs
Looking for more career options? Check out these other programs.
Lowest tuition around
Put your money toward your goals – not debt.
Stark State’s tuition costs up to 83% less than other area colleges and universities. Along with financial aid and scholarship opportunities, you gain the most value for your education without sacrificing quality.
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Wendi Keller, Ph.D.
Department Chair, Communication, Humanities, and Reading
330-494-6170 ext. 4958
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