American Sign Language

Associate in Arts (A.A.)

Gain a strong understanding of the language and culture of the d/Deaf community. Acquire American Sign Language and learn about our region's rich, Deaf-inclusive history. Enhance your career prospects and prepare for transfer with this immersive world language program.

Career Outlook: Interpreters and Educators

American Sign Language interpreters are in high demand at both the national and regional levels. Nearby Rochester has one of the largest deaf populations per capita of any U.S. city, increasing the area's need for professionals fluent in ASL. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects 24% growth in interpreter and ASL educator careers by 2030, which is much faster than the overall job growth rate.

A.A. Program Overview

Learn about d/Deaf community and culture while developing proficiency in a visual language. The ability to communicate in more than one language opens the door to job opportunities in virtually every industry. Practice signing with your peers in immersive classrooms as you build confidence with this widely used mode of communication. For those interested in teaching, incorporating sign language into your classroom is an excellent way to create an inclusive learning environment that enhances the experience for all students.

Prepare for Future ASL Credentials

Our program aligns with national standards set by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and adopted by the American Sign Language Teachers Association (ASLTA). Take the first steps toward earning your ASLTA, TESOL, or National Interpreter Certification by studying ASL. A series of five signing courses provide practical experience learning the language. Demonstrate your fluency during the capstone course by completing an interpretive project related to your career goals.

A Regional Hub for the Deaf Community

FLCC is conveniently located just 30 miles from Rochester, NY — a long-standing hub for the d/Deaf community. You'll benefit from this in many ways. Transfer to top-tier ASL schools in the region, participate in d/Deaf community events, and meet others interested in ASL. Rochester hosts an annual Deaf Festival, invests in Deaf-inclusive infrastructure, and supports Deaf-friendly employment opportunities.

Flexible Hybrid Program

Our A.A. American Sign Language degree is a hybrid program, with over 50% of the courses available online. Hybrid programs offer the best of both worlds by combining in-person classroom instruction with online learning activities. Learn more about hybrid programs.

Join Our American Sign Language Club

Connect with other students through our American Sign Language Club. Increase your awareness and knowledge about ASL and the d/Deaf community in a safe, judgment-free environment. Practice signing, attend study sessions, and join field trips to ASL immersive places, such as the National Technical Institute of the Deaf (NTID) in Rochester.

A.A. Program Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this degree program, students will be able to:

• Express themselves clearly in various time frames on familiar topics as well as on some concrete social, academic, and professional topics.
• Identify the main idea and most supporting details in authentic communicative situations on a variety of topics of personal and general interest, as well as on some topics of global interest.
• Deliver detailed presentations, usually with accuracy and clarity, on a variety of topics and issues related to community interests and to some special fields of expertise.
• Explain key perspectives of the target culture within a comparative framework (i.e. comparing target culture to their own or to a series of cultures).
• Interpret and synthesize ideas and critical issues from a wide range of historical and contemporary cultural artifacts.

Seamless Transfer Opportunities

Many colleges and universities in the area offer a four-year degree in ASL-English interpretation, Deaf studies, or education. Previous graduates have continued their education at the following institutions:

Four-Year Career Pathways

When you become fluent in American Sign Language, you'll be a strong candidate for a variety of careers. Some opportunities include:

Low-Cost Tuition and Scholarship Opportunities

Earn a quality education at an affordable rate. With our low cost-per-credit and general scholarship opportunities, you can maximize your potential with minimal debt. Over 75% of FLCC students receive financial awards that reduce the cost of college — or cover it completely!

Faculty

The ASL faculty are passionate in their teaching and deeply committed to the language of ASL and the culture of the d/Deaf community. At FLCC, our faculty are members of the d/Deaf community with diverse backgrounds from Children of Deaf Adults (CODAs) to graduates from the Rochester School for the Deaf. Each faculty member brings a variety of experiences to share with students.

Our ASL instructors have earned degrees in linguistics, education, and business from nationally acclaimed schools for the Deaf such as NTID and Gallaudet University. They hold master-level certification from the American Sign Language Teachers Association (ASLTA) and have spent many years working in fields such as healthcare and education. ASL faculty cherish the language and strive to support all students in an inclusive environment. Join us and learn how to communicate using ASL in both the workplace and your personal life.