American Sign Language & Deaf Studies Minor: Northern Kentucky University, Greater Cincinnati Region

What You Will Learn

The ASL and Deaf Studies Minor prepares students for careers in a variety of fields, including medicine, business, interpreting, counseling, and teaching. Students who decide to add an ASL and Deaf Studies minor onto their primary field of study will develop an understanding of the Deaf community, lending itself to future collaborations and expanded job opportunities as an ally to this cultural-linguistic group. ASL courses enrich a student’s language and cultural competencies which will enhance future careers. Combined with the right major, this minor can enhance any resume.

Use American Sign Language and technology to effectively communicate and collaborate with people who are Deaf

Describe the significance of deafness and hearing loss for the Deaf/hard-of-hearing person, families, and society

Discuss historical and current forms of oppression and successes regarding the Deaf community in America, including in schools, organizations, and technology

Actively engage with and act as an ally for individuals who are d/Deaf

Courses Offered

ASL 110: Beginning American Sign Language I

ASL 111: Beginning American Sign Language Il

ASL 201: American Sign Language III

ASL 202: American Sign Language IV

ASL 326: Deaf Culture and Community

ASL 327: Deaf History in America

ASL 400: Aspects of Deaf Life

Requirements

Careers with ASL and Deaf Studies

A Minor in ASL and Deaf Studies can be used to enhance specialized careers such as (but not limited to):

Education: Whether you work with in a mainstream setting, a residential school or a post-secondary environment, competency in ASL and Deaf culture will prepare professionals with the tools to provide or advocate for optimal access for Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deafblind students.
Health: Medical professionals who know sign language are in demand. Speech-language pathologists, audiologists, occupational therapists, nurses and doctors who know sign language can work better with their diverse clients. Competency in Deaf community and cultural awareness is a great enhancement to healthcare skills in providing direct access to critical services.
Government and Law Enforcement: Federal, state, and local government agencies offer opportunities to people skilled in sign language. Government jobs may include vocational rehabilitation, state offices or commissions for the Deaf, independent living centers and equal opportunity offices. Office holders who are fluent in ASL can become allies to the Deaf community by facilitating strong relationships between the community and the government as well as its political system. Fluency in ASL can also be used in law enforcement environments such as judicial, detention facilities, police officers or first responders.
Recreation and Entertainment: Travel agents and tour guides that know sign language can be found working in specialized Deaf programs at travel and tour agencies or even running their own agencies. The ASL Studies minor provides students who choose the entertainment industry, the tools necessary to design their events that make venues such as concerts, theaters and professional sporting events accessible to the community.

Program Contact Information

Annie Welch

welcha4@nku.edu

Beyond the Classroom

The ASL and Deaf Studies Minor aspires to foster a sense of “Deaf Heart” in the individuals who study this language and culture. These individuals then become allies to the Deaf community and carry the skills and knowledge necessary to inspire change in their chosen careers.

College of Education

American Sign Language & Deaf Studies Minor