The American Sign Language (ASL) Studies Undergraduate Certificate program responds to the growing demand for skilled professionals capable of effectively communicating with Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf-Blind, and Deaf-disabled individuals across various sectors. As society becomes increasingly aware of the importance of inclusivity and accessibility, the need for trained individuals who can bridge communication gaps in education, healthcare, customer service, and social services continues to rise.
This certificate program aims to provide students with a basic understanding of ASL and Deaf culture through immersive learning experiences led by native ASL users. By equipping students with the necessary linguistic skills and cultural competence, the program will enhance their ability to serve and advocate for Deaf communities. Graduates of this program will be prepared to enter a variety of professional fields where communication with Deaf individuals is essential, thus increasing their employability and contribution to fostering inclusive environments.
Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| ASL 301 | American Sign Language I * | 3 |
| ASL 302 | American Sign Language II | 3 |
| ASL 352 | American Deaf Culture | 3 |
- *
Students who place into a higher level ASL course based on their proficiency assessment will take two ASL courses at their placement level to continue to develop their language skills.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Electives | ||
| Choose one: | 3-4 | |
| American Sign Language III ** | ||
| Deaf History | ||
| Fingerspelling & Numbers | ||
| Introduction to Teaching: Colloquium and Fieldwork | ||
| Cultural Foundations of Education | ||
| Introduction to Learning and Development | ||
| The Exceptional Individual | ||
| Cultural Diversity in Health Care | ||
| Anatomy and Physiology I | ||
| Introduction to Psychology | ||
| Perspectives on Disability in Early Childhood Education | ||
| Language Acquisition for Children of Diverse Backgrounds | ||
| Collaborations for Teachers with Families, Schools, and Communities | ||
| Introduction to Social Work | ||
| Elective courses can be substituted with approval through your program academic advisor. | ||
- **
Or higher level ASL class if placed above ASL 301 to begin program.
Minimum Grade Requirements
Students must earn a grade of C or better in ASL 301 (or the ASL course they place into) in order to advance to the next level ASL course. Additionally, students must earn a minimum grade of 2.0 in each course required for the certificate and maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA across all certificate courses.
Admission
The American Sign Language Certificate is open to:
- Undergraduate students with a minimum 2.0 GPA.
- Community members, who can apply for the certificate as a UWM Special Student at the undergraduate level.
American Sign Language Studies Certificate Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the American Sign Language Studies Undergraduate Certificate will:
- demonstrate proficiency in ASL, effectively communicating through expressive and receptive skills while applying proper grammar and cultural awareness.
- comprehend signed conversations, narratives, and lectures, recognizing key details and linguistic variations.
- develop a critical understanding of Deaf culture, enabling them to engage respectfully and apply their skills in academic, professional, and community settings.