American Sign Language and Deaf Studies Program (C114)

Program Description

Leadership Claims

This American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Studies program is unique in Ontario.

Program Overview

George Brown College's American Sign Language and Deaf Studies (C114) program is delivered online and is open to both Deaf and non-Deaf students. This program provides intensive training in American Sign Language (ASL) and English. If you are thinking about entering the Honours Bachelor of Interpretation (ASL – English) program, or if you want to combine ASL with another career, this program is highly recommended. This program is unique in Ontario.

Full Description

George Brown College's American Sign Language and Deaf Studies (C114) is an online program open to both Deaf and non-deaf students.

This program provides intensive preparation in:

  • American Sign Language (ASL) and English
  • an orientation to Deaf culture
  • current social issues affecting Deaf people

The curriculum combines:

  • opportunities to learn and practice ASL
  • online learning about the structure and features of ASL

Students will have the opportunity to:

  • learn, understand and participate in basic conversations in ASL
  • develop stronger skills in spoken and written English
  • develop a beginning understanding of the role within the Deaf/ASL Community

Your Field Education Options

Although there is no field placement requirement in the American Sign Language and Deaf Studies program, students will have the opportunity to practise through simulation experiences in the classroom.

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Career Options

ASL skills facilitate communication with Deaf people in a wide variety of health-care, business, educational and social service settings.

Fluency in ASL is an asset for anyone who interacts with members of the Deaf community or with the general public.

To broaden employment prospects, combine this ASL certificate program with:

  • early childhood education
  • teaching
  • nursing
  • counselling
  • communications and law
  • other diplomas and degrees

Note that this program does not prepare you to be an ASL-English Interpreter, Deaf Culture Instructor, or ASL Instructor. Should students wish to pursue this profession, we encourage C114 graduates who meet program requirements to apply for the Honours Bachelor of Interpretation (American Sign Language – English) (C302) program at George Brown College.

Educational Pathways

Graduates of the American Sign Language and Deaf Studies program may apply to the Honours Bachelor of Interpretation (American Sign Language – English) (C302) program at George Brown or similar programs at other colleges if they wish to become American Sign Language-English Interpreters.

This program is recommended for students interested in the Honours Bachelor of Interpretation (American Sign Language – English) (C302).

They may also apply to George Brown's Deafblind & Intervenor Studies (C158) one-year certificate program.

Graduates of this program may also apply to programs at George Brown College or similar programs at other colleges to further pursue a non-related career.

"The American Sign Language and Deaf Studies program at George Brown is a tremendous program whose rewards equal the effort that any participant invests in it. I was able to progress from knowing minimal ASL to being accepted into the Honours Bachelor of Interpretation program, also at George Brown College. The professors are generous, wonderful teachers who are patient but also ready to push eager students to achieve their goals. I highly recommend this program as a means to gaining insight into the fascinating and inspiring world of Deaf Culture in Canada through a key point of entry: American Sign Language." ​

Kate Alton
Ontario College Certificate

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