Deaf Studies Certificate

Courses and Requirements

The certificate in Deaf Studies is available to students already holding an associate degree or higher, which must include English Composition I or College Writing I. The certificate is designed to provide students with a foundation in American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Culture and an opportunity to explore careers in the Deaf/hard of Hearing community. Students wishing to pursue a career in ASL/English interpreting are exposed to the requirements of the profession as a precursor to transferring to a certificate or bachelor degree program in interpreting.

Students must earn a minimum grade of B in all ASL courses and a minimum grade of C in DST courses and ASL203 and ASL205. A minimum of 39 credit hours are required for students intending to continue their studies in interpreting.

Program Prerequisites

ASL101 Elementary ASL I and ASL102 Elementary ASL II with a B or better or demonstrate comparable skills/knowledge. See a representative in Enrollment Services for additional admissions criteria for this program.

Additional Admissions Criteria

Enrollment Services will provide additional admissions criteria for this program. All admission criteria is available in the Deaf Studies Criteria Packet which can be found on the Required Forms page.

CORI/CHRI/SORI

Students interested in participation in this academic program may be required to undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, a Criminal Records Central Repository (CHRI) check and/or a Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) check. For more information, visit the CORI/CHRI/SORI page on the NECC website.

Northern Essex Community College is committed to the success of every student. Students with legal issues in their background will meet with a committee as part of the CORI/CHRI/SORI process and will receive guidance and counseling throughout the review of their records. NECC personnel make every effort to help students prepare for careers in their chosen field. Students are encouraged to seek assistance and support.

Requirements

Course NumberTitleCredits
ANT101Cultural Anthropology

3

ASL111Intermediate ASL I

5

ASL112Intermediate ASL II

5

ASL201Advanced American Sign Language I

4

ASL202Advanced American Sign Language II

4

ASL203American Sign Language Linguistics

3

ASL205Deaf Literature & ASL Folklore

3

DST101Introduction to Deaf Studies

3

DST191Deaf Community Practicum

2

DST205Deaf Culture

3

PHI110Ethics

3

Select ONE of the following courses (3-4 credit hours)

Course NumberTitleCredits
DST102Introduction to the Interpreting Field

4

EDU101Introduction to Teaching

3

HUS101Introduction to Human Services

3

Courses with Prerequisites: ANT101, ASL111, ASL112, ASL201, ASL202, ASL203, ASL205, DST102, DST191, DST205

Course with Co-requisite: DST101

Courses required of students intending to pursue interpreting studies: DST102, PHI110

Program Notes

Courses are offered during daytime hours only, two days per week. In the first semester, students must be available one additional day to complete their first-semester practicum requirements. Students must have a reliable means of transportation to and from their practicum sites. Students in this option who plan on continuing to a certificate or degree in ASL/English interpreting must maintain a grade of B or better in all ASL language classes.

Recommended Course Sequence Deaf Studies Certificate

Course NumberTitleCredits

Year 1

Course NumberTitleCredits
Fall
Course NumberTitleCredits
ASL111Intermediate ASL I

5

DST101Introduction to Deaf Studies

3

DST191Deaf Community Practicum

2

Spring
Course NumberTitleCredits
ANT101Cultural Anthropology

3

ASL112Intermediate ASL II

5

ASL203American Sign Language Linguistics

3

 

DST102Introduction to the Interpreting Field

4

OR

EDU101Introduction to Teaching

3

OR

HUS101Introduction to Human Services

3

Year 2

Course NumberTitleCredits
Fall
Course NumberTitleCredits
ASL201Advanced American Sign Language I

4

DST205Deaf Culture

3

PHI110Ethics

3

Spring
Course NumberTitleCredits
ASL202Advanced American Sign Language II

4

ASL205Deaf Literature & ASL Folklore

3