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The associate in arts degree program in Deaf Studies: American Sign Language Option has been designed to provide students with a broad educational experience, including the balance and diversity of general education and the knowledge and skills of American Sign Language (ASL).

Students are provided the opportunity to develop an understanding of American Sign Language, Deaf Culture and the world around them.

Graduates will be able to both continue their education at other institutions of higher learning and to gain employment in group homes, sheltered workshops and other facilities providing services for deaf people as the program provides for career exploration within the deaf community and the basic academic preparation for transfer to bachelor degree programs.

A minimum of 64 credit hours are required for graduation.

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 the Office of Admission for additional admissions criteria for this program. All ASL and DST courses, with the exception of DST101, require a DST major or permission of the instructor.

Students pursuing fall 2012 enrollment must have completed Elementary ASL 101 and Elementary ASL 102 with a grade of “B” or better before applying to the program.

Prospective students who have acquired American Sign Language outside of NECC must have an ASL assessment before May 1, 2012. To schedule an ASL assessment, please email deafstudies@necc.mass.edu.