American Sign Language

Associate in Arts (A.A.)

Gain a strong understanding of the language and culture of the d/Deaf community. Practice American Sign Language and learn about our region's rich, Deaf-inclusive history. Boost your career prospects and prepare for transfer with this immersive world language program.

Career Outlook: Interpreters and Educators

American Sign Language interpreters are in high demand at both national and regional levels. Rochester has one of the highest per capita deaf populations among U.S. cities, increasing the demand for American Sign Language (ASL) experts in the area. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects 24% growth in interpreter and ASL educator careers by 2030, much faster than the overall job growth rate.

A.A. Program Overview

Learn about the d/Deaf community and culture while honing your skills in a visual language. Being able to speak multiple languages expands job opportunities across all industries. Practice signing with classmates to boost confidence in this valuable form of communication. For teachers, adding sign language to your classroom can make learning inclusive for all students.

A series of five signing courses provide practical experience in learning the language. Show your fluency in the capstone course by finishing an interpretive project aligned with your career goals.

Prepare for Future ASL Credentials

Our program follows standards set by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and used by the American Sign Language Teachers Association (ASLTA). By studying ASL, you'll take the first steps toward earning your ASLTA, TESOL, or National Interpreter Certification.

A Regional Hub for the Deaf Community

FLCC is conveniently located just 30 miles from Rochester, NY — a long-standing hub for the d/Deaf community. Transfer to top ASL schools in the region, join d/Deaf community events, and connect with fellow ASL enthusiasts. Rochester hosts a yearly Deaf Festival, invests in Deaf-inclusive infrastructure, and supports Deaf-friendly employment.

Our American Sign Language Degree is Available 100% Online

In addition to completing this degree in-person, our entire American Sign Language program is available online. Study on your time and from a location that fits your busy schedule. Online learning provides a convenient and flexible way to earn an education. Learn more about FLCC online learning.

Join Our American Sign Language Club

Connect with other students through our American Sign Language Club. Learn more about ASL and the d/Deaf community in a safe, judgment-free setting. Practice signing, attend study sessions, and travel to ASL destinations like the National Technical Institute of the Deaf (NTID) in Rochester.

A.A. Program Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this degree program, students will be able to:

• Express themselves clearly in various time frames on familiar topics as well as on some concrete social, academic, and professional topics.
• Identify the main idea and most supporting details in authentic communicative situations on a variety of topics of personal and general interest, as well as on some topics of global interest.
• Deliver detailed presentations, usually with accuracy and clarity, on a variety of topics and issues related to community interests and to some special fields of expertise.
• Explain key perspectives of the target culture within a comparative framework (i.e. comparing target culture to their own or to a series of cultures).
• Interpret and synthesize ideas and critical issues from a wide range of historical and contemporary cultural artifacts.

Seamless Transfer Opportunities

Many regional colleges offer four-year degrees in ASL-English interpretation, Deaf studies, or education. Previous graduates have continued their education at the following institutions:

Four-Year Career Pathways

Becoming fluent in American Sign Language enhances your career prospects in many industries. Some job opportunities include:

Low-Cost Tuition and Scholarship Opportunities

Earn a quality education at an affordable rate. With our low cost-per-credit and general scholarship opportunities, you can maximize your potential with minimal debt. 80% of students are awarded scholarships or financial aid that help with the cost of college.

Faculty

The ASL faculty are passionate in their teaching and committed to the language of ASL and the culture of the d/Deaf community. Our teachers are individuals from the d/Deaf community with various backgrounds. They include Children of Deaf Adults (CODAs) and graduates of the Rochester School for the Deaf. Each faculty member brings a variety of experiences to share with students.

Our ASL instructors have earned degrees in linguistics, education, and business from nationally acclaimed schools for the Deaf, such as NTID and Gallaudet University. They have master-level certification from the American Sign Language Teachers Association (ASLTA) and spent many years working in healthcare and education. ASL faculty cherish the language and strive to support all students in an inclusive environment.

Join us and learn how to communicate using ASL in the workplace and in your personal life.