American Sign Language
The interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of General Studies in American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Studies degree programs offer comprehensive coursework to prepare you with the valuable skills to complement in-demand jobs and the foundations for ASL fluency or interpreting. This historic collaboration between Johnson County Community College (JCCC) and the KU Edwards Campus (KUEC) unites JCCC’s 30-year history in ASL training and expertise with KUEC’s mission of providing the highest quality programs to equip the workforce with in-demand skills.
American Sign Language Department Website
Sample of Related Skills
- Demonstrate basic proficiency in a language in addition to English
- Develop an understanding of the basic components of human communication including their biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, linguistic, social, and cultural biases
- Learn cultural norms as well as basic grammar and vocabulary.
- Gain ASL conversational fluency and a better knowledge of the American Deaf community and culture
Popular Career Paths
Research: Involves conducting research to inform educational programs, policy development, and other educational or political interests.
Teaching/Education Administration: Employs skills and cultural knowledge to build educational systems in local communities for students and educators, and teach language skills.
Translator/Interpreter: Concerns converting conversations from one language into another language.
Explore More Career Paths
- Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Inc. - certifacation requirements for registration requirements interpreting
Jobs to Consider
| Human Resources | Special Education Educator | |
| Lobbyist | Outreach Coordinator | |
| Speech Therapist | Rehabilitation Counselor |
* some jobs require additonal licenses, degrees, and/or certifications
Places to Seek Employment
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Rehabilitation Centers |
Hospitals |
Research Agencies |
|
Centers for Persons with Developmental Disabilities |
Uniformed Services | Public and Private Schools |
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Community Health Clinics |
Public Agencies | Judicial Courts |
Employment Strategies
- Identify the social concerns and populations that interest you most and pursue courses and experiences that allow you to explore these interests further
- Become familiar with the required professional qualifications (i.e., advanced degrees, licensure and/or certifications) for occupations you are considering
- Gain direct experience within the areas that interest you most through research projects, independent study, internships, part-time jobs, student organization involvement, or volunteering.
- Register for HireJayhawks.com and subscribe to the Internship Newsletter to receive automated weekly emails with specific internship information.
- Consider joining a professional organization related to your area of interest in american sign language, and, if possible, attend local and/or regional conferences to make connections with professionals working in your field
- Earn a minor or take additional coursework outside your major when relevant to your career goals
- Maintain a strong GPA if you are considering pursuing graduate or professional school
- Consider getting involved with a student organization at KU related to your area of interest
Job and Internship Search Resources
- American Sign Language Teachers Association - career information, job search resources, higher education information
- KU Department of Speech Language and Hearing Clinical Opportunities - various clinical opportunities for students
- National Association of the Deaf - career information, internship programs, job search resources
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders - job postings, research, and training programs
The quick link for this page is career.ku.edu/asl.
Go back to Careers & KU Majors homepage.
