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ASL/Deaf Studies Certificate

Used for full communication for hard-of-hearing and deaf individuals, American Sign Language is expressed by movements of the hands and face.

Two students converse using sign language.

Develop conversational skills and an understanding of Deaf culture

  • Learn conversational basics of ASL, like grammar and vocabulary, so you can communicate with people who are Deaf or nonverbal.
  • Discover Deaf culture, including its history, stories and traditions.
  • Enhance and formalize your mastery of ASL even if you are a Deaf student or a Heritage language user.
  • Check out our Guidelines for Enrolling in American Sign Language Classes at JCCC (PDF) if you're unsure where to start.
Explore JCCC's catalog to learn about our American Sign Language certificate and individual courses

[Catalog] American Sign Language Certificate

[Catalog] ASL/Deaf Studies courses

Taught by true experts

  • JCCC’s ASL/Deaf Studies faculty are heritage language learners who are fully immersed in Deaf culture and active in Deaf organizations and communities.
  • Practice your skills, join the student-run ASL Club and connect to the local Deaf community.

This is only the beginning; learn more

  • Earn your ASL/Deaf Studies certificate on your schedule; complete the 23-credit-hour program in two years — or longer if you need it. 
  • Confirm your interest in ASL, then pursue a career as an ASL interpreter. Demand for interpreters in the medical, legal, and educational fields is expected to grow. 
  • Want to go further? The JCCC program feeds the University of Kansas’ ASL and Deaf Studies program at the Edwards Campus. Contact Nigyar Alves at  n.alves@ku.edu  to learn more.  
Join other successful JCCC students Apply now

Find homework help at JCCC 

The JCCC Academic Resource Center offers free tutoring in almost any subject. Our small ASL/Deaf Studies classes — most classes have fewer than 20 students — mean you get one-on-one attention and feedback from your professors.

Contact Info

Kimberly Kuhns
Chair
Phone: 913-227-4519
Your call will be through a video relay service
Location: LIB 342
Email: kkuhns@jccc.edu