Learn a life skill and go farther
The A.S. degree in American Sign Language gives students a broad educational experience, which includes general education, American Sign Language, and familiarity with the deaf community.
What You'll Learn
This program is intensive, but is enveloped in a fully supportive learning environment that encourages student participation and involvement. OCC has an excellent team of instructors, both deaf and non-deaf, who have strong connections to the deaf community. Our program provides students with 450 hours of language and cultural training, including 21 credits of ASL study from the introductory through advanced levels, two 3-credit pre-interpreting courses, and an elective course to further their study of ASL and deaf culture. Elective course options include: Fingerspelling and Numbers Skill Development, Deafhood: Moving Beyond Deaf Culture ,and American Sign Language Literature and Film.
Where You'll Go
Growth in the interpreting field continues at an undaunted pace with endless career possibilities. While this program is designed for those students seeking successful transfer to a 4-year ASL-English Interpreting institution, it also prepares students for professions in Education, Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Counseling, Nursing, or Criminal Justice.
Typical Salary
5 years after graduating with a Bachelor's degree.
$45,000
| Career | 10-year growth potential | Regional Demand |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching (K-12) | 8% | High |
| Interpreters and Translators | 26% | Average |
Real Data from Central New York
- Data reflect previous twelve-month period in the Syracuse Metropolitan Area and surrounding five-county Central New York region.
- Salary gathered from SUNY Graduate Wages (data source: NYS Unemployment Insurance) unless otherwise indicated.
- Demand is determined by the number of job postings in the region over the past twelve months.
- Occupational growth potential gathered from Burning Glass.
Top Transfer Partners
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- Gallaudet University
- Keuka College
- SUNY Empire State
