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ASL and Deaf Studies (Full-time program)

This full-time program is designed for non-Deaf adults who have learned some basic skills in ASL but who wish to study the language more intensely with an aim to developing fluency. During the program, they also learn about Deaf culture and the Deaf community, develop public speaking skills, and examine the possible career development opportunities open to them upon completion.

Many students in the program wish to pursue a career in ASL/English interpreting or at least investigate the possibility. Graduates of the full-time program wishing to continue their career path to the interpreter level should be able to meet the required ASL competencies or prerequisites at an Interpreter Training Program (there are 5 ITPs in Canada including Douglas College) for one or two further years of training to become a professional ASL/English interpreter.

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Find out more about this program:

Program Description Career Prospects Admission Requirements Program Status

Apply to this Program Fees and Other Costs Additional Information Courses

Program Description

For students who have never studied American Sign Language (ASL) the normal sequence of courses is to first take SIGN 010 Preparatory. Upon successful completion of SIGN 010 students are then eligible to apply for the full-time 10 month program. Students who have completed the full-time program are eligible to take SIGN 031.

Start Length Credential Campus Part or Full‑time September 10 months Certificate Broadway Full-time

Career Prospects

Some students envision themselves working in some capacity with Deaf children, perhaps as a classroom assistant where Deaf children are in an integrated educational program; others become interested in working with Deaf-blind individuals or with persons who are Deaf and disabled. Some students are acquainted with or related to Deaf people in their lives; others have never met a Deaf person other than their college instructors. This full-time program is an excellent opportunity for students to look at various options and to assess for themselves their own potential to take on certain future pursuits. Graduates bring highly valued ASL communication skills and good understanding of Deaf culture to the job market in their new career.

Information about graduate outcomes

Admission Requirements

General

VCC welcomes applications from Canadian citizens, permanent residents and international students.

Exceptions
International students

As Vancouver Community College is a post-secondary institution committed to educating adult learners, applicants should be 18 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school.

Please note that you must submit official transcripts and educational documents to support your application; unfortunately, we cannot accept photocopies or fax versions.

Program Specific

1) Grade 12 graduation, GED or equivalent, including English 12* or equivalent

2) Successful completion of 120 hours minimum of ASL studies including American Sign Language (ASL) PREP 010 or equivalent

Seats are offered to applicants who have met all admission requirements, on a first-qualified, first-served basis

*Applicants whose first language is other than English and are presenting foreign documents equivalent to Grade 12, must complete a VCC English Language Assessment http://www.vcc.ca/assessments

Recommended characteristics

- Good command of oral and written English

- Some previous exposure to the Deaf Community and sensitivity to Deaf issues

- Good visual memory

- Good manual dexterity

- Ability to follow signed, oral, and written instructions

- Ability to communicate effectively with people of all ages and backgrounds

- High interest in and empathy for other people

- Sensitivity to issues of 'difference' and identity

- Maturity and positive self-image with high standards of personal integrity

Program Status

Accepting applications

Apply to this Program

The first step, apply early. Students who have officially applied and met all admission requirements are sent a letter of acceptance approximately four to five months in advance of the next available start date. A first payment is required to reserve a space in the program.

Online     Fax     In Person If you're ready and know the program you want, apply now. Download and complete the (PDF) application form and fax to 604.871.7458. Visit us at one of our campus locations.

After you apply, you can check your to see if all of the requirements have been met or to update contact information. Please use the temporary login ID and Personal Identification Number (PIN) that you used to complete your original online application.

Fees and Other Costs

Application Fee Tuition Fee $30.00 $3,050

International Tuition Fees

Application Fee Tuition Fee Ancillary Fee $125.00 $13,322 $530

Other Costs

Cost Type Details College initiative fee $88 Student union fee $47.38 Student union health plan fee $142.15 Student union dental plan fee $135.41 Other costs Textbooks: $700Students are encouraged to participate in various Deaf community events throughout the year, which may require nominal cost.ASL and DEAF STUDIES (Full-time program)

Additional Information

For further program content information about ASL and Deaf Studies, contact the Department at 604.871.7443 (voicemail), 604.871.7442 (fax), or 604.871.7444 (TTY). For information about Interpreting and Braille Services see Disability Services.

Students are required to successfully complete all courses in each term before continuing into the next term.

Courses