CAP_AmericanSignLanguage
Career & Academic Pathways >> Language & Communication
Contact Information
Kelly Stack (Department Chair)
(831) 646-4296
kstack@mpc.edu

For Additional Info
• Download our Info Sheet
• Visit MPC American Sign Language
• Connect with a Counselor 

Program Overview

American Sign Language (ASL) is a unique visual, spatial, and gestural language that enables practitioners to connect with members of the Deaf community as well as gain a new perspective on communication and culture. Students in the ASL program acquire language proficiency using the communicative approach; emphasizing conversational practice; and focusing on authentic texts, linguistic competence, and cultural awareness. The program emphasizes interaction with the local Deaf community as part of the learning experience.

Job Outlook

Program graduates are in demand in a variety of fields that value multilingualism and multiculturalism and/or specifically serve the million people who use ASL as their primary mode of communication. Settings can include education, retail, medicine, entertainment, and community services. Graduates may also pursue a career or further degrees in ASL, Deaf Studies, interpretation, linguistics, education, audiology, and other related fields.

Potential Careers

Special Education Teachers’ Aides

$25,720 - $48,740

*Interpreters
(may require additional training)

$34,150 - $95,850

*Special Education Teachers
(may require additional training)

$43,970 - $118,210

*Audiologists
(may require additional training)

$50,550 - $141,110

*College ASL Instructors/Professors
(may require additional training)

$51,150 - $169,230

MPC Degrees and Certificates

  • American Sign Language (ASL) - Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA)
  • American Sign Language (ASL) - Certificate of Achievement (COA)

Suggested Course Sequence (AA)

Year 1

FALL
 UNITS
 SPRING UNITS
ENGL 1A
 3

SIGN 1B

 5

MPC Elective

 2

LING 10

 3

   ENGL 101A rec.

AREA B & Lab

 4

LIBR 50

 1

MPC Electives 

 3

Area A2

 4

   ENGL 2 rec.

  

   MATH 10 or 16 rec.
     
SIGN 1A 5

MPC Elective 1      
   PERS 10 rec.      
       
Total Fall Units
 16
 Total Spring Units
 15

Year 2

FALL
 UNITS
 SPRING UNITS

SIGN 2A

 5

SIGN 20 or 2B

 3-5

MPC Elective

 3

Area E

 3

   POLS 1, 10, 16 or 18 rec.

Area F

 3

SIGN 10

 3

   HIST 12, 24, or 25 rec.

MPC Elective 

 3

MPC Elective

 3

   SPCH 1, 2, or 3 rec.

   SIGN 20 rec.
    MPC Elective(s) 1-3
       
Total Fall Units
 14 Total Spring Units 13-17 

This is a suggested sequence of coursework and is one pathway for students to earn their degree/certificate. This is not an official educational plan. A counselor is able to assist you with creating a personalized education plan based on your academic, career, and personal goals. For more information about counseling and up-to-date program requirements, please visit www.mpc.edu/counseling. 

Testimonials 

Rachel Kohaut

The ASL program at MPC has really taught me so much and has inspired me to become better with signing and I am more involved in the Deaf community because of it. Dr. Stack has really been the best professor I could have asked for, because of her I want to continue studying ASL and I can actually, for the first time in my college career, see myself transferring to a higher education.