American Sign Language
Exploration Pathway
Gain new perspectives on the nature of communication through the study of American Sign Language (ASL). Study of this unique visual and gestural language promotes understanding of Deaf culture and helps connect with members of the Deaf community.
Did You Know?
- ASL is the fourth-most studied second language at American universities
- Demand for interpreters in California is set to grow 20% through 2028
- There are 3 million Deaf and hard of hearing persons in California
Program Highlights
NVC’s ASL program combines study of grammar with practical conversational skills. Students build receptive skills to aid with recognition and understanding of ASL signs, and expressive skills for using signs to communicate. In addition to translation, composition, and grammatical analysis, coursework includes study of Deaf culture and history. Coursework in ASL satisfies general education requirements for AS and AA degrees for transfer and complements studies in human services, health occupations, and education.
Contact Us
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Program Coordinator, Professor, Spanish
Nicole Carrier
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Instructor, ASL
John Rehkop - john.rehkop@napavalley.edu
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Instructor, ASL
Anne Villar - anne.villar@gmail.com
Occupations
ASL practitioners work in a variety of settings, including education, retail, medicine, entertainment, media, and community services. Program graduates can pursue careers or further degrees in ASL, education, interpreting, linguistics, education, audiology, and other related fields.
- Interpreters
- Special education teachers
- Audiologists
- Social workers
- Accessibility specialists
- Explore more:
- CareerOneStop – BLS.gov guide to local wage averages & job growth
After NVC
California State University campuses offering undergraduate degrees in ASL & Deaf Studies include Northridge, Long Beach, and Sacramento State.