Deaf Studies Certificate
Build foundational American Sign Language (ASL) skills and cultural understanding of the Deaf community. This 33-credit undergraduate certificate pairs with any major and is useful in education, healthcare, public service, and community work.
Program Overview
The Deaf Studies Certificate at Shawnee State University provides students with foundational knowledge of deaf culture and effective communication strategies for interacting with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. This one-year, 33-credit certificate program combines American Sign Language (ASL) instruction with an overview of deafness, sociocultural context, and supporting coursework in communication, psychology, and composition.
Ideal for students pursuing careers in public service, education, healthcare, or community outreach, the certificate fosters inclusive practices and improves your ability to engage with diverse populations, especially in K–12 settings or other public-facing roles.
Career Outcomes
How to Apply
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Start your application
Free, takes about 15 minutes.
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Send transcripts
Have your high school guidance counselor send them to admissions@shawnee.edu
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File the FAFSA
School code 009942. Required for Free Tuition.
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Get your decision
Most decisions in under 7 days.
At A Glance
Deaf Studies Certificate
Degree
Undergraduate Certificate
Length
1 year
Credits
33
Class Size
12:1
Location
Main Campus (with online options available for some courses)
Why Study Deaf Studies Certificate at Shawnee University
ASL plus culture, not just signs. You progress from introductory to intermediate ASL while studying Deaf culture, psychology of deafness, and the sociological context of the community.
Pairs with any major. Education, psychology, communication, health sciences, criminal justice - this certificate makes you more effective in roles that involve direct work with people.
Finishable in one year. The 33-credit program is built to fit alongside a degree or as a focused standalone credential.
Career versatility. Opens up roles in education, healthcare, counseling, interpretation, and human services.
Flexible delivery. Coursework is on campus, with the option to take some (or in some cases all) classes online through Blackboard - talk to your advisor about scheduling.
The 33-credit certificate combines a Deaf Studies core with supporting coursework in communication, psychology, and writing.
- Deaf Studies Core (21 credits): Introduction to Sign Language (SIGN 1010), American Sign Language 1 (SIGN 1113), Orientation to Deafness (SIGN 1121), American Sign Language 2 (SIGN 1213)
- Curriculum Content (12 credits): Discourse and Composition (ENGL 1101 or 1102), Composition and Argumentation (ENGL 1105), Introduction to Psychology (PSYC 1101) or Introduction to Sociology (SOCI 1101), Public Speaking / Human Communication (COMM 1103)
ASL coursework emphasizes real-time communication and language practice. You'll also work on projects and presentations focused on deafness-related issues and advocacy, with opportunities to apply your learning in educational and public service contexts.
- Communicate in American Sign Language at a conversational level
- Understand the experiences, values, and social dynamics of the Deaf community
- Recognize the educational, psychological, and communication needs of people with hearing impairments
- Apply inclusive practices in educational, healthcare, public service, and workplace settings
Classes are available on campus at Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, Ohio. Some or all coursework may be available online via Blackboard - talk with your advisor about scheduling.
- Educational paraprofessional or aide supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing students
- Healthcare or counseling roles with Deaf clients
- Community service and human services positions
- Foundation for further training as an ASL interpreter
- Public-facing roles in education, government, or social work where Deaf cultural fluency matters
Graduates work in education, healthcare, social work, and public service. The certificate is not a full interpreter credential but it's a strong foundation if interpretation is your eventual goal.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Shawnee State’s tuition is among the lowest in Ohio, and the Shawnee Advantage Tuition Guarantee keeps your rate flat for four years. Scholarships including Choose Ohio First and the Pell-Eligible Free Tuition Program may also apply.
Deaf Studies Certificate Frequently Asked Questions
Roles in audiology, counseling, residential program support, interpretation, social work, speech-language pathology, teaching, parent/infant specialist work, healthcare, and combined specialties.
No, but it gives you strong foundational skills in ASL and Deaf culture that can lead to more specialized interpreter training.
Yes. It pairs well with majors in education, psychology, communication, health sciences, and more.
Some courses include exposure to the Deaf community through events or interactive assignments.
Program handbook
Program details are in the Academic Catalog. Contact Dr. Doug Sturgeon ((740) 351-3048, dsturgeon@shawnee.edu) for further information.
Specialty Professional Association Standards
Accreditation
Shawnee State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Accreditation details are at shawnee.edu/about-us/accreditation.
