American Sign Language

Students using sign language

Connect with the Deaf Community and Elevate your Career

Launch a gratifying career working with the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community by learning American Sign Language (ASL) at NOVA. Choose from the following degrees and certificates.

AVAILABLE PROGRAMS

Associate Degree in American Sign Language to English Interpretation

Get comprehensive training for sign language interpreter jobs with NOVA's Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in American Sign Language to English Interpretation. NOVA's program prepares you for ASL interpreter certification on state and national levels, including under the Virginia Quality Assurance Screening (VQAS), National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, and Educational Interpreter's Performance Assessment.

Length
Two Years
Credits
62-63
Locations
Annandale, Online
Curriculum Details

Associate Degree in Social Sciences with a Deaf Studies Specialization

Start your path to a bachelor's degree in ASL or a related field with NOVA's Associate of Science (AS) in Social Science with a Deaf Studies specialization. You'll build a strong foundation in communication, linguistics, Deaf community history, ASL Interpretation, and more. NOVA's associate degree prepares you for bachelor's degree programs at four-year institutions that require an ASL background. You can also use your associate degree for jobs in human services, such as a teacher assistant in a daycare.

Length
Two Years
Credits
62
Locations
Annandale, Online
Curriculum Details

American Sign Language Career Studies Certificate (ASL)

Learn the basics to better serve the Deaf and hard of hearing community with NOVA's Career Studies Certificate (CSC) in American Sign Language. NOVA's program helps you develop fundamental ASL skills you can immediately use in teaching, health care, social services, public safety or other settings. It is also helpful for determining whether an ASL associate or bachelor's degree is for you. Many NOVA students go on to earn their associate degree in interpreting or Deaf studies after earning this certificate.

Length
One Year
Credits
25
Locations
Annandale, Online
Curriculum Details

Why Study American Sign Language at NOVA?

Practiced ASL Faculty

You'll learn from dedicated, supportive ASL faculty with years of experience in Deaf education, interpretation, and interpreter training.

Interactive ASL Courses

You'll practice using and interpreting ASL in interactive courses that prepare you to succeed as an Interpreter after graduation.

Affordable ASL Programs

You'll learn ASL affordably and within your budget. You may even qualify for NOVA scholarships to help offset the cost of tuition.

Program Details

More Program Details and Resources

Accreditations

Northern Virginia Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the associate degree in American Sign Language and ASL certificates.

ASL Program Career Outcomes

By studying American Sign Language at NOVA, you'll gain proficiency in one of the most commonly used languages in the United States, a skill applicable in any career. You'll also qualify for roles as an educational or community sign language interpreter, teaching assistant, or special education teacher.

Credits and
Transfer Info

Credit for Prior Learning

Credit for prior learning (CPL) generally refers to the process of granting college credit for learning gained in nontraditional ways, including but not limited to: certifications, AP or IB exams, military training, or life experience.

Transferring

Learn more about possible transfer opportunities associated with this program of study. Students interested in transferring should contact an advisor or counselor to further discuss their plans.

Your Next Steps to NOVA