American Sign Language
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Get certified in American Sign Language (ASL) at Ozarks Tech! ASL is recognized as a foreign language in Missouri. This certificate provides you with a credential in ASL fluency. In our 30-credit-hour program, you’ll build conversational ASL skills. You will learn about language, history and communication skills essential to the Deaf community. Our program prepares you for transfer to a four-year institution or a career in fields that work with Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, such as:
- Sign language interpreting
- Audiology
- Speech pathology
- Psychology
- Counseling
- Social work
- Deaf education
Even if you don’t plan to work in these fields, ASL can still be for you! Our courses can count as electives toward other degrees at the college. You can meet your general or humanities elective requirements while earning a credential in ASL. Our mission is to develop culturally competent ASL users. You can use these skills to support accessibility and inclusion in any career you choose!
Program Contact
Dr. Kimberly Berry
Department Chair, Communications and World Languages Department Chair
417-447-8227
Accreditations and Outcomes
Accreditation
OTC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Our current accreditation status with the HLC is displayed on the page linked below. Our next comprehensive evaluation will be in 2030-2031. View more information on OTC accreditation.
Program Outcomes
Admissions
Admission to Ozarks Technical Community College is open to all individuals who can benefit from its educational programs. A focus of the college mission is on the academic, career and personal goals of the student. OTC may admit you as a First-Time student just completing their high school, GED or HiSET requirements or as a Transfer student coming from another institution finishing up a certificate or degree. For more information, visit OTC Admissions.
Wondering how you’re going to pay for college? At OTC, we believe that cost shouldn’t be a barrier to earning a degree. Our staff will work with you to make a financial plan. To browse the resources available to you, see paying for college.
Transfer Information
At Ozarks Tech, we want your transfer process to be easy. We accomplish this goal through articulation agreements. These agreements are an official partnership to match coursework between schools. This gives you a more seamless transition from Ozarks Tech to a four-year institution.
We have established an agreement for this program. This will simplify the transfer of your credits to partner schools. To understand how this degree will transfer, review the current articulation agreements. Be sure to consult with your transfer school to ensure you’re on the right path toward completing your four-year degree.
COSTS & OPTIONS
CREDENTIAL TYPE |
PROGRAM |
FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO: |
LENGTH OF PROGRAM |
COST* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Certificate of Acheivement |
American Sign Language |
|
30 credit hours |
$5,270.00* |
|
Short-Term Training |
Learn More |
Accelerate your career with OTC's short-term training courses. Gain valuable skills in as little as just weeks and unlock new opportunities for success. View courses. |
Learn More |
Varies by course |
Not Sure Which Career is Right for You?
PROGRAM DETAILS
Clicking on the options below will provide overview information, course sequences (when applicable), and specific course descriptions. To see a full catalog of all the offerings at OTC, visit catalog.otc.edu.
American Sign Language Certificate
American Sign Language Certificate
Program Description
Certificate: 30 Hours
The American Sign Language (ASL) Certificate Program provides students with a deeper understanding of ASL, fostering proficiency in both expressive and receptive skills. The program prepares students across disciplines with the knowledge and skills necessary to communicate with and interact professionally with users of the language. This program allows students to gain knowledge and skills to better prepare them for interactions in professional career settings and provide vital language skills for evolving work environments.
Students will learn the fundamentals of ASL, receptive and expressive skills, societal competence, conversational skills, and technical vocabulary necessary for working with and interacting with users of the language. Career fields served by this program include early childhood, special education, mental health, gerontology, behavioral health support, business, fine arts, deaf studies, and allied health.
American Sign Language Requirements - 24 credit Hours
General Education Requirements - 6 Credit Hours
Choose one COM course and one ENG course.
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*Notices and Disclaimers
*Costs displayed are based on current tuition and fee rates for the program’s required credit hours, as approved by the OTC Board of Trustees, and are subject to change without notice. Estimates reflect both in-district and out-of-district residency rates. Actual costs, degree completion time, and credit requirements may vary based on residency, prior credits, elective courses, program updates, and enrollment factors. For additional information on attendance costs, visit Cost of Attendance, tuition and fees or contact us at 417-447-6900.
**Graduation rates vary by individual. For details on program enrollment, retention, exam/certification, and employment rates, visit Student Outcomes / Student Right-to-Know. Some careers on this list may require additional education and training. For program-specific accreditation visit OTC Accreditation.