American Sign Language
more than a language
Program Options
CCC offers both an Associate of Arts degree and a certificate in American Sign Language and Interpreting Studies, designed to prepare you for a career as a sign language interpreter or for work within the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.
What Can I Do within American Sign language?
Whether you choose the full AA degree or the certificate, you will graduate with the skills and knowledge needed to work as a professional interpreter or community advocate in educational, medical, legal and community settings. ASL graduates work in a wide range of fields where communication access and inclusion matter.
Career paths include:
- Sign Language Interpreter (schools, hospitals, courtrooms, community organizations)
- Educational Interpreter (K-12)
- Video Relay Service Interpreter
- Deaf Community Advocate or Outreach Coordinator
- ASL Instructor
- Healthcare or Legal Support Worker with ASL skills
What Will I Learn?
ASL Language Skills
- ASL communication from beginner to advanced levels
- Fingerspelling, grammar and expanded grammatical structures
- Comparative analysis of ASL and English
Deaf Culture and Community
- Introduction to the Deaf community and its history
- ASL literature and narratives
- Diversity within the Deaf community
Interpreting Practice
- Ethics and social justice of interpreting
- Fundamentals of Interpreting I and II
- Translation across ASL and English for faithfulness to the source text
Program at a glance
- Program type: Associate of Arts – 60 credits, Certificate – 40 credits
- Course Delivery: In-person
- Course Schedule: Day and Evening Classes Available
- Transferability: All Courses transfer to NAU, ASU, and U of A as AGEC Credit
- Financial Aid Eligible: Yes
- Military/Veteran Benefits Available: Yes
- Location: Lone Tree Campus
Scheduling considerations: Important note for prospective students: Several core courses in this program are offered only once every two years. Planning your schedule with an advisor from the start is strongly recommended.
Your path in Asl
The Certificate and AA degree follow the same curriculum. Every course you take in the Certificate applies toward the AA, so you are always building toward the next credential rather than starting over.
Certificate → AA Degree
Most students move through the program in the same sequence regardless of which credential they are working toward. The difference is that the AA adds general education requirements on top of the Certificate coursework, which is why both credentials take approximately two years to complete full time.
If you are unsure whether to pursue the Certificate or the AA, consider your long-term goals.
If you want to enter the workforce as an interpreter as directly as possible, the Certificate is the more focused route. If you plan to transfer to a four-year university or want the credential most employers prefer for professional interpreting roles, the AA is the stronger choice. Either way, you do not have to decide before you start. You can begin the program, complete the Certificate, and continue into the AA without losing any of your work.
Thinking about Transferring?
ASL students can also earn an AGEC-A certificate at CCC. This is a set of 35 general education credits that all Arizona public universities accept. Finish it with a 2.5 GPA and you’re automatically admitted to any Arizona public university, no extra application requirements needed.
Planning to earn a four-year degree? CCC can help you get there. We have transfer partnerships with Northern Arizona University, Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, and Grand Canyon University. The sooner you meet with a transfer advisor, the easier it is to plan your courses and stay on track.
Career Outlook
Community at CCC
The ASL program at CCC includes a vibrant community of students, language mentors, and Deaf community members. Resources include:
ASL Club: Meets weekly on campus and provides a space for language practice and community connection
ASL Language Mentors: Deaf community members who serve as mentors, teachers, and cultural guides within the program
ASL Tutoring: Available remotely via Zoom through the TRIO tutoring program
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to know sign language to get started?
No prior experience is required to begin. You can start with ASL 101, which is open to beginners. Placement requirements vary, so check with an advisor to find the right starting point for your skill level.
- What is the difference between the AA degree and the certificate?
The AA degree takes about two years and requires 60 credits. The certificate is a shorter option at 40 credits and covers the core interpreting courses. Both programs prepare you for a career working with the Deaf community. The certificate is also aligned with the AA degree, so credits can count toward the full degree if you decide to continue.
- Are there admission requirements for the interpreting program?
Yes. To be admitted to the interpreting track, you need to demonstrate fourth-semester proficiency in ASL and be enrolled in or have completed ASL 203, ASL 110, and ITP 210. You will also need to complete a questionnaire and a preliminary assessment of your signing skills.
CCC also offers courses in Spanish and Navajo. Looking for a non-credit language class? See our Continuing Education courses.
Meet your Faculty:
Next Steps:
- Apply for free
- Find ways to pay for college
- Meet with your Advisor
- Enroll in classes
