American Sign Language

After English and Spanish, American Sign Language (ASL) is the third most studied language in US higher education (2013 MLA Survey). The Modern Languages Department offers a broad range of lower-division language and culture courses that focus on clear and effective communication and appreciation of Deaf culture and its contributions to society. Additionally, the Department offers career technical preparation for entry-level positions in ASL Interpreting. Below please find a list of frequently asked questions related to ASL:

 Do you have an interpreting program at Pierce?

YES---we offer both ASL and ASL Interpreter Education courses which lead to degree completion. Our ASL Interpreter program has been going strong since 1979 and has been a part of the Modern Languages Department since that time. We recently added an ASL Studies AA degree, and an ASL Interpreter Certificate of Achievement.

 How long does it take to complete an AA in ASL?

Assuming you do not have any ASL knowledge, the ASL Studies AA will take four semesters to complete ASL 1, 2, 3 and 4 and ASL 40.

The ASL interpreter program is a 2-year degree program, with a prerequisite of ASL 1 and 2, or equivalent. The required ASL classes are listed in the Pierce College General Catalog. Sometimes a student can only take a few classes each semester. If this is the case, we recommend the student contact Prof. Allisun Kale (Professor of ASL/Interpreting) for advise on how to plan a viable part-time schedule.

 Do these classes fulfill general education requirements for graduation?

YES---ASL 1, 2, 3, 4 and ASL 40 (Introduction to Deaf Culture) have fulfilled the Humanities requirement for graduation since 1990. ASL 2, 3, and 4 also fulfill the Language Other than English requirement for the IGETC Certificate for UC transfer.

 Do these classes transfer to CSUs or UCs?

YES---all ASL courses (both language and interpreting) are CSU transferable. Additionally, ASL 3, 4, and 40 are articulated to fulfill lower-division major preparation in the Deaf Studies BA at California State University Northridge. ASL 1, 2, 3, 4 and 40 are also transferable to the UC system.

 What are the job opportunities if I graduate from the program?

MANY---with the passage of new laws (such as ADA) the expansion of services and opportunities for Deaf and hard-of-hearing people has created a large market for interpreters. Opportunities for interpreting work are plentiful in the following settings (especially in southern California): Education: *K – 12, *vocational training programs, college and universities---the National Center on Deafness at CSUN provides Deaf and hard-of-hearing students often with forty-thousand hours of interpreting each year. Community: the Greater Los Angeles Council on Deafness maintains an interpreting referral service which provides thousands of hours of interpreting each month for the local Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

 What are beginning level interpreters paid?

The rate of pay for beginning level interpreters in southern California ranges between $10 - $15 per hour, with highly qualified interpreters commanding $30 - $40 per hour.

*These areas require National Certification

For more information on the ASL Program at Pierce College, contact Prof. Kristine Hall at hallkc@piercecollege.edu, Prof. Stephanie Zornoza at zornozse@piercecollege.edu or Prof. Allisun Kale at kalea@piercecollege.edu