ASL & Deaf Studies Degrees at UVSC

UVSC currently offers five degree options in ASL & Deaf Studies:

B.A. IN ASL & DEAF STUDIES EDUCATION (Secondary Education)
This four-year degree prepares students to teach ASL & Deaf Studies in secondary education settings. Students take major courses from the ASL & Deaf Studies Program and the School of Education. This degree requires application to the school of education.

B.A. IN DEAF STUDIES (Choice of two emphases)
This four-year degree is a liberal arts degree that provides in-depth study into all facets of the Deaf-World. Students choose among two emphases. There is no special application process, but students should declare their major by contacting the academic advisor for the Languages Department, Laura Shelley (shellela@uvsc.edu, 801 863-8047).

Emphasis #1: General Deaf Studies.
This emphasis provides an opportunity for students to gain advanced ASL skills and thorough knowledge of the Deaf-World. Graduates with this emphasis will be prepared to work in various fields related to deafness. They will also work in fields that are not specifically tied to the Deaf-World but which require the skills and knowledge cultivated through the acquisition of any liberal arts degree. This emphasis is also terrific preparation for graduate school in any number of disciplines.

Emphasis #2: Interpreting.
There is currently an intense shortage of interpreters for the Deaf across the United States. Utah Valley State offers two distinct programs to prepare students to enter the interpreting profession: The Novice-Level Interpreter Preparation Program (NLIPP) and the Advanced Certification Interpreter Preparation Program (ACIPP). These programs can accommodate students of any skill level. Those interested in taking this emphasis or in learning more about becoming an interpreter should contact the head of the academic programs in interpreting, Dr. Dale Boam (boamda@uvsc.edu, 801 863-6581 Office voice, 801 815-2547 Cell voice/text).

THE MINOR IN DEAF STUDIES
This "freestanding minor" can be earned in conjunction with any major UVSC offers. The minor consists of 21 credit hours of upper division coursework. There are some specific courses required and a number of electives, so be sure to contact the Deaf Studies program for more information. You can download an advising sheet that outlines the specific requirements for the minor.

THE ASL EMPHASIS FOR THE INTEGRATED STUDIES B.A.
You can use ASL as on of two areas of emphasis in the Integrated Studies bachelor's degree. When UVSC became a state college it began offering four-year bachelor's degrees. While UVSC does not yet offer a major in ASL or Deaf Studies, you can use ASL toward a degree in Integrated Studies. To do this you pair ASL with another area of interest to build a customized program of study. You complete 18 hours of upper-division coursework in ASL, 18 hours of your second emphasis (at least 12 must be upper division), and 15 hour of Integrated Studies courses. For more information on this degree contact either the Integrated Studies office (LA 109, 863-8455) or the ASL & Deaf Studies Program Coordinator, Dr. Bryan Eldredge (LA 003J, 863-8529 voice/vp). You can also look at the Integrated Studies Program website.