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Leigh-Ann Brewer
Associate Professor, American Sign Language
Human Services & Education
Certificate of Applied Science • 33 Credit Hours
The Deaf Studies certificate program is designed to give students a foundation in American Sign Language (ASL) and acquaint them with basic issues of concern to the Deaf community.
Furthermore, the program offers an opportunity to individuals already working in the Deaf community to increase their understanding of ASL and Deaf Culture in order to strengthen their knowledge and communication skills.
What You’ll Learn
Upon completion of the one-year certificate Program in Deaf Studies, the graduate will be able to effectively communicate with Deaf persons in informal settings in teaching, human services, or health care; enhance their credentials for employment opportunities which do not require interpreter certification but do assign value to skills in ASL an knowledge of Deaf culture; and earn the academic qualifications for entry into advanced studies at colleges and universities offering sign language programs, such as Mountwest’s American Sign Language A.A.S. degree program.
Career Settings
Program graduates may choose to enter an Interpreter Training Program, after which they may sit for certification examination, sponsored by the national licensing organization or may seek employment with an early intervention program that serves Deaf and Hard of Hearing children.
Interpreters
2019 Median Pay
$24.92 per hour
Number of Jobs
76,100 in 2018
Job Outlook
2018-2028 19 %
Much faster than average employment.
For the most current salary information, please refer to the Bureau of Labor Statistics “Occupational Outlook Handbook” found online at bls.gov/ooh/.
The college adheres to an open admission policy which means applications with a high school diploma or GED are eligible for admission. Applicants with neither a high school diploma nor GED may be admitted on a conditional basis.
Employment of Interpreters and Translators projected to grow 19 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Interpreters work in settings such as schools, hospitals, courtrooms, meeting rooms, and conference centers. Some Interpreters work companies, individual organization, or private clients. Self-employed interpreters frequently have variable work schedules.
A State Community & Technical College of West Virginia Equal Opportunity/An Affirmative Action Employer
One Mountwest Way
Huntington, WV 25701
304-710-3140
