Deaf Studies Major

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About

The Deaf studies major at Goshen College will introduce you to the rich language and culture of the Deaf community. You’ll use your American Sign Language skills through one of two concentrations: a social work focus or an education focus.

You’ll also have the option to complete Deaf Studies as a stand-alone major, or to double major with Secondary Education, which would lead to professional licensure in education. In the Deaf Studies major you will take ASL classes and spend a semester as a visiting student at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.

You will also find many opportunities to practice your ASL skills outside the classroom as you attend workshops, Deaf church, Deaf sporting events and other local events.

Our American sign Language program’s small class sizes will allow you to work closely with your professors and peers in a rigorous but supportive setting.

The Deaf studies major is perfect for students interested in ASL who do not want to enter the field of interpreting. If you are interested in ASL interpreting, learn more about our Sign Language Interpreting major

Concentrations

Education Concentration

Graduates with an education concentration will be prepared for careers such as a paraprofessional or 1:1 aid working with Deaf children in a school setting, tutor, working in an after school program with Deaf children, or as a dorm counselor at a residential school for the Deaf.

This concentration might also lead to graduate studies in Sign Language education, Deaf studies, school counseling, elementary/Deaf education, secondary/Deaf education, linguistics or social work.

Education Concentration & Secondary Education double major

Goshen College is the only program in Indiana to license teachers of American Sign Language, and we are the sole provider of certified ASL teachers in the state. The Indiana Department of Education shows that there are nearly 100 ASL teaching positions in Indiana, and you will be uniquely positioned to begin your career in this specific field.

A double major in Deaf studies and secondary education will prepare you to work as a certified language teacher to hearing students.

Social Work Concentration

A Deaf studies major with a focus on social work will put you in a position to work effectively with an underserved population. A passion for American Sign Language and/or Deaf culture can lead to employment and careers beyond interpreting.

The concentration in social work might lead to a career in organizations that utilize ASL with Deaf clients or clients with developmental disabilities, such as a case manager, job coach, life skills trainer, group home manager or interpreter scheduler. This concentration could also lead to graduate work in the areas of social work, counseling, public administration or Deaf studies.

News & Events

Woman signing with a man speaking from a podium next to her

Mia Engle ’15 featured on ‘Why I’ll Never Make It’ podcast

February 13, 2020 By medium.com

Mia Engle '15 talk about her experience interpreting on a cruise ship.

Group of people sitting at a table in a restaurant smiling at the camera

Interpreting majors venture far and wide for internships

January 23, 2020

This semester, the sign language interpreting department saw a record 12 students venture to 10 different states across the country to grow their interpreting skills in semester-long internships.

Woman smiling while holding a GC poster that layouts the world.

Cross-country journey leads Cole family to the right college, community

September 27, 2018

When Hannah Cole decided to attend Goshen College to finish her degree in American Sign Language education, she didn’t expect the rest of her family to follow her to Indiana.

Stats

100^%

of recent social work grads seeking employment were employed within 4 months of graduation

12

Number of weeks students spend completing their senior ASL internship

90^%

of social work alumni in graduate school have been granted advanced standing in their programs

^#1

best school in Indiana for social work majors

100^%

of graduates from the classes of 2014, 2015 and 2016 are employed in a job related to sign language.

94^%

of GC social work students achieve the program’s competency benchmarks

Learn more about Goshen College's exceptional academic outcomes and national rankings.

Students & Alumni

American Sign Language Major

Sam Heberling '15

Sam Heberling, an American Sign Language Interpreting graduate from Mishawaka, Indiana, was active on campus as a leader in the ASL club and on the women's volleyball team.

Sam's story

American Sign Langauge Education

Hannah Cole '19

Hannah Cole always had trouble deciding between majoring in ASL and education. Fortunately for her, she didn’t have to choose at Goshen College.

Hannah's story

ASL and Broadcasting Major

Danielle Kerschhackl '16

Danielle Kerschakl, from Elmwood Park, Illinois, was involved with American Sign Language Club, the campus news program and Goshen College's award-winning radio station, 91.1 The Globe (WGCS).

Danielle's story

Psychology, American Sign Language

Olivia Ginn '16

Olivia Ginn '16 is using her American Sign Language skills to help others.

Olivia's story

American Sign Language Interpreting

Armando Nunez '16

Armando Nunez was a student with two chief interests: American Sign Language and tennis. When he came to Goshen to pursue both, he learned quickly that GC students learn much more outside of their major and sport.

Armando's story

American Sign Language, social work

Mary O'Connell '19

It’s not every day that a Goshen College student’s internship has them opening for a pop music icon in front of thousands of people. For Mary O’Connell, a senior sign language interpreting and social work double major, this s

Mary's story

Faculty & Staff

Goshen College

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Deaf Studies Major

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