Bachelor of Arts

Deaf Studies

Major | Minor

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Top 5 reasons to pursue Deaf studies at Goshen College

  1. Sign Language Interpreter studentCustomize your learning
    The Deaf studies major allows you to customize your learning. You might choose Deaf studies with an Education Concentration, Deaf Studies with a Social Work Concentration, or choose to double major in Deaf studies and Secondary Education to receive a license to teach ASL.
  2. Strong Career Opportunities
    There are many career opportunities working with Deaf children and adults such as: paraprofessional in a school setting; dorm supervisor at a Deaf school; ASL teacher; case manager; job coach; life skills educator; group home manager; interpreter scheduler, and many more.
  3. Curriculum based in ethics
    At Goshen College we strive to keep the best interests of the Deaf community at the heart of our work. Professional ethics will be emphasized in every class.
  4. Hands-on learning
    Deaf studies students at Goshen College have many opportunities to interact with the local Deaf community, including an internship, which allows you to improve your sign language skills, learn more about Deaf culture, and network. Hands-on learning is critical to gaining the skills you will need in your career.
  5. Participate in an immersion Semester
    You will spend one semester as a visiting student at Gallaudet University where you will be immersed in sign language and Deaf culture.

 

  • 91%
    of classes have fewer than 30 students
  • 93%
    of graduates are employed, in grad school, or in service within a year
  • 50%
    of students study abroad through our hands-on learning programs

    Program Overview

    Mia Engle interpreting through sign language.

    Designed for students with an interest in Deaf culture and American Sign Language (ASL), the Deaf studies program offers two concentrations: a social services focus or an education focus. Both concentrations prepare students to use their ASL skills in various career paths working with the Deaf community and students will also spend a semester as a visiting student at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.

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

     

    student in a standCareer Paths

    With a Deaf studies degree, you’ll be equipped to work at the intersection of language, access, and advocacy in diverse fields. A major or minor in deaf studies opens doors to meaningful careers, including:

    • Teaching
    • Deaf Advocate
    • Disability Services Coordinator

    Graduates may also choose to pursue further graduate study in areas such as social work, interpreting, education, or audiology.

     

    Explore more about the program.

     

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      Related majors & minors

      All Majors & Minors

      • Sign Language Interpreting

        Goshen College offers one of the few four-year bachelor’s degree programs in sign language interpreting in the region. Our program emphasizes hands-on learning, real-world experiences and a strong foundation in ethics and communication.

      • Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

        As a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) major or minor at Goshen College, you’ll gain the skills and cultural understanding needed to support English language learners in classrooms and communities, both locally and globally.

      • Spanish

        As a Spanish major or minor at Goshen College, you’ll learn to communicate confidently and effectively in one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.

      • Undecided

        Choosing to be undecided means being intentional about finding a path that’s right for you.

        All Majors & Minors