American Sign Language (ASL) is the primary language of the deaf community in America. Some deaf individuals can read lips, but many cannot. For this reason, it is useful for people, especially educators and interpreters, to be proficient in American Sign Language. There are two colleges in Georgia that offer degrees in ASL and a third university that offers a degree in deaf education which includes ASL in the curriculum.
Georgia Perimeter College
Georgia Perimeter College has five campus locations and offers an associate of applied science degree in interpreting for the deaf which can be completed in two years. In addition to general education courses, students will complete course work in American Sign Language and interpreting. Unless students already have a bachelor's degree, they must pass the Regents' Test for reading and writing in order to be eligible for admission into the sign language interpreting program. The school also offers a certificate program in sign language interpreting. This program has the same requirements as the associate's degree, but does not require general education classes.
Georgia Perimeter College Decatur Campus 3251 Panthersville Road Decatur, GA 30034-3832 678-891-2300 gpc.edu
Valdosta State University
Valdosta State University offers a Bachelor of Education degree in American Sign Language interpreting. This four-year degree includes course work in American Sign Language, interpreting and education. The school also offers a four-year Bachelor's of Education degree in deaf and hard of hearing education. This program also includes course work in education, curriculum and mild disabilities.
Dept of Middle, Secondary Reading, & Deaf Ed Valdsota State University 1500 N. Patterson St. Valdosta GA, 31698 229-219-1332 valdosta.edu
Georgia State University
Georgia State University's College of Education offers a Master of Education degree in multiple and severe disabilities with a concentration in deaf and hard of hearing. This program includes course work in psychology, education, hearing sciences and deafness. Students are required to spend time in a classroom with deaf children. Before graduation, students must pass the sign language proficiency interview which tests sign language proficiency including vocabulary, grammar and comprehension. The school also offers a Ph.D. program in education of students with exceptionalities with a concentration in sensory impairments. This degree program requires the student to complete course work in sign language and education courses focusing on special education. Students must have completed an undergraduate degree to be eligible for admission into the graduate programs.
Georgia State University P.O. Box 3965 Atlanta, Georgia 30302-3965 404-413-2000 gsu.edu