Deaf Studies explores the language, culture, history and contemporary issues of Deaf people. Fundamental to our program are both competency in American Sign Language and a desire to work with the Deaf community as allies (or advocate members). As such, all Deaf Studies concentrations share the same ASL and Deaf Studies core courses. This program prepares students, both Deaf and hearing, who are interested in a professional career working with Deaf, hard-of-hearing or late-deafened persons to transfer to a four-year college or university in the field of their choice.

Program Information

Students who have not decided on transfer or career paths in Deaf Studies should choose the MassTransfer option.
Deaf Studies provides a foundation for interpreters, but it is not an interpreter training/education program (ITP/IEP). Students who want to become professional interpreters should enroll in our Interpreter transfer concentration which will prepare students to transfer on to a four-year institution.
The program can be completed in 2 years if students successfully complete 5 courses a semester (15 credits). Less than five courses per semester will add additional time to complete the program and graduate. Students can also opt to take summer courses to lessen the fall/spring workload.
Students who have taken non-credit “sign language classes” in the past or are native signers (Deaf/signing family) should meet with the program director to discuss Credit for Prior Learning opportunities to earn credits.
Students who have taken 2 or more ASL classes in high school, with a B or better, should meet with the program director to determine which ASL level you should begin with.
Although individual courses may be offered on different campuses in both day/evening formats and/or online, Deaf Studies courses (DST/DSC) and upper level ASL courses (ASL 201 and 202) are primarily offered on the New Bedford campus for day, face-to-face classes or online; some Deaf Studies courses are solely offered on-line (Deaf History, Deaf Literature)
Students who do not earn a C or better in any ASL class, DST 101 or DST 110 Deaf Culture will not be able to complete an Associate of Arts in Deaf Studies program and should speak to the program director about options including retaking courses in the program.
Students spend an additional hour per week engaged in language lab activities with every ASL class taken. Students are expected to attend various Deaf events and become involved with their program throughout their studies to apply and further develop language skills in real world, practical situations.
Students may be required to undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check for courses which require Community Based Learning or ASL 285 placements.
Students who did not follow, or were not offered, a college prep track in high school, may find a 12-credit load (or a 4-course load) or part-time credit load is a successful way to adjust to the rigors of this program of study.
Graduates who want to continue and become professional members in the ASL workforce must meet language proficiency standards for ASL. Essential functions include certain cognitive, physical and sensory abilities necessary to acquire a second, visual language. If you are unsure if you can meet the essential functions required of the various fields in Deaf Studies, please seek out the Office of Disability Services to discuss your situation and needs.

After Bristol

This concentration is part of the MassTransfer program. Bristol participates in the statewide MassTransfer program and has developed many program-to-program transfer articulation agreements which guarantee admission and credit transfer. For a complete listing of eligible MassTransfer programs and current Bristol articulation agreements, visit the Transfer Affairs website at www.BristolCC.edu/transfer.

Deaf Studies Transfer

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