The Associate in Arts in Deaf Studies degree prepares interested students for a multitude of careers working with Deaf and hard of hearing people in fields such as ASL/English Interpretation, Deaf Studies, Deaf Education and social services by providing the linguistic and cultural foundation needed to pursue these programs at the university level. A series of four courses in American Sign Language and a Deaf Studies course comprise the core requisites of the degree, which can be completed in two years along with fulfillment of general education requirements.  Field experiences embedded within the coursework expose students to Deaf culture and contribute to an appreciation for Deaf people as members of a diverse and autonomous cultural group. Students also gain knowledge of historical and present day factors which contribute to policies and practices that impact deaf people, and prepare to serve as allies that support and empower the Deaf community.

It should be noted that this degree alone is not adequate qualification to interpret or to work within most ASL-related professions.  At minimum, a Bachelor’s degree is required to interpret, teach or work professionally with deaf children or adults in most cases.  The A.A. in Deaf Studies will provide the necessary foundation to pursue these goals. 

For those pursuing other majors who are interested in learning ASL for practical purposes, a separate Certificate of Achievement in ASL is offered for which only the core coursework is required.  (See ‘Certificate of Achievement in ASL’ in the Oxnard College catalog).

In order to earn an Associate in Arts in Deaf Studies, students are required to:

1. Complete Oxnard College’s General Education requirements to include areas 1-7 or Cal-GETC 
2. Complete a minimum of 19 units and all required coursework for the Deaf Studies major as listed in the Oxnard College catalog with a grade of “C” or better (or a “P”) in each of the courses selected. 
3. Complete a minimum of 60 degree-applicable units. Students planning to transfer should complete 60 CSU transferable or 60 UC transferable units, depending on their intended transfer destination.
4. Complete requirements in scholarship (2.0 minimum cumulative degree-applicable GPA). 
5. Complete 12 units in residence within the Ventura County Community College District.

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to: 

• Interpersonal Communication: Engage in conversation at an emerging advanced level of ASL and apply Deaf cultural norms and behaviors for social interaction across a variety of contexts.
• Presentational Communication: Share stories and detailed information to express thoughts and opinions in ASL on a variety of studied topics using advanced grammar and vocabulary and demonstrating control of delivery in an academic register.
• Comprehension: Comprehend a wide range of ASL discourse to obtain information and appreciate stories and artistic expressions of ASL.
  
  
• Culture Comparison: Explain how current and historical events and factors have influenced and continue to shape the diversity of experiences, perspectives, and language dialects that exist throughout the American Deaf community and the common values and practices that define Deaf culture.
• Critical Thinking Social Justice: Advocate effectively for the linguistic rights, cultural autonomy, and social equality of deaf people.