ASL and Deaf Studies
Overview
Immerse yourself in American Sign Language (ASL) while learning Deaf culture and community, social justice, and Deaf and ASL literature.
| Tuition | $6,597 |
|---|---|
| Credential | Certificate |
| Length | 8 months |
| Hours | Full-time |
| Delivery | Class-based |
| Campus | Broadway |
| Tuition | $20,295 |
|---|---|
| Credential | Certificate |
| Length | 8 months |
| Hours | Full-time |
| Delivery | Class-based |
| Campus | Broadway |
| PGWP | Not listed as eligible |
What to expect
The full-time program is scheduled over two terms, where both terms consist of practice and theory in ASL courses, ASL labs, ASL linguistics, and knowledge of Deaf culture and community through art, social media and literature. Additionally, principles of social justice and allyship and one’s own positionality within its context are studied to prepare students to work with the DHOHDB community in a variety of settings. Students will have the unique experience of an immersion approach with diverse instructors and community language models. Community collaboration, small class sizes, individual attention and feedback enhance a positive and successful learning journey.
The primary focus of the program is the acquisition and understanding of ASL. This comprises nearly 70% of the program. Receptive and expressive skills with appropriate cultural applications are developed through a functional/notional approach to second language acquisition. This also involves studies in ASL grammar/syntax, which is markedly different from English grammar/syntax. In addition, collaboration with Deaf community organizations and services is essential for student exposure to various services and language models.
Students work both individually and in groups. Courses are presented through lecture, small group discussion, assigned readings, labs, self-study and online activities. An important component of the program is laboratory time when students have the opportunity to practice their ASL skills with the input of instructional assistants.
What you will learn
- Identify and celebrate the diversity and complexities of Deaf communities and their signed languages through interdisciplinary approaches.
- Communicate proficiently using ASL in various contexts and employment settings by demonstrating knowledge of linguistics in ASL.
- Apply Deaf cultural knowledge when communicating, working or collaborating with Deaf people.
- Apply relevant communication approaches and / or preferences that consider the cultural and linguistic needs of the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf Blind individual.
- Identify legislation, resources, and service providers for the equitable advancement of Deaf rights, accessibility and inclusion.
- Explain historical and current societal trends that contribute to barriers and successes of Deaf people’s access to education, employment, healthcare and other public services.
- Apply principles of social justice, allyship, and positionality while working with and alongside Deaf people.
- Analyze the impact of power, privilege and institutional oppression on the Deaf individual and Deaf people.
- Identify Deaf representation in literature, visual art, film and social media.
Program duration and maximum time for completion
The full-time ASL & Deaf Studies Certificate Program is 8 months in length. This program may also be taken part-time. Students have 3 years to complete the program.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
- American Sign Language Level 1 – SIGN 1020 or equivalent with a minimum grade of ‘B-‘.
- English 12 with C or equivalent, or English Language Proficiency at an English 12 level.
Learn more about VCC's academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Recommended considerations
- Some previous exposure to the Deaf Community and sensitivity to Deaf issues is an asset.
- Ability to maintain prolonged eye contact can impact ability to receive and understand ASL
- Good manual dexterity.
Program availability
Winter 2027 |
|
|---|---|
| Program start date | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr |
| Status | Open |
| Application opens | Feb 1, 2026 |
| Application deadline | Oct 1, 2026 |
Fall 2027 |
|
| Program start date | |
| Status | Open |
| Application opens | Oct 1, 2026 |
| Application deadline | Jun 1, 2027 |
Spring/Summer 2027 |
|
| Program start date | Jul, Aug |
| Status | Open |
| Application opens | Nov 15, 2026 |
| Application deadline | Apr 1, 2027 |
Fall 2026 |
|
|---|---|
| Program start date | Sep |
| Status | Closed |
| Application opens | Oct 1, 2025 |
Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ASLD 1100 | American Sign Language Levels 3-4 | 6 |
| ASLD 1105 | Introduction To Linguistics of ASL 1 | 1.5 |
| ASLD 1110 | American Sign Language Lab Levels 3-4 | 2 |
| ASLD 1120 | Introduction to Deaf Culture and Community | 3 |
| ASLD 1130 | Social Justice Perspective of Societal Systems and the Deaf | 3.5 |
| ASLD 1200 | American Sign Language Levels 5-7 | 6 |
| ASLD 1205 | Introduction to Linguistics of ASL 2 | 1.5 |
| ASLD 1210 | American Sign Language Lab Levels 5-7 | 2 |
| ASLD 1220 | Deafhood: Journey of the Deaf | 3 |
| ASLD 1230 | Allyship and Accountable Collaboration | 3 |
| Total Credits | 31.5 | |
This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Fees and costs
| Application fee | $36 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $6,597 | |
| Student union | $145 | |
| College initiative | $95 | |
| Campus resource | $132 | |
| Medical and dental | $285 | Explore medical insurance options |
| U-Pass | $375 | Get your student transit pass |
| Graduation | $45 | |
| Total | $7,710 |
Books and Supplies
Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. Visit the VCC Bookstore for more information.
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit.
Refund policies vary for domestic and international students. Review the applicable policy for eligibility, deadlines, and refund amounts.
Need help with tuition?
Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.
Technical requirement
Tuition deposits are usually payable within three weeks after an offer is issued. The amount listed on this page is based on the first-term estimate. Refer to your offer for the exact amount required to accept an offer – either First-Term Estimate or First-Year Estimate.
| Tuition deposit | $11,500 | $10,000 non-refundable |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $144 | |
| Tuition | $20,295 | |
| Student union | $145 | |
| College initiative | $100 | |
| Campus resource | $203 | |
| Medical and dental | $285 | Explore medical insurance options |
| Temporary medical insurance | $149 | |
| U-Pass | $376 | Get your student transit pass |
| Graduation | $45 | |
| Total | $21,743 |
Books and Supplies
Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. Visit the VCC Bookstore for more information.
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit.
Refund policies vary for domestic and international students. Review the applicable policy for eligibility, deadlines, and refund amounts.
Need help with tuition?
Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.
Technical requirement
How to apply
Do you need to complete ASL Level 1 to meet admissions requirements?
Beginner ASL courses are now offered through VCC’s Continuing Studies.
These VCC courses meet the SIGN 1020 requirement:
- SIGN 1000 (ASL Level 1)
- SIGN 1010 (Level 1 Part 1) + SIGN 1020 (Level 1 Part 2)
- ASLL 1001 (Beginner ASL 1) + ASLL 1002 (Beginner ASL 2)
Ready to apply?
Online
You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC.
Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5
International students
Apply to VCC international programs online. Check the availability status for your desired program and intake before applying.
Contact us
Advising services
Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: [email protected]
Advising services for International students
Do you have any questions?