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 |
| Start Dates |
| Tuition | $20,295 |
|---|---|
| Credential | Certificate |
| Length | 8 months |
| Hours | Full-time |
| Delivery | Class-based |
| Campus | Broadway |
| Start Dates | |
| PGWP | Not listed as eligible |
What to expect
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 Requirement
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.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Recommended Characteristics
- 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
Fall 2026 |
|
|---|---|
| Program Start Date | Sep 2026 |
| Status | Open |
| Application opens | October 1, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | June 1, 2026 |
Winter 2027 |
|
| Program Start Date | Jan 2027, Feb 2027, Mar 2027, Apr 2027 |
| Status | Open |
| Application opens | February 1, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | October 1, 2026 |
Not currently available.
Courses
Monday to Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
| 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 & Dental | $285 | Provided by Student Union |
| U-Pass | $375 | Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more. |
| Graduation | $45 | |
| Total | $7,709 |
Books & 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 ($300 or $500, depending on program).
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
Need help with tuition?
Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.
Technical requirement
Tuition deposits are payable usually within three weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.
| Tuition deposit | $11,500 | $10,000 non-refundable |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $145 | |
| Tuition | $20,295 | |
| Student union | $145 | |
| College initiative | $100 | |
| Campus resource | $132 | |
| Medical & Dental | $285 | Provided by Student Union |
| Temporary medical insurance | $149 | |
| U-Pass | $376 | Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more. |
| Graduation | $45 | |
| Total | $21,741 |
* 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 ($300 or $500, depending on program).
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
Need help with tuition?
Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.
Technical requirement
How to Apply
Do you want to apply to this program?
Go to EducationPlanner BC to submit your application.
- For full-time studies, select the "ASL and Deaf Studies (Certificate)" program
- For introductory courses (SIGN 1010, SIGN 1020, SIGN 2010, SIGN 2020, SIGN 3000), select the "ASL and Deaf Studies (Individual Courses)" program
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
Contact us
Advising services
Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: studentservice@vcc.ca
Advising services for International students
Do you have any questions?