New adult programs in communication and sign language interpreting introduced
Goshen College has launched two new career building programs for adult students, in communication and sign language interpreting that will begin in the fall of 2021.
Deaf Studies Major & Minor
About
The Deaf Studies program at Goshen College will introduce you to the rich language and culture of the Deaf community. Designed for students with an interest in Deaf culture and American Sign Language (ASL), the Deaf studies program offers two concentrations: a social services focus or an education focus. Both concentrations prepare students to use their ASL skills in various career paths working with the Deaf community and students will also spend a semester as a visiting student at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.
The Social Service Concentration
The social service concentration prepares students for career options that involve working directly with Deaf individuals and their families. Students in this concentration will learn about topics like Deaf culture, community, family dynamics, and mental health. You will also learn how to provide services to the Deaf community that are culturally competent and relevant.
The Education Concentration
The education concentration prepares students to work with Deaf individuals in educational settings. Learn topics such as:
- Deaf culture
- Foundations of Education
- Deaf literacy
- Child development
- Developmental psychology
The option to double-major in Secondary Education
You will also have the option to complete Deaf Studies as a stand-alone major or a double major with Secondary Education, which would lead to professional licensure to teach ASL at the Middle School or High School level. Deaf Studies graduates will complete ASL classes and will also find many opportunities to practice ASL skills outside the classroom as you attend workshops, Deaf church meetings, Deaf sporting events, and other local events. In addition to spending a semester as a visiting student at Gallaudet University, double majors will spend a semester student teaching ASL.
Graduate Career-Ready
Our Deaf Studies program’s small class sizes allow students to work closely with their professors and peers in a rigorous but supportive setting.
An Alternative to the Interpreting field
The Deaf Studies major is perfect for students interested in ASL who do not want to enter the field of Sign Language interpreting. If you are interested in ASL interpreting, learn more about our Sign Language Interpreting major
Start Your Studies Today!
Concentrations
Education Concentration
Graduates with an education concentration will be prepared for careers such as a paraprofessional or 1:1 aid working with Deaf children in a school setting, tutor, working in an after school program with Deaf children, or as a dorm counselor at a residential school for the Deaf.
This concentration might also lead to graduate studies in Sign Language education, Deaf studies, school counseling, elementary/Deaf education, secondary/Deaf education, linguistics or social work.
Education Concentration & Secondary Education double major
Goshen College is the only program in Indiana to license teachers of American Sign Language, and we are the sole provider of certified ASL teachers in the state. The Indiana Department of Education shows that there are nearly 100 ASL teaching positions in Indiana, and you will be uniquely positioned to begin your career in this specific field.
A double major in Deaf studies and secondary education will prepare you to work as a certified language teacher to hearing students.
Social Services Concentration
A Deaf studies major with a focus on social services will put you in a position to work effectively with an underserved population. A passion for American Sign Language and/or Deaf culture can lead to employment and careers beyond interpreting.
The concentration in social services might lead to a career in organizations that utilize ASL with Deaf clients or clients with developmental disabilities, such as a case manager, job coach, life skills trainer, group home manager or interpreter scheduler. This concentration could also lead to graduate work in the areas of social work, counseling, public administration or Deaf studies.
News & Events
Emma Zuercher ’23
Hear from Emma Zuercher, a student in the Sustainability Leadership Semester (SLS) fall 2020 cohort, about how the SLS is an immersive language experience. She described how the SLS allowed her to focus on the nuances of the English language in a way she never previously encountered.
Virtual Interpreting: Sign language seniors regroup after COVID-19
In their final semester at Goshen College, 12 senior sign language interpreting majors are gaining experience in an area they hadn’t expected before the spread of coronavirus: online interpreting.
Stats
100
Estimated ASL teaching positions available in Indiana
100%
of recent social work grads seeking employment were employed within 4 months of graduation
97%
of social work alumni are satisfied or very satisfied with their undergraduate education
12
Number of weeks students spend completing their senior ASL internship
94%
of GC social work students achieve the program’s competency benchmarks
100%
of alumni agree that social work faculty are genuinely interested in students
Learn more about Goshen College's exceptional academic outcomes and national rankings.
Students & Alumni
Professor of Sign Language Interpreting
Colleen Geier
Colleen Geier has taught American Sign Language and interpreting at other colleges but has never experienced the "wonderful cooperative learning environment" that she finds at Goshen College.
Colleen's story
student
Isis Espinoza ’24
As a child, Isis Espinoza ’24 learned English with help from her teachers, now she wants to do the same for others.
American Sign Language Major
Sam Heberling '15
Sam Heberling, an American Sign Language Interpreting graduate from Mishawaka, Indiana, was active on campus as a leader in the ASL club and on the women's volleyball team.
Sam's story
Student
Emi Garza '23
Emi Garza '23 is connecting her passions for psychology and American Sign Language.
Emi's story
student
Emma Zuercher '23
Emma Zuercher ’23 shaped the way she approaches interpreting, art, relationships and all aspects of her life.
Emma's story
Psychology, American Sign Language
Olivia Ginn '16
Olivia Ginn '16 is using her American Sign Language skills to help others.
Olivia's storyFaculty & Staff
View Profile
Colleen Geier
Program Director and Professor of Sign Language Interpreting
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(574) 535-7467
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Administration Building 32 (Map)
Damon Johnson
Adjunct Professor of Sign Language Interpreting
View Profile
Diana Boussom
Instructor of American Sign Language
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(574) 535-7470
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Administration Building 34B (Map)
View Profile
Suzanne Ehst
Professor of Education and Director of Master of Arts in Teaching
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(574) 535-7875
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Church-Chapel 115E (Map)
