Deaf Studies Pathway
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Tier 1: Deaf Studies Certificate (DFSD-CC)
Tier 2: Interpreter Training Program, AS (INPR-AS)
Updated: March 3, 2026
Tier 1: Deaf Studies Certificate (DFSD-CC)
​Program Description: The Deaf Studies Certificate is designed for those students whose goal is to work with Deaf people in various entry level jobs. This one-year program provides students with advanced American Sign Language (ASL) skills and an in-depth understanding of the Deaf Community focusing on a bilingual-bicultural approach. Students will learn the foundations of ASL in the classroom. However, a key component of developing proficiency in ASL is frequent interaction with Deaf ASL signers. Therefore, as part of their course requirements, students are required to interact with signing Deaf people at various events both virtual and in person.
Learning Outcomes:
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Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will be able to:
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Communicate at an advanced level using American Sign Language.
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Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of and sensitivity to American Deaf culture.
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Describe the major characteristics of ASL literature.
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Understand the linguistical aspects of American Sign Language.
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Educate others with information and available resources for people who are Deaf and/or Hard of Hearing.
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Model Course Progression:
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Year One
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Fall One
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​ASL 1001 - .5 HS Credits & 3 CT State Credits
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DSC 1001 - .5 HS Credits & 3 CT State Credits
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Spring One
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Year Two​​
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Total Credits = 4.5 HS credits & 27 CT State Credits​
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Tier 2: Interpreter Training Program, AS (INPR-AS)
​Program Description: The Interpreter Training Program (ITP) (American Sign Language) ASL/English is a program of study leading to an Associate in Science degree. The purpose of the program is to provide quality interpreter education in a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary endeavor focusing on preparing student interpreters of ASL and English. This professional career program is a comprehensive, sequenced, and integrated series of courses that is intended to provide students with the necessary techniques and skills required for professional work as interpreters at the entry level. The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) is the organization that oversees the certification of interpreters, this includes the former National Association for the Deaf (NAD) certification. The National Interpreter Certification (NIC) process includes the knowledge exam which can be taken at anytime and the performance exam which requires a Bachelor’s degree. More information and requirements can be found at www.rid.org. Graduation from the Northwestern Campus of CT State Community College ITP does not guarantee students will be granted certification.
Learning Outcomes:
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Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will be able to:
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Effectively interpret between English and American Sign Language.
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Appropriately apply the principles of the RID/NAD Code of Professional Conduct to interpreting situations.
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Mediate cultural differences between Deaf and hearing consumers with sensitivity to and awareness of American Deaf Culture.
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Educate others with information and available resources for people who are Deaf and/or Hard of Hearing.
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The Interpreter Training Program is an intensive program of study that requires commitment through the summer session as well as the fall and spring semesters. The skills required for becoming an interpreter for the Deaf rely on a secure foundation of ASL linguistics. The preparatory courses are structured so that students build a foundation of the linguistics of ASL to communicate on an advanced level with native ASL signers. This level of proficiency is essential to the subsequent courses required for the ITP. Students must possess a reliable computer and internet connection to complete the course requirements.
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Model Course Progression:
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Year One
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Year Two​​
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Year Three
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Full Year
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AP Biology/Chemistry or Physics, 3 or above - 1.0 HS Credits & 4-8 CT State Credits​
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Fall Three
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Spring Three
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Summer Three​
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CCS 1001 - .5 HS Credits & 3 CT State Credits​
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Year Four
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Post-Graduate Summer or Fall Session​
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Total Credits = 11 HS credits & 67-71 CT State Credits​
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