The American Sign Language and Deaf Studies Degree Program is designed for individuals who do not have a college degree and are interested in the field of Deaf Studies, linguistics, communications, psychology, social work, rehabilitation, education of the Deaf and other related areas. The program provides a multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary approach in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies. Areas of scholarly pursuit include cultural and historical studies, linguistic examination, and literary analysis, as well as the study of the language in its conversational form. Graduates will be prepared for entry-level positions working with Deaf persons or transfer to four-year degree programs. This program can be completed either as a part-time or full-time student in a day or evening program.
Students are admitted to the ASL and Deaf Studies Program when they have demonstrated English competency and have satisfactorily completed the two semesters of the Pre-entry-level. Students are required to have satisfactorily completed ENG 101 and ENG 102 before taking ASL 201 (ASL 3) and ASL 205 (Linguistics of ASL).
Deaf and Hard of Hearing students are encouraged to participate in this program.
The Audio Production program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation for further study and employment in the growing field of Audio Production.
As a transfer program, the program provides a foundation in academic and general studies courses, which prepare students for further study at four-year programs in this discipline both locally and nationally.
Additionally, the program intends to create graduates with the requisite training and skills to begin working with industry standard equipment and software to compose and record their own compositions and compete for entry-level positions in the field.
Other Communications Degrees Include:
- Communications
- Film
- Game Design Creation
- Journalism
- Multimedia
- Public Relations
- Radio
- Television
Specifically, graduates must be able to demonstrate the ability to:
- recount the history of audio recording technology;
- in conducting research, understand the importance of qualifying source material, using time honored structures such as peer review and disciplinary standards;
- demonstrate an understanding of the recording industry as a business;
- a level of comfort and proficiency with standard productivity software such as Adobe Audition, Cubase SX and Pro Tools, as well as an understanding of the ways in which these tools are applied
- in the audio production field;
- the ability to understand and apply all phases of audio production in the contemporary music studio environment;
- identify the fundamental process and sequence involved in the production of audio composition;
- identify the different roles and responsibilities of the recording studio
- identify the historical development of musical performance;
- understand the essentials of audio engineering, the fundamentals of digital imaging and video editing for New Media applications.
Option offered through Liberal Arts
This program is for those students who wish to transfer to a four-year institution and major in Psychology.
The specific objectives of this program are that the graduate must be able to:
- demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
- understand and apply basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation.
- respect and use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and, when possible, the scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes.
- understand, develop insights, and apply psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues.
- weigh evidence, tolerate ambiguity, act ethically, and reflect other values that are the underpinnings of psychology as a discipline.
- demonstrate information competence, ability to use computers and other technology, and an ability to communicate effectively in a variety of formats.
- recognize, understand, and respect the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity.
Option offered through Business
This program offers a strong foundation for students wishing to major in either public and/or business administration. The program includes courses in statistics, computer programming, and management. The courses are designed to develop analytical and quantitative skills, as well as familiarity with the basic characteristics of government and business organizations.
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will be able to:
- Communicate effectively in written, verbal, and electronic formats
- Describe the principles and practices in the field of public administration management
- Utilize technology as it applies to business practices and research
- Describe the application of macroeconomic and microeconomic theories and concepts in a mixed economy based market
- Enumerate the principles governing ethical behavior in the public administration profession
Option offered through Communications
This program is designed for transfer to a bachelor’s degree-granting institution. Course work includes theory and practice of public relations. Internships in professional organizations are available. Students are required to consult with an advisor regarding appropriate option and course selection for their needs and interests.
Other Communications Degrees Include:
- Audio Production
- Communications
- Film
- Game Design Creation
- Journalism
- Multimedia
- Radio
- Television
The specific objectives of this program are that the graduate must be able to demonstrate:
- Communicate orally and in writing in college level discourse
- Discuss and analyze current social and political issues and events
- Demonstrate proficiency with productivity software such as word processing, presentation manager, web browser and apply them in the field of communications
- State the importance of committing to a process of life-long learning
- Evaluate the ethical implications of institutional policies and individual practices
The Communications curriculum is designed for transfer to a bachelor’s program in communications or related discipline. Options are available for students who have decided that they are particularly interested in a certain field. Faculty advisors are available in the Communications program and students are encouraged to consult with a faculty advisor regarding appropriate option and course selection for their needs and interests.
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will be able to:
- Communicate orally and in writing in college level discourse
- Discuss and analyze current social and political issues and events
- Demonstrate proficiency with productivity software such as word processing, presentation manager, web browser and apply them in the field of communications
- Explain the importance of committing to a process of life-long learning
- Compare and contrast prevalent cultural narratives and texts and the various media used to convey them
Other Communications Degrees Include:
- Audio Production
- Film
- Game Design Creation
- Journalism
- Multimedia
- Public Relations
- Radio
- Television
Option offered through Communications
This program is designed for transfer to a bachelor’s degree-granting institution. Course work includes theory and practice of radio broadcasting. Internships in professional organizations are available. Students are required to consult with an advisor regarding appropriate option and course selection for their needs and interests.
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will be able to:
- Communicate orally and in writing in college level discourse
- Discuss and analyze current social and political issues and events
- Demonstrate proficiency with productivity software such as word processing, presentation manager, web browser and apply them in the field of communications
- Explain the importance of committing to a process of life-long learning
- Demonstrate an understanding of the recording industry as a business
- Operate the tools and technology encountered in a professional recording studio or radio station
- Work as a member of a team to prepare a program for a recording or radio station.
Other Communications Degrees Include:
- Audio Production
- Communications
- Film
- Game Design Creation
- Journalism
- Multimedia
- Public Relations
- Television
The drama option will include the study of European and modern theater as both “text” and “event”, with reading, improvisation, field trips, playwrights, and directing used as techniques in the learning process. Students will also develop voice, body, and imagination through the art of acting and will put those skills to use in all forms of dramatic presentations.
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will be able to:
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
- Use technology for learning and research
- Analyze the history and elements of drama and theater acting
- Perform effectively as an actor in a specified scene
- Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to situations involving theater
Option offered through the Liberal Arts
Sociology is the scientific study of human society and social interaction. This program helps students understand and use sociological tools and insights to work effectively in a diverse society. The program is for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution and major in Sociology or other related fields.
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will be able to:
- Identify basic sociological concepts and theories.
- Describe and explain social, cultural and global variations
- Apply sociological theories to the analysis of social institutions that influence human behavior.
- Analyze sociological problems and generate solutions.
- Evaluate methods used in sociological research and assess a published report.
- Incorporate sociological knowledge and research findings into written and oral presentations.
SUGGESTED GRADES PRE-K-3 Option offered through Liberal Arts
For students who wish to prepare themselves for an Associate degree or wish to transfer and earn a baccalaureate degree in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education.
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will be able to:
- Apply knowledge of psychological concepts to the learning behavior of children from Pre-K to Grade 3
- Analyze the characteristics of effective teaching behaviors and “best practices” in the teaching profession
- Describe the organization and funding of school systems
- Describe the roles of teachers, students, parents, administrators, and teacher associations in the U.S.
- Communicate effectively orally and in writing
- Demonstrate the skills and motivation for continued self-education
