Deaf Studies - General Deaf Studies Emphasis, B.A.

Visit the Languages and Cultures Department page for more information on the program and access to advising.

Program Description

The Deaf Studies - General Deaf Studies Emphasis, B.A. program offers an interdisciplinary exploration of Deaf culture, language, and community with a focus on American Sign Language (ASL) and global Deaf experiences. Students develop advanced ASL proficiency and engage critically with the sociocultural, historical, and artistic contributions of Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. This program and emphasis highlights digital literacy and visual communication, preparing students to create accessible media for both academic and community engagement. Graduates are equipped for careers in advocacy, education, and social services with Deaf communities.

Program Requirements

Core Requirements

¹

Highly recommend:  ASL 2020G Intermediate American Sign Language II , COMM 1020 Public Speaking, PHIL 1000 Introduction to Philosophy, or HUM 1010 Humanities Through the Arts.

²

Highly recommend: DANC 1010 Dance as an Art Form

³

Highly recommend: ANTH 1010G Social Cultural Anthropology, MGMT 1010 Introduction to Business, Or COMM 1050 Introduction to Communication

⁴

Highly recommend: ZOOL 1090 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology

⁵

Highly recommend: CHEM 1010 Introduction to Chemistry or PHYS 1010 Elementary Physics.

⁶

Requires ASL skills equivalent to those expected at the completion of ASL 1020 Beginning American Sign Language II. See advisor for more information.

⁷

Requires ASL skills equivalent to those expected at the completion of ASL 2020G Intermediate American Sign Language II . See advisor for more information.

Graduation Requirements

1. 120 credit hours (minimum of 40 upper division)
2. Minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 2.0, with no grade lower than a "C" for all core and ASL elective requirements.
3. Completion of General Education requirements.
4. Completion of Deaf Studies major core and elective requirements.
5. Completion of one of the two emphases.
6. Residency hours--minimum of 30 credit hours through course attendance at UVU, with at least 10 hours earned in the last 45 hours.
7. Successful completion of at least one Global/Intercultural course.
8. Successful completion of at least two Writing Enriched courses. 

Note: Students should frequently review their program with faculty or department advisor.

Graduation Plan

This graduation plan is a sample plan and is intended to be a guide. Your specific plan may differ based on your Math and English placement and/or transfer credits applied. You are encouraged to meet with an advisor and set up an individualized graduation plan in Wolverine Track.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Identify the major features of and issues in Deaf communities and Deaf cultures at the Advanced Mid rating of the ACTFL proficiency levels.
2. Use digital media technologies to produce language and messages in video format that can be understood by members and users of the target language.
3. Analyze critically ways sociocultural history influences a Deaf individual's sense of self and relationship with others.
4. Describe communication between hearing people and Deaf people that is vital to society.
5. Demonstrate an appreciation of deaf and hard of hearing people's contributions to the visual arts and humanities.