Program Overview
Whichever career path you choose, you may meet or work with someone who is deaf or hard of hearing. Learn how to effectively communicate with these individuals by completing the deaf studies certificate program at Delta College.
The program will introduce you to the rich language and culture of the deaf community — a community of more than 33,000 people in Michigan. Topics of study include deaf culture and its history, American Sign Language and fingerspelling, and interpersonal and intercultural communication.
Delta's small class sizes and professors who want to see you succeed will help you achieve your goals. What a great way to start your education and save money while getting a top-notch education.
Earning Potential
Earnings vary depending on the major and career you choose. Adding skills to your
résumé can lead to greater job opportunities, higher earning potential and make you a more
valuable member of a team.
Visit Career Coach to research the growth and earning outlook for the career you're considering.
About Delta's Program
It's estimated that there are more than 4,000 deaf individuals in Bay, Midland and Saginaw counties. A variety of professionals in healthcare, education, public service and beyond will benefit from the deaf studies certificate at Delta College.
Students who complete this program will gain the following skills:
- Reach an intermediate skill level of American Sign Language (ASL), including translating ASL to grammatically accurate and conceptually phrases, questions or sentences in English
- Have conversations with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing
- Compare and contrast American mainstream culture with deaf culture
- Fingerspell words, numbers and loan signs in a clear manner
- Employ non-manual cues or markers such as facial expressions to facilitate communication
- Define and list issues in deaf community
- Identify cultural values, identity affiliation, group norms, rules of social interactions and traditions held by members who are culturally deaf
Why you should choose Delta
Life is busy. But that shouldn't get in the way of your education. Delta offers classes at night, on weekends and online to make taking classes and getting that degree easier. Plus, Delta has three centers so you can take classes even closer to home.
At the Teaching Learning Center, located in the Library, we offer tutoring on a wide variety of subjects, and help with developing study and learning skills. Most tutoring is on a walk-in basis but we do have some online tutoring options.
Best of all, it's free for currently enrolled Delta students. Just another way we demonstrate our commitment to helping students succeed.
The specially-designed courses emphasize creative and critical thinking, providing a unique learning experience. You have more exploration of the subject area with increased faculty and student interaction. Make the most of your Delta experience. Join Honors!
Want to travel and see the world? You can do that at Delta. And get college credit while you do. Every year Delta offers study abroad opportunities.
Why study abroad?
- Experience a new culture
- Improve your foreign language skills
- Make lifelong friends
- Find new interests
- Looks good on job applications
- Personal growth
Facts & Figures
With the Michigan Transfer Agreement, 30 credits are guaranteed to transfer to any public institution in Michigan.
An associate’s degree earns you 35% more income on average.
"At Delta, we take great pride in preparing our students for successful careers, and that often means providing opportunities to bring additional skillsets to their jobs. This new program does just that."
Dean of Career Education/Learning Partnerships and Director of Academic Support