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Overview
American Sign Language is one of the most commonly used languages in the United States and Canada. Our students take ASL courses for a many reasons: pursuing a career in the field such as teaching or interpreting, supplementing their resumes with language skills, or simply wanting to communicate better with friends and family members.
Students earning a degree in Sign Language Studies at CWI are immersed in the language and culture of the ASL community. They have the opportunity to develop receptive and expressive skills, along with the cultural awareness needed to participate in the local Deaf community. Students are able to connect with the community through local events, community service, and symposiums.
Through the study of ASL, students prepare themselves to transfer to four-year degree programs in pursuit of a variety of fulfilling careers and life opportunities. These career opportunities include teachers, interpreters, elementary education instructors, speech-language pathologists and many more. Achieving an AA in Sign Language Studies will provide a strong foundation in the basic language skills and cultural knowledge that will allow students to achieve their academic and professional goals.
Mission
Our mission is to provide students with a multi-cultural language learning experience that will broaden their perception of the world and their place in it. We believe the study of American Sign Language provides communicative proficiency at the appropriate level and a connection with the American Deaf Community and Deaf Culture, deepens cultural awareness and empathy, and inspires lifelong learning essential to personal and professional success.
Why This Program
The Sign Language Studies program is designed to help students apply language skills and continue developing these skills for personal enrichment. Completion of the program will result in an Associate of Arts degree in Sign Language Studies and fulfills the general education requirements at all Idaho public universities. This program can supplement any degree with second language skills which will help build your resume.
What You Will Learn to Do
- Develop receptive and expressive language skills at the intermediate level
- Communicate in a second language in meaningful real world contexts
- Develop cultural awareness and connect with local Deaf Community
Requirements and Costs
Degrees and Certificates
Important Dates for Credit Programs
Summer 2023 | Fall 2023 | Spring 2024 | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Priority Registration Begins1 | N/A | April 10 | Nov. 13, 2023 | |
Open Registration Begins | Feb. 27 | April 17 | Nov. 20, 2023 | |
Financial Aid Priority Deadline | May 13 | July 29 | Dec. 16, 2023 | |
Admission Deadline2 | May 27 | Aug. 12 | Jan. 6 | |
Last Day to Register for Classes | June 2 | Aug. 18 | Jan. 12 | |
Tuition and Fees Due | June 2 | Aug. 18 | Jan. 12 | |
Classes Begin3 | June 5 | Aug. 21 | Jan. 16 | |
1 Priority registration is limited to continuing students. Students are assigned a registration time based on their cumulative credits earned. Students should check myCWI and their CWI email to learn their assigned registration time. Students may register online anytime on or after their assigned registration time. | ||||
2 The admission deadline for international students is earlier than the deadline for non-international students and is only available during the fall and spring semesters. Please consult the Academic Calendar for the international student admission deadlines for the fall and spring semesters. | ||||
3 Classes in shorter sessions (including 4-, 5-, and 8-week sessions) may begin before or after this date. Please refer to the Registration and Refund Deadlines by Class Section Dates (located beneath each semester) of the Academic Calendar for more information. |
Advising
Navigating your way through college can be confusing, especially if you try to go it alone. CWI offers advising assistance to help in deciding which courses you need to take to reach your education and career goals. Visit Advising or contact One Stop Student Services for more information.
Connecting With Ideas
Connecting With Ideas (CWI 101) is the first semester student success course designed to help CWI students become engaged members of the academic community and cultivate habits for lifelong achievement and success. Each semester, students can select from a variety of themes. More information about next semesters CWI 101 themes
Transfer
Look beyond your degree at CWI and plan for continuing your education by working closely with CWI advising and representatives of your intended transfer school. Planning before you transfer can save you time and money. Visit Transfer Information for more information or contact One Stop Student Services.
2+2 with ISU pending
Financial Aid Available
Did you know that as a student in this program you may be eligible for financial aid? Through grants, scholarships, and loans, more than 60 percent of first-time, full-time CWI students receive some form of financial assistance. To learn more about financial aid options and whether you may be eligible, visit Financial Aid.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition for a full-time CWI student averages half the cost of a state university and a third of the cost of a private college. Tuition and fees vary based on program and residence. Visit Tuition and Fees for more information.
Career Info
Professions
- Elementary Teachers
- Secondary School Teachers
- Special Education Teachers
- Tutors
- College Instructors
- Interpreters
- Medical Interpreters
- Court Interpreters
- Classroom Interpreters
- Speech-Language Pathologists
- Audiologists
By pursuing advanced degrees, Sign Language Studies majors may enter a variety of professional fields including teaching and interpreting. Through the study of ASL, students prepare themselves to transfer to four-year degree programs in pursuit of a variety of fulfilling careers and life opportunities. These career paths could include teachers, interpreters, elementary education instructors, speech-language pathologists and many more. Completing an AA in Sign Language Studies will provide a strong foundation in the basic language skills and cultural knowledge that will allow students to achieve their academic and professional goals.
Locations
Instructors
Program Department Chair
Instructor(s)
Respectful Community
The College of Western Idaho is committed to maintaining a Respectful Community by providing equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate in services, benefits, or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status, age, or any other legally protected status. More on Title IX
News and Blogs

Congratulations to Arts and Humanities Administrative Assistant, Kayla Adams, College of Western Idaho’s Staff of the Month for April 2022.

Sherry Matthews has been named College of Western Idaho’s Faculty of Distinction for June 2018.
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