To celebrate International Week of the Deaf and Deaf Awareness Month, CWI’s ASL Club and Student Disability Services hosted a few events.
Read more about CWI Celebrates International Week of the Deaf and Deaf Awareness MonthSign Language Studies
Discover the Diverse Career Opportunities in Teaching, Interpreting, and More
Program Overview
Are you drawn to the rich language and culture of the American Sign Language (ASL) community? At College of Western Idaho (CWI), the Sign Language Studies program immerses you in ASL, offering an unparalleled opportunity to develop both expressive and receptive skills. This comprehensive Associate of Arts degree program is not just about language proficiency; it is a journey into cultural understanding and connection with the local Deaf community. Whether you aspire to be a teacher, interpreter, or speech-language pathologist, this program lays the foundation for diverse and rewarding career paths.
By completing this program, you will meet the general education requirements of all Idaho public universities, ready to transfer for further studies. Your experience in the program will be enriched through local events, community service, and symposiums, deepening your cultural awareness and empathy. This program is ideal for those who value linguistic diversity and are committed to lifelong learning and personal and professional success in the field of ASL and Deaf studies.
Degree or Certificate Type
Associate of Arts
Time to Complete
2 years
Primary Locations
Learning Opportunities
- ASL Language Proficiency: Develop advanced expressive and receptive language skills in ASL.
- Cultural Immersion: Gain deep insights into Deaf culture and community through immersive learning experiences.
- Critical Thinking & Comparative Analysis: Enhance your understanding of cultural perspectives and engage in meaningful comparisons.
- Research Skills in ASL: Conduct research using written and signed discourse, improving information literacy.
- Preparation for Diverse Careers: Equip yourself for careers in teaching, interpreting, speech-language pathology, and more.
Area of Study
Degrees & Certificates
Sign Language Studies – Associates of Arts Degree
Career Opportunities
Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary
381
Annual Openings*
$13.03
Hourly Median Wage*
$27,102
Annual Median Salary
14.47%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Interpreters and Translators
Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.
34
Annual Openings*
$18.70
Hourly Median Wage*
$38,896
Annual Median Salary
22.52%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School
20
Annual Openings*
$23.11
Hourly Median Wage*
$48,069
Annual Median Salary
20.84%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
Teach academic, social, and life skills to secondary school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities. Excludes “Substitute Teachers, Short-Term” (25-3031).
12
Annual Openings*
$28.86
Hourly Median Wage*
$60,029
Annual Median Salary
25.11%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Special Education Teachers, Middle School
Teach academic, social, and life skills to middle school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities. Excludes “Substitute Teachers, Short-Term” (25-3031).
12
Annual Openings*
$22.75
Hourly Median Wage*
$47,320
Annual Median Salary
15.05%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Special Education Teachers, Preschool
Teach academic, social, and life skills to preschool-aged students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities. Excludes “Substitute Teachers, Short-Term” (25-3031).
2
Annual Openings*
$27.06
Hourly Median Wage*
$56,285
Annual Median Salary
21.6%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data.
Admissions
Step 1
- Apply to CWI.
- Choose Sign Language Studies as your major.
Step 2
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Cost & Aid
As a student in this program, you may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships.
Idaho Launch
Are you a 2024 Idaho high school graduate? Learn how to get up to $8,000 of your tuition and fees covered at CWI through Idaho LAUNCH.
Enrichment Opportunities
Enhance your academic experience, expand your knowledge, reach your goals, and celebrate your achievements.
Advising
Already a student? We are here to help you navigate your educational journey, connect you to academic and support resources, and achieve your academic or career goals.
Transfer Information
Plan ahead for a smooth transition to a four-year college or university.
Clubs
We are passionate about American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf culture, supporting the Deaf community, events, and more! Come join fellow ASL students at College of Western Idaho at our monthly meetings to make lasting friendships and practice ASL...
News
Congratulations to Arts and Humanities Administrative Assistant, Kayla Adams, College of Western Idaho’s Staff of the Month for April 2022.
Read more about Adams Named Staff of the Month for April“CWI empowered me to believe in myself and in a better future.”
Read more about Leading by ExampleThe ASL Club is looking forward to some fun this semester!
Read more about ASL Club Launches for Fall 2018 SemesterSherry Matthews has been named College of Western Idaho’s Faculty of Distinction for June 2018.
Read more about Faculty of Distinction—June 2018"Because of CWI, I am successful in achieving my dreams."
Read more about Erin T.Request More Information
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