Deaf Studies Minor
Build communication skills in American Sign Language (ASL) and a real understanding of the Deaf community, culture, and lived experience. The 15-credit minor pairs with any major and strengthens any career that involves working with people.
Program Overview
The deaf studies minor at Shawnee State University allows students to develop communication skills in American Sign Language (ASL) and gain a deeper understanding of the Deaf community, culture, and lived experiences. Deaf Studies can be added to any major and is especially valuable for students entering fields that involve direct interaction with the public.
Through coursework focused on language, psychology, and cultural awareness, students learn to engage meaningfully with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing in educational, healthcare, service, or community-based contexts. Whether you're pursuing a career in education, social work, health care, or public service, the deaf studies minor enhances your ability to build inclusive, effective relationships in both professional and social environments.
At A Glance
Deaf Studies Minor
Degree
Minor
Format
On campus
Length
Complete alongside your major
Credits
15
Why Study Deaf Studies Minor at Shawnee University
ASL plus culture. You build basic-to-intermediate fluency in American Sign Language while learning Deaf history, culture, and the psychology of deafness - not just signs.
Pairs with any major. Especially valuable for students in education, social work, psychology, communication, health sciences, criminal justice, nursing, and occupational or speech therapy.
Compact and focused. The 15-credit minor fits into most majors without extending your timeline. Inclusive communication.
You'll develop skills to support and advocate for Deaf individuals across professional and community settings. Strong foundation for further study.
The minor gives you a credible starting point if you decide later to pursue interpreter training or a related career.
The Deaf Studies Minor consists of 15 credit hours in American Sign Language, Deaf culture, and the psychology of deafness. A grade of 'C' or better is required in all courses applied to the minor, and minor courses cannot also count toward your major requirements.
- SIGN 1010 - Introduction to Sign Language
- SIGN 1113 - American Sign Language I
- SIGN 1121 - Orientation to Deafness
- SIGN 1213 - American Sign Language II
- SIGN 1221 - Psychology of Deafness
The Deaf Studies Minor is a strong complement for students in fields that benefit from advanced communication and cultural competence.
- Education students preparing to teach in inclusive classrooms
- Social work and human services students serving Deaf clients and families
- Psychology students interested in language, identity, and community
- Communication and journalism students who want to work across more communities
- Health sciences, nursing, occupational therapy, and speech therapy students who serve Deaf patients
- Criminal justice students preparing for community-facing roles
On campus at Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, Ohio.
Deaf Studies Minor Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. It's especially common with education, psychology, social work, communication, criminal justice, nursing, and health sciences.
No. The minor builds foundational ASL skills and Deaf cultural knowledge. Interpreting requires specialized training beyond this minor.
No. Courses applied to the minor can't also count toward your major requirements.
A grade of 'C' or better is required in all courses applied to the minor.
