Minor in Deaf Studies

About this field

A minor in Deaf Studies was established by Valdosta State University to provide students with knowledge and skills in American Sign Language (ASL) as well as Deaf Culture, linguistics. Students pursing a minor in Deaf Studies are exposed to the uniqueness of ASL as a world language while acquiring cultural knowledge that will enable them to successfully interact with the American Deaf community. The curriculum is designed to promote a cultural and linguistic understanding of Deaf individuals while encouraging students to analyze existing stereotypes pertaining to this population, so they in turn, can effectively educate hearing members of society.

The Deaf Studies Minor is housed in the Department of Teacher Education and is part of the ASL and Deaf Education programs.  

This minor complements any career in which you will be interacting with people.

The Valdosta State Difference

The Minor in Deaf studies can be paired with other programs offered at VSU.  The Deaf Studies minor provides knowledge and skills needed to communicate efficiently and effectively using American Sign Language (ASL) and within the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. Classes offered are both online and in-person.

If you anticipate working with the public in any capacity, you are encouraged and invited to consider this minor.

What You'll Learn

This curriculum is designed to promote a cultural and linguistic understanding of Deaf individuals while encouraging you to analyze existing stereotypes pertaining to this population, so in turn, you can effectively educate hearing members of society.