Deaf Studies Minor Program Map

Minor in Deaf Studies

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 and 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 within the James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education at Valdosta State University. Students can enroll in the program as traditional/on campus residents, or complete coursework through distance learning/video conferencing technology. 

Students enrolled in programs such as Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Criminal Justice, Anthropology, a foreign language, Fine Arts (Music, Dance, Theater, and Film), communications, Education, Exercise Science, Business, Nursing, Mass Media, and other fields of study are highly encouraged to consider this minor. This minor is not available to majors in ASL/English Interpreting or Deaf Education programs.

Because many of these classes are only offered during one semester and are also prerequisites for other required classes, students are recommended to take classes in the order of the sample below. Click on the red course codes to view course descriptions. Talk to your advisor if you have questions.

For more information, visit this program's page in the catalog.

Visit the Deaf Studies page in Majors & Degrees for general info about the field and degree.