American Sign Language

Please check GRCC’s Admissions and Student Services webpage for information on how to apply.

Or if you’re ready to apply, visit the Apply page to choose the right application for you.

You can do either! If you’re working toward a degree or interested in the ASL Interpreter Pathway, we recommend taking the course for credit. If you simply want to learn for personal interest, you may be able to audit the course (no credit earned).

Please see GRCC’s scholarship webpage for more information about available scholarships.

ASL courses are offered in Fall and Winter semesters in the traditional 14-week semester format. Please visit this page for more information on how to register for classes.

Please visit the Tuition Rates and Fees webpage for more information on cost per contact hour.

GRCC has partnered with Lansing Community College (LCC) to provide students interested in becoming American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters with a clear transfer pathway. Students complete their first year of ASL courses at GRCC, then transfer to LCC to finish their Interpreter Training Program. This typically equates to 8 classes at GRCC, and then an additional 16 classes at LCC to complete an associate’s degree. Students should connect with an LCC advisor during their final semester at GRCC to prepare for summer enrollment.

Learn More About the ASL Pathway

Because GRCC does not award a degree in ASL, we recommend that you declare “General Studies – A.G.S.” as your major. You’ll then transfer to LCC to complete your ASL Interpreter degree. Always confirm your plan with an academic advisor.

You may qualify if you’ve completed three or more years of ASL in high school or taken ASL 1 at another college. Skills assessments are free and can be completed in person or via Zoom. They last about one hour and include:

• A spoken interview about your ASL background and goals
• An ASL-only interview with signed questions and responses
• A voicing task based on an ASL video from the SL 171 curriculum
• A 2–4 minute ASL story presentation (rubric provided)

Passing the assessment allows you to skip prerequisites and enter higher-level ASL courses. Please note, this does not award college credit for SL 171, which may still be required for degree completion.

For more information about skills assessments, please reach out to the Language and Thought Department directly at: languageandthought@grcc.edu or (616) 234-3544.

No. GRCC does not offer a full ITP. Students complete ASL 1, ASL 2, Fingerspelling, Introduction to Deaf Culture, and general education courses at GRCC, then transfer to LCC to finish their degree in ASL interpreting.

No. Professional interpreting requires certification to comply with the Michigan Deaf Person’s Interpreter Act. At GRCC, you focus on language learning. Interpreting skills are practiced and developed once you transfer to LCC’s ITP.

There are four classes that we offer here at GRCC. More information on each is available in the GRCC online catalog.

• SL 150 - Introduction to Deaf Culture
• SL 155 - Fingerspelling
• SL 171 - American Sign Language I
• SL 172 - American Sign Language II

Our courses are taught by a team of Deaf native signers and certified hearing interpreters. Together, they provide high-quality language instruction while preparing the next generation of interpreters.

Yes! Many colleges accept these courses. A full list of colleges and universities that accept GRCC’s ASL courses is available on the Michigan Transfer Network. For confirmation, check with a GRCC academic advisor or the transfer school’s admissions office.