I took ASL in high school, do I have to take ASL 1?

Most of our students come in with some amount of ASL skill. If this is the case, we ask that you take the ASL placement test. Most students with ASL experience will test out of the basic ASL level courses (ASL and/or ASL 2) depending on years of experience. You will need to take this test before the start of the fall semester (see the deadline listed in the link to the test) to ensure proper placement in an ASL course. You should not register for SLS 201 unless you are placed in that course due to test scores. Information for this test can be found here.

I do not have any ASL experience. Can I still major in Deaf Education?

Of course! While uncommon, we do accept a number of students who do not have any ASL experience prior to enrolling. Flagler offers 8 ASL courses that range in skill level. Students who do not have any ASL experience should enroll in SLS 201 in their very first semester to ensure that they have all of the proper prerequisites to complete their program in a timely manner.

I noticed that the degree plan requires a minimum of 125 hours. Will I be able to finish in 4 years?

Yes! Almost all of our students complete the degree in 4 years. This can be accomplished in one of two ways. Some students choose to take courses over the summer, others choose to take 18 credit hours for two semesters. The benefit to this is that you will graduate with a dual major (Deaf Education K-12 and Elementary Education K-6) and two endorsements (Reading and ESOL). There is no other college or university in the State of Florida that provides that option as part of the regular degree plan.

I am a transfer student. Will I be able to finish my degree in 2 years?

Likely, not. It will mostly depend on the coursework you have taken at your previous institution and your level of ASL experience. Due to the course sequence for your Deaf Education Core and your Professional Education Core, as well as the 15-hour minimum requirement, students who transfer in, even with an AA, should expect 5 or more semesters of coursework to complete the degree.

I have an AA degree. Will I be able to finish my degree in 2 years?

Likely, not. It will mostly depend on the coursework you have taken at your previous institution and your level of ASL experience. Due to the course sequence for your Deaf Education Core and your Professional Education Core, as well as the 15-hour minimum requirement, students who transfer in, even with an AA, should expect 5 or more semesters of coursework to complete the degree.

What is the program's philosophy/approach related to ASL vs. Oral?

The Flagler College Deaf Education Program prides itself on being a balanced program. We have designed a rigorous program that prepares teachers to work with ALL children who are deaf and hard of hearing. This includes intensive study in American Sign Language and Deaf Culture, training in Cued Speech, and coursework that addresses pedagogy and strategies necessary to work with children who use Listening and Spoken Language. Due to our location, we are also able to provide students with experiences working in both residential and general education placements that include self-contained and itinerant service models.

Are your ASL courses taught by native users?

Yes. All of our ASL instructors are native users.

Will I have classes where I am required to use ASL?

Yes. In addition to your Sign Language Studies (ASL) courses, you will have two other courses that are taught in ASL and where you will be expected to participate in ASL. These courses are EDD 470 and EDD 473.

Is there any ASL proficiency requirement for graduation?

Students who wish to intern in an educational placement where ASL is the primary language of instruction must earn a 2+ or better on the ASLPI or a minimum rating of intermediate on the SLPI.   Information about the ASLPI can be found here. Information about the SLIPI can be found here.

I see there is an ASL minor. Can I add this minor to my degree?

YES! Deaf Education majors are already required to take a minimum of 15 hours of coursework in ASL. The minor requirement for Deaf Education majors is a minimum of 18 hours of coursework. By adding one additional course, you can earn the minor. Information about the ASL minor can be found here.

My friend wants to be an ASL minor, but they are not an education major? Can they add it?

Yes! The ASL minor is open to all students at Flagler College. Information about the ASL minor can be found here.