AA

American Sign Language

Learn more about studying American Sign Language as an international student.

Image reflecting the subject area of Humanities & Law, relating to the program.
Berkeley City College university logo

Key facts

  • Program
    Associate
  • Duration
    2 years
  • Program
    On campus
  • Pace
    Full-time
  • Annual tuition fee
    8,322USD
  • Start date
    Jan

Program overview

What Berkeley City College says about their program:

Berkeley City College’s ASL Program enables students to acquire the communicative competence in ASL and the cultural sensitivity needed to interact successfully with members of the American Deaf community. American Sign Language (ASL) is the fourth most used language in the United States. It is the major language that the American Deaf population uses. Students who will benefit from this program include the following: those who wish to expand their language skills and cultural knowledge to enhance other majors (e.g., interpreting, education, social work, and psychology); those who need to fulfill a university foreign language requirement; parents of deaf children; and deafened adults. Students will develop skills which will also make them more marketable to potential employers who encounter the Deaf.

Illustration featuring a variety of academic and scientific symbols, including a graduation cap on top of a profile of Einstein's head, a book, a ruler, a lightbulb, a microscope, a DNA helix, and molecular structure, against a backdrop of a university building with trees and clouds.

Admission requirements

Undergraduate academic requirements

  • Completion of High School/Secondary

English proficiency

  • TOEFL iBT

    61

  • IELTS 6

English proficiency scores are not required for admissions, however having a TOEFL score will help assess whether or not ESOL classes may be required prior to our placement test. Other accepted tests are Duolingo and iTEP scores. Scores must be within the last three years.

Documents required

  • Application form
  • Bank statement
  • Diploma(s) and transcript(s)
  • Medical examination form
  • Passport bio page
  • Personal essay detailing why you have chosen to attend the Peralta Colleges, your educational and career goals
  • Affidavit of support (Form I-134)
  • English proficiency score (optional)
  • Guided self-placement (GSP)
Illustration of academic elements representing admission requirements, including a graduation cap, clock, documents, resumes, ID card, a calendar, and a clipboard.

Fees and funding

Fee information

  • Undergraduate tuition

    USD$10,740 per year

Funding

Bowles Scholars Award

This scholarship is in honor of Catherine Janes Bowles, M.A., and Judge George Bowles, J.D., and is sponsored by Dr. Gloria Bowles, Ph.D., founding coordinator of the women’s studies program at UC Berkeley, to address in a modest way growing inequality. This is a USD$1,000 scholarship award. This scholarship is intended to be awarded to part-time Berkeley City College students who have completed a minimum of 15 units, have a cumulative 3.0 or higher GPA, and appear committed to completing their degrees.

Georgia Runge-Smith Memorial Scholarship

Named in memory of Georgia Runge-Smith, a graduate of the California Community College system, this scholarship is a tribute to her commitment to youth and education. This is a USD$250 scholarship offered in the Spring. This scholarship is open to all students at the Peralta Colleges (Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, Merritt College) regardless of program or major. Qualified students need to have a 2.5 GPA or greater, demonstrate financial need, and must have a goal of transferring to a four-year institution for further study.

John & Deborah Tunis Scholarship; BCC

This is an up to USD$500 scholarship awarded once a year in the Spring. ​This scholarship is intended to be awarded to a female student who demonstrates financial need and academic potential in her career and degree in one of four categories; math/science, business/industry, health sciences, or vocational education.

PACLA Scholarship; BCC

This is a USD$500 scholarship awarded once a year in the Spring to two students. This scholarship is intended to be awarded to a Chicano/Latino student enrolled at Berkeley City College. Preference will be given to, but not limited to AB540 students.
Illustration of education and financial elements including a graduation cap, trophy, diploma, books, a piggy bank, stacks of cash notes, and coins, representing fees and funding.

What is the cost of living near Berkeley City College?

Local figures aren't available yet — values reflect USA-wide averages.

Category Cost  (in United States Dollar)
Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centre$1,652
Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centre$1,349
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse)$214
Internet (60 Mbps unlimited)$73
Mobile phone plan (data + calls)$61
Monthly public transport pass$65
Monthly grocery basket$350
Coffee shop drink$5
Cinema or cultural event ticket$15
Gym membership$45

Indicative monthly costs per person.

Data sourced from numbeo.com (Crowdsourced).

Visa requirements for Berkeley City College

Many international students will require a visa to study in the US, and this is a vital step of your study abroad journey. Make sure you understand the requirements you may need to meet before applying.

USA student visa requirements