Advanced American Sign Language Undergraduate Badge

Advanced American Sign Language (ASL) involves the use of complex sign vocabulary, grammar, and nonverbal elements to communicate effectively and understand the cultural nuances of the deaf community.

Overview

Grand Valley's Advanced American Sign Language (ASL) Undergraduate Badge program equips students with advanced ASL skills and a deep understanding of the American Deaf Community. Open to both degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking learners, the program is offered face-to-face on the GVSU Health Campus. The badge signifies proficiency in ASL and knowledge of significant events and experiences that have shaped the Deaf Community, though it does not qualify one for interpreting between English and ASL.

The coursework covers intermediate sign vocabulary, grammar, nonverbal elements, and fingerspelling, along with Deaf history and culture. Students will learn to engage in extended ASL conversations, express cohesive narratives, and analyze Deaf culture's unique features.

Studying this program at GVSU offers numerous benefits, including enhanced cognitive function, creative thinking, and hand-eye coordination. Understanding Deaf culture enables effective communication with Deaf clients, patients, or customers. Completing this badge also highlights marketable skills to potential employers, making it a valuable specialization.

A digital badge, or badge, is a record of achievement that recognizes a student's completion of a coherent and meaningful academic experience. GVSU offers both credit and non-credit bearing badges as digital credentials. Credit-bearing badges include anywhere from 0.5 to 15 academic credits and may include additional noncredit criteria. Credit-bearing badges are also posted to the academic transcript.

Admission Information

Admissions to complete a digital badge is open to both degree and nondegree seeking students. If you are not currently a Grand Valley student, start your application here.

For current GVSU students:

Declare your badge via myBanner. Login to Banner Self-Service, click on Student, Student Records, Add a Certificate or Badge to your Program, Select the appropriate badge from the drop down list, and click Submit.
Speak with the appropriate badge coordinator to ensure criteria are being met. You will be able to track your progress toward the badge in myPath as well!
Once you are done with the requirements, apply to receive the badge via myBanner.
Once the completion of your badge has been verified, the badge will be posted to your student record and will be viewable on your transcript. In addition, your digital badge will be posted on Credly.com.

Courses What will transfer? Admission Requirements

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