Sign Language Degree

The sign language degree program at Portland Community College is designed to prepare students to study American Sign Language as a method of communication in the deaf community. Students seeking a sign language degree may pursue a career in teaching sign language, as well as American Sign Language translation, on a private or public scale. Courses include instruction in the development of ASL, ASL morphology and syntax, signing technique, English translation of ASL, formal and colloquial ASL, and ASL transcription. Get more details below including other Oregon colleges that offer sign language degrees.

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Portland Community College

Also known as Summit Salon Academy-PDX

8820 SW Center, Tigard, OR

Portland Community College (PCC), located in the Northwest Oregon area, is the largest higher education institution in the state of Oregon. PCC offers many different types of study programs, including traditional credit courses earned towards a two-year associate's degree or as part of a college-transfer program.  PCC also allows students to pursue dual enrollment programs, wherein they combine their PCC credits with those from other institutions.  Continuing education and adult basic skills programs are offered, as well as professional training and licensing for career advancement, among others.

History

Portland Community College was founded in 1961.   In 1968, a new college district was formed, the Metropolitan Area Education District, to include the school districts of Portland and five other counties.  The district's name was later changed to the Portland Community College District.   In the 1990s, PCC's Cascade and Rock Creek campuses were completed, along with the establishment of several of its centers.

Academics

Portland Community College's academic calendar follows a four-quarter format, with fall, winter, spring and summer terms.  Each term is roughly three months long.

There are 80 programs of study available at Portland Community College from many different departments.  Students can pursue programs for general studies, pre-college transfer, two-year associate's degrees, professional training certificates, improving English skills or earning a high school diploma.

Colleges and Schools

PCC doesn't have separate colleges and schools, but its many departments offer the following study areas:

• Agriculture, Forestry, Marine
• Architecture
• Business
• Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics
• Criminal Justice, Human Services, Public Administration
• Engineering
• Fine Arts, Arts
• Foreign Languages
• Health, Physical Education and Recreation
• Health Professions
• Home Economics, Family Studies
• Journalism
• Liberal Arts, Humanities
• Natural Sciences
• Social Sciences

Student Life

There are many student resources offered at Portland Community College's three comprehensive campuses, including online-distance learning options, academic advising, counseling, career advising, child care, student leadership opportunities, and more.

Athletics

The athletics program at Portland Community College is all about basketball.  Its Panther Basketball Program, which includes men and women's intercollegiate basketball teams, has the ambitious goal of winning an NWAACC conference championship.  Once it achieves this goal, PCC plans to transfer all its basketball players who are also graduating with an associate's degree to four-year universities as top student-athletes.  PCC wants its Panther student-athletes to continue their athletic and academic careers at the university level and beyond.

Satellite Campuses

Portland Community College has three campuses in and around the Portland area: Cascade Campus, Rock Creek Campus, and Sylvania Campus.  As part of its "Extended Learning Campus," PCC also has seven smaller centers that provide job training, specialized programs, and some college transfer courses.  These seven centers are:

• CLIMB / Central Portland (CPWTC)
• Hillsboro Center
• Newberg Center
• Portland Metropolitan (PMWTC)
• Southeast Center
• Willow Creek Center
• Downtown Center
• Columbia County

Community Life

The city of Portland, known as "the City of Roses," is 70 miles from the Pacific Ocean and situated along the Columbia and Willamette rivers. Portland's historic old town is adjacent, offering many galleries and museums, theatres, shopping, Waterfront Park and many more attractions to enjoy.  Not far from Portland are many outdoor attractions such as Hood River, Multnomah Falls, and Mount Hood.  There are more than 200 parks in the Portland area, and the excellent public transportation system makes most destinations accessible.

Career Options for Graduates

Interpreters and Translators

Description

Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, interpreters and translators employment is expected to grow at a rate of 28.7% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
  • Total Employment: 960
  • Average Hourly Rate: $19.76
  • Average Annual Salary: $41100

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).