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ASL-English Interpretation AAS
Program overview
On-the-job responsibilities
The ASL-English interpretation major prepares entry-level sign language interpreters for work in settings where deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing people interact and communicate. The degree allows students to develop foundation skills.
Places of employment
Graduates will find entry work in a variety of settings, including elementary, secondary, and post-secondary educational institutions; community service organizations; vocational rehabilitation agencies; business/industry; and government agencies.
Admission requirements
In addition to RIT’s general admissions procedures, the ASL-English interpretation major requires applicants to complete admission materials from the NTID Admissions Office.
Academic preparation
Direct entry to the associate degree option is available for students who demonstrate proficiency at the ASL III level (0875-203) and are ready to enter ASL IV (0875-301) (see course descriptions). It is strongly recommended that applicants possess a BS degree. (Note: Candidates for national interpreter certification must possess a baccalaureate degree.) For those applicants who have had college experience, college transcripts should document a GPA of 3.0 or better, with evidence of very good performance in English courses. A writing sample will be judged on vocabulary, grammar, structure, style, and creativity.
To succeed in this major, students must be able to understand a speaker who is behind them; understand a speaker who is far away; focus on what a speaker is saying in a noisy room; and understand recorded voices through headphones. To see a list of the major skills and abilities needed to study sign language interpreting, please visit the section “Is Interpreting the Career for Me?” on our website.
Curriculum
ASL-English interpretation, AS degree, typical course sequence (semesters), effective fall 2013
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| INTP-210 | Introduction to the Field of Interpreting | 3 |
| INTP-225 | American Sign Language IV | 3 |
| LAS Foundation 1: First Year Seminar | 3 | |
| LAS Perspective 1, 2, 3 | 9 | |
| INTP-215 | Processing Skills Development | 3 |
| INTP-220 | Discourse Analysis | 3 |
| INTP-226 | American Sign Language V | 3 |
| ENGL-150 | LAS Foundation 2: Writing Seminar | 3 |
| Wellness Education* | 0 | |
| Second Year | ||
| INTP-310 | Interpreting I | 3 |
| INTP-315 | Practical and Ethical Applications | 3 |
| INTP-325 | American Sign Language VI | 3 |
| LAS Perspective 4, 6 | 6 | |
| INTP-326 | American Sign Language VII | 3 |
| INTP-335 | Interpreting II: English to ASL | 3 |
| INTP-336 | Interpreting II: ASL to English | 3 |
| INTP-350 | Practicum and Seminar I | 3 |
| LAS Elective: Mathematics | 3 | |
|
Total Semester Credit Hours |
60 | |
Please see New NTID General Education Curriculum-Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) for more information.
* Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.