ASL-English Interpretation Program
ASL-English Interpretation
The ASL-English Interpretation BS program prepares sign language interpreters for work in settings where deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing people interact. This degree allows students to develop skills for entry-level interpreting, with opportunities to explore interpreting in educational, medical, or community settings.
We offer a rigorous program that equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become competent interpreters who are committed to lifelong learning and are actively engaged in the deaf and interpreting communities. Interpreting students benefit from small class sizes that support individualized learning. As part of the program, you will gain real-world experience by completing supervised practicum placements under the mentorship of professional interpreters in college, school, or community settings.
What is Interpreting?
- Sign language interpreters bridge the communication gap between people who don't share a common language. They are highly skilled professionals who must be able to ascertain the meaning of a speaker’s message in one language and communicate that intended meaning to an audience that doesn’t share the same language and culture as the speaker.
- They can work in a wide variety of settings: business, educational, medical, legal, government or social service agencies, religious, video relay or performing arts.
- For more information, see the Bureau of Labor Statistic's Occupational Outlook Handbook.
What is American Sign Language?
- ASL is the visual language used by many deaf and hard-of-hearing people in the United States and many parts of Canada.
- ASL is very different from English—it is a complete language with its own grammatical structure.
- For more information, see the National Association of the Deaf's definition of ASL
Why Interpreting?
- The demand for interpreters is greater than the supply, so there are many employment opportunities.
- Interpreting is rewarding: you will work with people and develop relationships.
- Interpreting is flexible: you can be employed on staff at an agency or choose to work for yourself and set your own hours.
- Interpreting is interesting: you can work in a wide array of settings.
- Interpreting is challenging: you will be able to continue growing as a lifelong learner.
How does the ASL-English interpretation program prepare me for a career in interpreting?
- It enables you to gain a firm foundation in American Sign Language.
- It helps you develop cognitive and ethical decision-making skills.
- It provides you basic socio-cultural knowledge needed to serve as a cross-cultural mediator.
- It provides you with more than 200 hours of field experience working with professional interpreters.
- It enables you to meet the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf’s requirement that candidates for certification must possess a bachelor’s degree.
- It provides you with a solid foundation on which to develop the skills needed to pass professional certification exams.