Interpreter Training, AAS

Location(s): SouthWest College for the Deaf

The Interpreter Training AAS Degree Program is offered to students who desire to become qualified sign language interpreters after completion of this four semester program.

Possible Employment Responsibilities: Providing signed and voiced interpreted communication for deaf and hearing consumers.

Possible Employment Positions: Interpreter, Interpreter/Aide, Educational Interpreter, Video Relay Interpreter, Vocational Communication Specialist, and Interpreter/Tutor.

Possible Employment Locations: Public, private, and residential schools; vocational rehabilitation agencies, businesses which employ deaf individuals, government agencies, community organizations, churches serving the deaf , Video Relay service providers, and Video Remote Interpreting companies.

Prerequisites: Taking the sign language proficiency test determining appropriate placement in SGNL 1301 SGNL 1302 SGNL 2301 or SGNL 2302 . All students are required to participate in New Student Orientation.

ITP “Skills” Courses-Grade Requirements: In order for a student to advance to the next course within the ITP course of study, the student must pass each of the following “skills” courses with a grade of “B” or better: SLNG 1211 , SGNL 1301 , SGNL 1302 , SGNL 2301 , SGNL 2302 , SLNG 2302 and SLNG 2331 . ITP majors making a grade of “C” or below on any of these courses will be required to repeat the course(s).

First Semester

SLNG 1211 - Fingerspelling and Numbers Credits: 2
Mathematics Core Course Credits:3
SGNL 1301 - Beginning American Sign Language I (1st Semester ASL) Credits: 3 ^{1 2}
SLNG 1215 - Visual / Gestural Communication Credits: 2
SLNG 1321 - Introduction to the Interpreting Profession Credits: 3
SLNG 1348 - Vocabulary Development for Interpreters Credits: 3
PSYC 1100 - Learning Framework Credits: 1 OR
EDUC 1100 - Learning Framework Credits: 1

Total: 17 Hours

Second Semester

ENGL 1301 - Composition I Credits: 3
SLNG 2311 - Interpreting in Specialized Settings Credits: 3
SGNL 1302 - Beginning American Sign Language II (2nd Semester ASL) Credits: 3 ³
ITSC 1309 - Integrated Software Applications I Credits: 3 OR
BCIS 1305 - Business Computer Applications Credits: 3
Language, Philosophy & Culture (Humanities) Core Course or Creative Arts Core Course Credits: 3
Social and Behavioral Sciences Core Course Credits: 3

Total: 18 Hours

Third Semester

SLNG 1317 - Introduction to the Deaf Community Credits: 3
SLNG 1346 - Working with Deaf-Blind Persons Credits: 3
SLNG 2288 - Internship I - Sign Language Interpreter Credits: 2 ⁴
SGNL 2301 - Intermediate American Sign Language I (3rd Semester ASL) Credits: 3 ³
SLNG 2302 - Interpreting II Credits: 3
PHED Elective - Physical Fitness Credits: 1
SLNG 1106 - Interpreting Artistic Texts I Credits: 1

Total: 16 Hours

Fourth Semester

SLNG 1350 - Sign-to-Voice Credits: 3
SLNG 2289 - Internship II - Sign Language Interpreter Credits: 2 ⁵
SLNG 2331 - Interpreting III Credits: 3
SLNG 2303 - Transliterating Credits: 3
SGNL 2302 - Intermediate American Sign Language II (4th Semester ASL) Credits: 3

Total: 14 Hours

Total Hours in AAS: 65

NOTE: Transfer courses from other colleges / universities will not be automatically accepted for SGNL 1301 , SGNL 1302 , SGNL 2301 and SGNL 2302 unless the student has successfully passed the sign language proficiency test with the appropriate score.

¹Indicates courses that can be articulated with high school
² A student who demonstrates competencies required for this course can substitute an approved elective.
³An approved elective may be taken in place of this course with approved advanced placement based on ASL evaluation.
⁴ Students must provide their own transportation to and from internship sites.
⁵ Capstone course