Interpreter Education A.A.S.
A55300
The Interpreter Education curriculum prepares individuals to work as entry-level Sign Language Interpreters who will provide communication access in interview and interactive settings. In addition, this curriculum provides in-service training for working interpreters who want to upgrade their skills.
Coursework includes the acquisition of American Sign Language (ASL); grammar, structure, and sociolinguistic properties; cognitive processes associated with interpretation between ASL and English; the structure and character of the deaf community; and acquisition of consecutive and simultaneous interpreting skills.
Entry-level jobs for paraprofessional interpreters are available in educational systems or a variety of community settings. Individuals may choose from part-time, full-time, or self-employment/freelance positions or apply language skills to other human service related areas. Students should consult their advisor for information about course scheduling.
Upon successful completion of this program, the student should be able to:
- Demonstrate equivalent interpretations between the linguistic structure of American Sign Language (ASL) and English
- Evaluate the historical and social issues faced by the Deaf Community
- Apply critical thinking to solve ethical dilemmas using the Code of Professional Conduct and Demand Control Schema standards
- Indicate preparedness for the national certification knowledge exam
Program Progression Policy
Interpreter Education requires a high level of professionalism and skill level when working in the Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard-of-Hearing communities. Upon graduation, students are eligible to apply for a provisional interpreting license from the state of North Carolina (NCGS 90-D).
In order to meet professional standards, students enrolled in the Interpreter Education program must demonstrate competency in ASL-English communication, bi-cultural knowledge, ethical decision-making and professional behaviors. Therefore, to graduate from the program, students must meet the following requirements:
Program Academics/Grades
- Earn grades of "C" or higher in core and required major classes.
- Any grade below a “C” earned in a core or major course prior to enrollment as an Interpreter Education major is subject to the above retake policy.
- NOTE: Program completion may exceed two years based on student ASL proficiency.
Work-based Learning
- Any conduct by a student which results in termination from the Work-based Learning placement will result in a course grade of "F" and the student will be terminated from the Interpreter Education Program for one calendar year. Students may apply for readmission after one year.
- Enroll in a Work-based Learning course after completing a minimum of 20 "core required courses" in the major. Placement in certain Work-based Learning sites may require background checks and drug screenings.
Also see Career and College Promise for additional options for high school students.
General Education
Required Courses
| ASL 212 | Intermediate ASL II | 3 | FA |
| COM 231 | Public Speaking | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
| ENG 114 | Prof Research & Reporting | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
| MAT 143 | Quantitative Literacy | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
| PSY 150 | General Psychology | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
Major Courses
Core Required Courses
| ASL 111 | Elementary ASL I | 3 | FA, SP |
| ASL 112 | Elementary ASL II | 3 | FA, SP |
| ASL 211 | Intermediate ASL I | 3 | SP |
| ASL 250 | Linguistics of American Sign Language | 3 | FA |
| IPP 111 | Introduction to Interpretation | 3 | FA |
| IPP 112 | Comparative Cultures | 3 | SP |
| IPP 152 | ASL/English Translation | 3 | FA |
| IPP 161 | Consecutive Interpreting | 5 | SP |
| IPP 221 | Simultaneous Interpreting I | 5 | FA |
| WBL 111 | Work-based Learning I | 1 | FA, SP, SU |
| WBL 115 | Work-Based Learning Seminar I | 1 | As Needed |
Other Major Required Courses
General Electives
Take 5 semester hours credit from the following courses
| IPP 243 | Religious Interpreting | 3 | |
| IPP 245 | Educational Int Issues | 3 | |
| PSY 241 | Developmental Psychology | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
| PSY 281 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
| SOC 210 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | FA, SP, SU |
| WBL 121 | Work-based Learning II | 1 | FA, SP, SU |
| WBL 125 | Work-Based Learning Seminar II | 1 | As Needed |
Total Credit Hours: 68