The
Sign Language Interpreter / Transliterator Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree program prepares individuals to work as interpreter transliterators facilitating and mediating communication between Deaf/Hard of Hearing / Deaf-Blind and hearing people. Interpreters must convey accurate messages, feelings and attitudes of participants, whether those messages are spoken or signed. To accomplish this, competency in English and in American Sign Language are necessary. A strong academic background, traits that demonstrate maturity, responsibility, flexibility, and the ability to work well under pressure, are assets.
Students will experience a variety of learning environments including classroom work, laboratory practice and field placement. Students will be required to have both in-class and out-of-class experiences with members of the Deaf Community to further develop ASL fluency and cultural awareness.
This degree program covers a variety of subjects which include: ASL linguistics and language development, interpreting process theory and application, interpreter roles/responsibilities, interpreter’s Code of Professional Conduct, history of deaf people and their culture, and the historical evolvement of the interpreting profession.
The Sign Language Interpreter/Transliterator program is one of the original six interpreter programs in the United States. It was established in 1972.
Program Delivery Methods
Online, hybrid, traditional in-class courses and hands-on training in state-of-the-art lab on Saint Paul College campus, St. Paul, MN, and field placement in various Metro locations.
