Also known as: ASL Interpreting, Deaf Studies & Interpreting, Interpreting: American Sign Language
In this program, you will gain fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) and develop the critical skills needed to interpret and translate between ASL and spoken English. You'll delve into the linguistics of ASL, explore Deaf culture and history, and master interpreting theories and ethical practices. The focus is on preparing you to become a highly competent and culturally sensitive professional interpreter in diverse settings.
Social SciencesCommunicationMedia
A Week as a Student
Your "ASL I" class starts bright and early, focusing on basic conversational signs and fingerspelling. You practice greetings and introduce yourself to a classmate, signing slowly. Later, during "Deaf Culture and History," Professor Kim discusses early Deaf education, sparking a lively debate about oralism versus manualism. In the afternoon, you hit the library, reviewing flashcards from ASL and tackling a reading on cultural norms for your history class. Dinner with friends wraps up your first day, discussing classes.
High School Preparation
Required Subjects
EnglishForeign Language (preferably ASL if available)Speech and CommunicationPsychologySociology
Recommended GPA
3.0-3.5+
Advanced Courses (AP/IB/Honors)
AP English Literature
Honors Psychology
AP Human Geography
Speech and Debate
World Language
Recommended Activities
ASL Club or Deaf Awareness Club
Volunteer with the Deaf community
Debate Team
Community Service
Public Speaking
Learning another foreign language
Application Essay Topics
Describe a time you encountered a communication barrier and how you navigated it. How does this relate to the role of an interpreter?
Discuss the importance of cultural understanding in effective communication, particularly between hearing and Deaf communities.
What ethical considerations do you foresee in the field of sign language interpretation, and how would you approach them?
How has technology impacted the way people communicate, and what role might it play in the future of sign language interpretation?
Alternative Path
You can enter this field through an Associate's degree in ASL Interpreting from a community college, which provides foundational skills and often articulates into Bachelor's programs. Additionally, specialized post-secondary interpreter training programs and national certifications (like those from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, RID) offer pathways to professional practice, sometimes without a traditional four-year degree but often requiring extensive experience and exams.
Core Subjects
Click on "i" to learn more about each subject
Career Prospects
Growing Study Prospects
After completing this program, you can pursue careers as an Educational Interpreter (in K-12 or higher education settings), Medical Interpreter (in hospitals and clinics), Legal Interpreter (in courtrooms and legal offices), Video Relay Service (VRS) Interpreter, or a Community Interpreter working in various public and private sectors. Many also work as freelance interpreters.
Impact of AI on this Study
While AI-powered translation apps and smart glasses offer assistive communication, they cannot replicate the nuanced linguistic understanding, cultural competency, ethical judgment, and human empathy required for professional sign language interpretation. You will learn to leverage these tools responsibly as aids, enhancing efficiency and access, but your core training will focus on the irreplaceable human skills necessary for accurate and culturally appropriate interpretation.