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 effective interpretation between the linguistic structure of American Sign Language (ASL) and English
- Apply professional problem solving standards and ethics, including the Code of Professional Conduct
- Participate in civic engagement activities in the Deaf and interpreting communities
- Model respect for the Deaf and Deaf-Blind communities using ASL-centric philosophy
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:
Sign Language Proficiency
- Complete the Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI*) and receive at least a proficiency rating of "Intermediate" or complete the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI**) and receive at least a proficiency rating of "3" prior to enrolling in IPP 152 (ASL-English Translation). Successful completion of either the SLPI or ASLPI must occur prior to registering for IPP 152. There is no limit to the number of times the assessment may be taken in order to achieve the target rating. It is the student's responsibility to schedule the assessment dates with the testing entity.
- Complete the Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI*) and receive at least a proficiency rating of “Advanced" or complete the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI**) and receive at least a proficiency rating of "4" prior to enrolling in IPP 222 (Simultaneous Interpreting II). Successful completion of either the SLPI or ASLPI must occur prior to registering for IPP 222. There is no limit to the number of times the assessment may be taken in order to achieve the target rating. It is the student's responsibility to schedule the assessment dates with the testing entity.
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.
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 te1minated 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.
*The Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) involves a one-to-one conversation in sign language between an interviewer and candidate/interviewee. Interview content varies according to the background, job responsibilities, schooling, and other interests of each SLPI candidate/interviewee. The interview is administered by the NC Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DSDHH) and is free of charge to students.
**The American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) is a holistic language evaluation used to determine global ASL proficiency. The basic precept in this type of evaluation is to find out through a face-to-face interview what an individual can do with the target language at a given point in time. The ASLPI is a 20-25 minute video recorded interactive dialogue between the examinee and the interviewer. The interview is rated by a team of evaluators and examinees are awarded an overall proficiency level on a 0-5 rating scale. The cost of this interview is $165 and will be paid to Gallaudet University. This fee is in addition to tuition and fees required by WPCC.
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
Other Major Required Courses
Total Credit Hours: 69