Interpreter Preparation, Associate of Applied Science

The Interpreter Preparation program is designed to provide students with entry-level skills in sign language interpreting. The mission of the program is to prepare students for employment as American Sign Language/English interpreters working with deaf and hard of hearing communities.  The program of study explores fundamental concepts, theory, and practical skill of interpreting focused on developing ethical, professional, and reflective interpreter practitioners by utilizing current best practices and technology.  The program engages the local deaf, hard of hearing, and interpreting communities in partnership to promote authentic and immersive learning opportunities for students.  The foundation from which we educate is based on admiration and respect for the American deaf community as a rich, diverse cultural and linguistic minority who value American Sign Language as their primary language.

For entry into the major, students must first meet with the program coordinator.  The interpreting degree is intended for students who are already fluent in American Sign Language.  Students who are still learning American Sign Language may take ASL course work at CCBC through the AA in American Sign Language and Deaf Culture degree program.

For new students with prior skills in American Sign Language (ASL), the department offers an assessment, for a fee, that may allow students to test out of some or all of the ASL courses and demonstrate fluency in ASL.  Experienced students should contact the Interpreter Preparation office at 443-840-4274 no later than two weeks prior to the start of the semester to set up an appointment.  The American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) is a program requirement.  The ASLPI is a nationally recognized tool to measure language aptitude.  Students are required to take the ASPLI and score at least 2.0 prior to entering the major.  Students must obtain a minimum score of a 2+ prior to the final course INTR 241 Practicum.

Program objectives

Upon successful completion of this degree, students will be able to:

  1. utilize a variety of registers in American Sign Language to function effectively as interpreters for the deaf and hard of hearing;
  2. assess their own effectiveness as interpreters in a variety of settings;
  3. interpret simultaneously and consecutively in a variety of low-risk settings;
  4. display professional and ethical conduct as interpreters in culturally diverse settings; and
  5. execute professional expression in spoken and written English and ASL to various audiences, including clients and other professionals.

Total Number of Credits Required for Degree: 60*

Semester Sequence

This is a suggested full-time schedule for a student who has completed any developmental course work and has no transfer credits. Refer to the College catalog for specific requirements in selecting General Education Courses.

Semester 1*

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4

Semester 5

Important Information

Short Description

The Interpreter Preparation program is designed to provide students with entry-level skills in sign language interpreting. The program is intended for students who are already proficient in ASL.  The mission of the program is to prepare students for employment as American Sign Language/English interpreters working with deaf and hard of hearing communities.

Type of Credential

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)

Program Code

620

Contacts and Additional Information

Program Coordinator:

Dr. Rebecca Minor, Associate Professor
CCBC Catonsville
Office: C.ARTS 204
443-840-4975 or rminor3@ccbcmd.edu

Additional Information:

  • Statewide Program
  • The A.A.S. and Certificate programs in Interpreter Preparation are offered both face to face and fully online.
  • The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) degree program is ideal for students who want to become ASL Interpreters and do not already have a degree. This program includes general education course requirements (see details below).
  • The Certificate program is ideal for students who want to become ASL Interpreters but already have a degree. While the Certificate program does not include general education course requirements, some INTR courses do have general education prerequisites. Transcript evaluation may be necessary to determine if prerequisites have been fulfilled. Course requirements are listed below.
  • Opportunities for Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) - For Interpreter Preparation, see Portfolio, Departmental Exam, and Articulated Credit by Industry/Apprenticeship. Several General Education classes also have PLA opportunities.
  • Articulation and Transfer Agreements

Pathway

Courses Needed for This Program*

Prerequisites:

  • For entry to the major, students must first meet with the program coordinator.
  • Students must demonstrate ASL proficiency.
  • ASLPI score of 2 or higher is required.

General Education - 18-20 Credits

General Education Requirements:
General Education Electives:

Choose courses in each category from the list of approved General Education Courses.

  • Biological and Physical Sciences 3-4 Credit(s).
  • Mathematics (MATH 125 recommended) 3-4 Credit(s).
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences 3 Credit(s).

Program Requirements and Electives - 42 Credits

Program Requirements:

Notes

*Credit students who are new to college (no successfully completed transferable college credits from other institutions) are required to take ACDV 101 - Academic Development: Transitioning to College. This 1-credit course is designed to be taken in the first semester at CCBC. Students must provide an official transcript(s) from an accredited institution to document successful completion of college coursework for the ACDV 101 requirement to be waived.

**These courses include ENGL prerequisites. Placement testing or transcript evaluation may be required for new CCBC students. Please contact Academic Advising for more information.

Admissions

Entry requirement for A.A.S. in Interpreter Preparation:

Students must meet with the program coordinator prior to entry to the program.  Students will be asked to:

  • Submit American Sign Language Proficiency Interview scores. (Score of 2 or higher required for entry and a minimum of a 2+ for exit.)
  • Submit written letter of intent to apply to the major
  • Submit video of intent to apply to the major, in ASL

Other

Career Highlights

  • Interpreters may consider self-employment or private practice positions in the corporate and non-profit sectors, or work placement through an interpreter referral agency.
  • Employment opportunities span across the educational, medical, mental health, religious, performing arts, legal, and platform settings.
  • Currently, qualified interpreters are in demand in all fields.
  • Careers in Interpreting
  • Discover Interpreting

Program Highlights

  • 2015 recipient of over $1 million in endowment funding from the A. Eugene and Bernice Hoeper Foundation.
  • Named Maryland's Outstanding Career Program of the Year at the Post-Secondary level in 1997 by the Maryland State Department of Education.
  • Recipient of the 1998 Maryland Association for Higher Education Distinguished Program Award in the Instructional category.
  • Advocates for the recognition of American Sign Language as a legitimate language.
  • 2008 recipient of the commendable ASL Program Award from the American Sign Language Teachers Association of Maryland for commitment to the advancement of ASL programs.
  • Recognized in 2014 by the Maryland Governor's office with a proclamation honoring 30 years of service and commitment to the education of students in ASL and Interpreting.