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The Washington State Interpreter Education Program (WSIEP) is the only accredited bachelor’s degree program in the country. It offers students a challenging curriculum that includes courses in linguistics, human communication sciences, ASL linguistics, and interpreting theory. Students also take courses in Deaf culture, visual communication methods, and ethics.
University of Washington ASL program
ASL 101 Elementary American Sign Language I (5) Lance Forshay, Kristi G Winter
Introduction to American Sign Language using conversational methods. Covers vocabulary, grammatical usage, and culturally appropriate behavior within the deaf community. First in a sequence of three. Offered: A.
View course details in MyPlan: ASL 101
ASL 102 Elementary American Sign Language II (5) Kristi G Winter, Lance Forshay
Focuses on building mastery of American Sign Language grammar skills, increasing vocabulary, and gaining a deeper knowledge and appreciation of deaf culture. Second in a sequence of three. Prerequisite: ASL 101. Offered: W.
View course details in MyPlan: ASL 102
ASL 103 Elementary American Sign Language III (5) Lance Forshay, Kristi G Winter
Focuses on grammatical features such as spatialization, directionality, and non-manual components. Intensive work in vocabulary development and continued study of deaf culture. Third in a series of three. Prerequisite: ASL 102. Offered: Sp.
View course details in MyPlan: ASL 103
ASL 134 Intensive First Year ASL (15) Bateh, Forshay, Winter
Intensive introduction to American Sign Language using conversational methods and covering vocabulary, grammatical usage, and culturally appropriate behavior. Also focused on grammatical features such as spatialization, directionality, and non-manual components. Offered: S.
View course details in MyPlan: ASL 134
ASL 201 Intermediate American Sign Language I (5) VLPA Lance Forshay
Covers vocabulary, grammatical usage, and culturally appropriate behavior within the deaf community. Emphasizes receptive/expressive skill development and fluency with attention to correct formation of signs, movement, rhythm, phrasing, and clarity. First in a series of three. Prerequisite: either ASL 103 or ASL 134. Offered: A.
View course details in MyPlan: ASL 201
ASL 202 Intermediate American Sign Language II (5) VLPA Lance Forshay
Covers vocabulary, grammatical usage, and culturally appropriate behavior within the deaf community. Emphasizes receptive/expressive skill development and fluency with attention to correct formation of signs, movement, rhythm, phrasing, and clarity. Second in a series of three. Prerequisite: ASL 201. Offered: W.
View course details in MyPlan: ASL 202
ASL 203 Intermediate American Sign Language III (5) VLPA Kristi G Winter, Lance Forshay
Covers vocabulary, grammatical usage, and culturally appropriate behavior within the deaf community. Emphasizes receptive/expressive skill development and fluency with attention to correct formation of signs, movement, rhythm, phrasing, and clarity. Third in a series of three. Prerequisite: ASL 202. Offered: Sp.
View course details in MyPlan: ASL 203
ASL 234 Intensive Intermediate American Sign Language (15) VLPA Lance Forshay
Intensive second year American Sign Language using conversational methods and covering vocabulary, grammatical usage, and culturally appropriate behavior. Also focuses on grammatical features such as spatialization, directionality, and non-manual components. Prerequisite: ASL 103. Offered: S.
View course details in MyPlan: ASL 234
ASL 301 Advanced American Sign Language I (5) VLPA
This course is a non-sequential course in advanced study of American Sign Language (ASL) with emphasis on basic concepts of ASL linguistics. This is an application of linguistic theories in ASL in which students will gain an advanced understanding and mastery of ASL grammar, sociolinguistics, language variation in the Deaf community according to region, age, gender, minority groups and Deaf-Blind people. Prerequisite: ASL 203; recommended: ASL 203 Offered: A.
View course details in MyPlan: ASL 301
ASL 302 Advanced ASL II (5) VLPA L. Forshay
Non-sequential course in advanced study of American Sign Language (ASL) with emphasis on basic concepts of ASL linguistics. An application of linguistic theories in ASL in which students gain an advanced understanding and mastery of ASL grammar, sociolinguistics, language variation in the Deaf community according to region, age, gender, minority groups and Deaf-Blind people. Prerequisite: ASL 203 Offered: W.
View course details in MyPlan: ASL 302
ASL 303 Advanced ASL III (5) VLPA M. Cooper
Non-sequential course in advanced study of American Sign Language (ASL) with emphasis on basic concepts of ASL linguistics. An application of linguistic theories in ASL in which students will gain an advanced understanding and mastery of ASL grammar, sociolinguistics, language variation in the Deaf community according to region, age, gender, minority groups and Deaf-Blind people. Prerequisite: ASL 203; recommended: ASL 203 Offered: Sp.
View course details in MyPlan: ASL 303
ASL 305 Introduction to American Deaf Culture (3) I&S, DIV L. FORSHAY
Covers topics in Deaf culture, history, education, sociology, language, legal issues, art and literature, sensory variety and politics, audism, assistive technological devices, Deafhood, Deaf Blind, Deaf identity and intersections of diversity within the Deaf community, and other special topics analyzed from the Deaf culture worldview.
View course details in MyPlan: ASL 305
ASL 306 Deaf History (3) I&S
Covers all major events impacting Deaf people, in Europe and America. Topics include: development of sign language, deaf education, politics of deafness, audism, eugenics, hearing technology, leadership in deaf community, deaf revolution movements, international deaf history, and key biographies. Experience with American Sign Language not required.
View course details in MyPlan: ASL 306
ASL 334 Intensive Advanced American Sign Language (15) VLPA K. Winter
Intensive course in advanced study of American Sign Language (ASL) with emphasis on basic concepts of ASL linguistics, Deaf cultural history and DeafBlind studies. An application of linguistic theories in ASL in which students gain an advanced understanding and mastery of ASL grammar, sociolinguistics, language variation in the Deaf community according to region, age, gender, minority groups and DeafBlind people. Prerequisite: ASL 203 or ASL 234; recommended: Two years of ASL at an institution of higher learning. Offered: S.
View course details in MyPlan: ASL 334
ASL 480 Special Topics in American Sign Language (3, max. 12) VLPA L. Forshay
Introduction to an area of study in American Sign Language (ASL). Topics may include ASL linguistics, Pro-Tactile, Foreign Signed Languages, Deaf culture or other related topics. Recommended: Some background in American Sign Language. Offered: ASp.
View course details in MyPlan: ASL 480
ASL 495 Literature and Poetry (3) VLPA
Emphasizes the historical background, story content, analysis of grammatical features, and discourse analysis to include a variety of sign registers and styles. Challenges and redefines the concept of literature with the visual-gestural nature of sign language using films and videos including: the Veditz’s 1913 motion films collections; American Sign Language poetry works by Valli and Lentz; folktales; and humor. Prerequisite: ASL 202.
View course details in MyPlan: ASL 495
Requirements for the American Sign Language minor:
Second-year American Sign Language: ASL 201, 202, and 203 (15 credits)
Culture and History (3 credits):
Deaf Studies (ASL 305)
Theory and Structure (8-10 credits):
Survey of Linguistic Method and Theory (LING 400)* or Syntax I (LING 461)
Linguistics of Signed Languages (LING 403)
Elective Courses (minimum 7 credits):
Additional courses in American Sign Language or related fields. See the list of approved electives for the American Sign Language minor.
Total credits: 33-35
The Linguistics adviser must certify that at least 18 credits taken for the American Sign Language minor do not overlap with your major requirements. Students must earn a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all courses applied to the minor.
| Course | Course Title (click for details) | SLN | Instructor | Meeting Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASL 103 A | Elementary American Sign Language III | 10533 | Kristi Winter | MTWThF 8:30am – 9:20am |
| ASL 103 B | Elementary American Sign Language III | 10534 | Dan Mathis | MTWThF 10:30am – 11:20am |
| ASL 103 C | Elementary American Sign Language III | 10535 | Kristi Winter | MTWThF 11:30am – 12:20pm |
| ASL 103 D | Elementary American Sign Language III | 10536 | Dan Mathis | MTWThF 12:30pm – 1:20pm |
| ASL 103 E | Elementary American Sign Language III | 10537 | Dan Mathis | MTWThF 1:30pm – 2:20pm |
| ASL 103 F | Elementary American Sign Language III | 10538 | Lance Forshay | MTWThF 2:30pm – 3:20pm |
| ASL 103 G | Elementary American Sign Language III | 10539 | Lance Forshay | MTWThF 3:30pm – 4:20pm |
| ASL 203 A | Intermediate American Sign Language III | 10540 | Kristi Winter | MTWThF 9:30am – 10:20am |
| ASL 305 A | Introduction To American Deaf Culture | 10541 | Lance Forshay | MWF 12:30pm – 1:20pm |
| ASL 499 A | Independent Study Or Research | 10542 | to be arranged |
Schools Offering ASL Degree Programs
Central Washington University, Ellensburg
- The Department of World Languages offers a minor in American Sign Language.
- Coursework includes two years of ASL, plus classes on Deaf Culture, ASL in Education, and ASL Literature.
- The university’s ASL club organizes ASL coffee chats and other ASL-related activities.
Spokane Falls Community College, Spokane
- The Interpreter Training Program offers an associate degree or certificate option for ASL interpreting. Courses are offered on campus and online.
Four-Year Institutions Offering ASL Coursework
University of Washington, Bothell
- The university is located in Bothell, about 17 miles northeast of Seattle.
- The school offers one year (three quarters) of American Sign Language.
Community Colleges Offering ASL Coursework
Centralia College, Centralia
- Founded in 1925, Centralia is the oldest continuously operating community college in the state of Washington.
- The school offers one year (three quarters) of American Sign Language.
Clark College, Vancouver
- The college is located in Vancouver, just north of Portland.
- The World Languages Department offers a one year program (three quarters) in American Sign Language. In addition, the college offers a course on Deaf culture, and students also have the opportunity to enroll in a special projects course for ASL.
Grays Harbor College, Aberdeen
- The college is located in Aberdeen, on the Pacific coast.
- The school offers one year of ASL (three quarters).
Olympic College, Bremerton
- The college is located in Bremerton, about 7 miles west of Seattle, across Puget Sound.
- The American Sign Language Department offers a three quarter sequence of ASL. Each level is typically offered each quarter, allowing students to begin the sequence any time during the year.
- The college’s ASL club gives students a chance to practice their signing skills through various activities and events.
Pierce College, Lakewood and Puyallup
- The college is located in Pierce County, just south of Tacoma, with campuses in Lakewood and Puyallup.
- The World Languages Department offers two full years (six quarters) of ASL.
Skagit Valley College (SVC), Mount Vernon
- The SVC main campus is located in Mount Vernon in northwest Washington.
- The college offers one year (three quarters) of ASL. Students can also enroll in a “Learning into Action” independent project course.
South Puget Sound Community College, Olympia
- The college is located in southwest Olympia and offers two full years (six quarters) of coursework in American Sign Language
Walla Walla Community College, Walla Walla
- The college offers a full year of ASL (three quarters).
Whatcom Community College, Bellingham
- The college offers a full year of ASL (three quarters).
- In addition, the school’s Community and Continuing Education Program offers several beginner-level ASL classes.
Yakima Valley Community College, Yakima and Grandview
- The school offers a one year sequence (three quarters) in American Sign Language.
How To Become An Interpreter In Washington State? An Overview:
If you are planning to become an interpreter in Washington state then this post is perfect for you. Moreover, you will learn different field-specific requirements, certifications, examinations, and other relevant guides. Here we’ve discussed the most essential points to become an interpreter in Washington state below.
1. Registration for Becoming An Interpreter In Washington State:
New DSHS employees must be approved for language testing by a supervisor to provide interpretation services to DSHS clients. Moreover, external applicants must register for the language exam and pass it before they apply for jobs.
Similarly, this exam is also available to those seeking certification but didn’t use it for work with DSHS. Furthermore, these candidates must obtain, complete, and submit exam applications to their local exam center. Finally, the accepted applicants receive confirmation letters and pretest packages in their mail inbox.
2. Writing Component for Becoming An Interpreter:
All language exams start with a writing section that tests their written translation skills. Moreover, some exams include the social services test, and applicants must pass the writing test. They should give the said test before moving on to the oral exam. So, the writing test evaluates translation ability, reading comprehension, and vocabulary questions.
However, the test content depends on the applicant’s specialty. For instance, medical interpreters need to answer on professional ethics, medical terminology, and clinical or medical procedures. Likewise, most tests also include an essay question, where answers evaluation based on structure, readability, and thoroughness.
3. Oral Assessments for Becoming An Interpreter:
In Washington state, the oral exam includes three consecutive interpretation sections, simultaneous interpretation and sight translation. Moreover, Interpretations usually based on the recorded conversations and sight translations require reading aloud. Thus, all oral exams evaluation focuses on grammar, fluency, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
Similarly, Specific levels of certification also have other related requirements. For example, social workers who pass the consecutive interpretation and sight translation sections earn level 1 certification. Likewise, those who give all segments to make level 2 status. Finally, those who are certified at higher levels are eligible for a more significant number of assignments.
4. Certification Maintenance to become an Interpreter in Washington state:
Individually department determines the passing score on required examinations and any additional requirements based on the specialization. For instance, Court interpreters must score a minimum of 80 percent on the written test and at least 70 percent on the oral examination. Moreover, interpreters also must submit their background detail for verifications.
Similarly, Certified interpreters must complete and continuing education requirements to maintain their certification status. However, education activities requirements depend on their specific field of specialty. In Washington state, courts report that certified court interpreters must complete 16 hours of DSHS-approved continuing education activities every two years.
5. DSHS Social Service And Medical Certification:
In Washington state, certification exams are available for the following languages: Cambodian, Laotian, Korean, Spanish, Chinese Cantonese, Chinese-Mandarin, Russian and Vietnamese. Moreover, all other languages take a similar “screening test” to consider as authorized languages. In this process, you must take a written test first, and it takes approximately 1 hour.
Likewise, you need to wait for the written test results, and it should arrive within 2-4 weeks. After passing the written test, you must apply to take the oral examination. Furthermore, the oral exam is crucial, and it includes consecutive interpreting and sight translation. Likewise, the oral test results should publish within 4-6 weeks.
For more details and schedule an exam online, you can visit www.dshs.wa.gov/ltc/. Moreover, you will also find study materials available on the DSHS/LTC website.
6. Language Assistance Plan In Washington State:
The court must follow the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 2.42 and 2.43 and the Language Assistance Plan (LAP). All these for the Municipal Courts of King County to ensure equal language assistance. Moreover, Washington State law secures the rights of deaf persons, and Hard of Hearing persons or speech are unable to understand readily.
Similarly, this also covers those who communicate spoken English and need qualified interpreters to assist them in legal proceedings. Additionally, Washington State law secures the rights of non-English speaking cultural background persons who are unable to communicate in English. As a result, they cannot be fully protected in legal proceedings unless qualified interpreters are available to assist them.
7. Washington State Interpreter Commission:
The Washington State Interpreter Commission’s key responsibility is to serve as a policy-making and advisory body to Washington Courts. Likewise, it includes the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), concerning court interpreters and language assistance in general in the legal settings. Moreover, the Commission sets policy for the courts and the Court Interpreter Program.
It is also responsible for interpreter registration, testing, certification, continuing education, discipline, and training. Additionally, The Commission also takes responsibility for strategic planning and working with educational institutions and other interpreter program stakeholder groups. So, the Commission aims to develop resources to support court interpreting in Washington state.
8. How do I become a Certified Interpreter?
You can become a certified interpreter in Washington state if you can pass the required DSHS written translation examination. Alternatively, you need to pass a DSHS recognized written translation examination offered by the listed recognized organization.
Similarly, the DSHS Language Testing and Certification Program offer both examinations for professional interpreters.
9. The Process To Become a Court Interpreter in Washington state?
If you want to become either a certified or a registered interpreter in Washington state, you must have followed the process required by the authority. Being a credentialed shows courts that the interpreters have demonstrated their competency and ability to interpret in a court setting. So, to become credentialed, the interpreter must go through the following steps:
i) You must pass a written examination
ii) You should Attend an orientation class
iii) You need to pass an oral exam in 3 modes of interpreting (to become Certified)
iv) You need to pass a language proficiency interview (to become Registered)
vi) You need to join a class on ethics and protocol
v) You must pass a criminal background check
vi) You must take the interpreter oath
If you need additional information on becoming a Certified or Registered Court interpreter, visit the Washington State Courts website.
Moreover, to become a legal or court interpreter, you must contact the Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). You can take the court Written Exam once every two years. Similarly, you can also take the Oral Exam once every two years. It is mandatory to pass both parts of the certification exam to become a Court Interpreter in Washington.
Moreover, you should contact them for the dates of the next cycle in advance. Keep in mind only AOC registered interpreters can interpret in the courtroom settings. Be sure to visit The Language Doctors‘ official website to hire Interpreters to meet all your language services demand.
Moreover, you will find interpreter resources and career guides, and tips for finding new opportunities in our Blog sections. So, check out our recent blog posts.
10. Code of Professional Responsibility for Judiciary Interpreters:
According to General Rule (GR) 11, the use of qualified interpreters must be authorized in judicial proceedings. This authorization includes the Deaf or hard of hearing or non-English speaking individuals in the Washington State.
The main goal of this Code is to establish and maintain high standards of conduct in the courtroom. So, the authority wants to preserve the integrity and independence of the adjudicative system.
11. You are advancing your career as a professional interpreter:
So, you’ve found your passion and want to become a professional interpreter. Moreover, you’ve taken one interpreter training program and discover that you love working as an interpreter. Or, you’ve just started your plan, and you’d like to know more about your career potentiality.
Either way, it is better to know about the certifications and the process of becoming a professional interpreter. Additionally, it will help you choose the area of interpreting matches with your qualification, experience, and interests
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