This Associate Degree in ASL Interpreting will give you foundation skills to pursue a career in Deaf, hard of hearing, and Deafblind interpreting. This program offers the foundational skills for anyone interested in pursuing a rewarding career working with Deaf, hard of hearing, or Deafblind people.
Designed for students that want to learn about sign language and prepare for a career as an ASL interpreter, this online associate degree program will help you become fluent in American Sign Language. From traditional semesters to anytime learning, this program offers flexibility to meet your needs and is easy to use.
Of a truth, the article below brings the most up-to-date information on ASL interpreter programs, online ASL certification & online ASL interpreter. All you have to do is read on to get more details.
can you be an aSL interpreter with an associate’s degree
Essential Information
Online degree programs in sign language interpretation are available at the associate’s and bachelor’s degree levels. Students may be able to earn both types of degrees completely online or as a hybrid program, with some bachelor’s degree programs calling for a few on-campus classes.
In many of the states that require licensing, certification is the main qualification, but some states also mandate at least an associate’s degree or a certificate in sign language interpretation. To gain entry into the bachelor’s degree program, students may be required to have ASL coursework or experience, or they may need to already have an associate’s degree.
Associate’s Degrees in Sign Language Interpretation
Students pursuing an online sign language interpreter associate’s degree will acquire communication skills in American Sign Language (ASL) and are prepared to begin a career as an interpreter for the deaf and hearing-impaired community. Some programs focus on interpretation careers in educational environments.
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees are among the most common offered online, and some schools may require students to demonstrate proficiency in ASL before acceptance. This requirement can be satisfied by taking courses in ASL in high school or at the college level.
Program and Technical Requirements
An online associate’s degree in sign language interpretation can usually be completed in four or five semesters of full-time study. Students log onto an Internet portal and access lectures, assignments and exams. Most of these associate’s programs can be earned entirely online, and no in-person contact is necessary.
Communication with instructors and other students occurs through interactive audio and video technology. Students are required to have access to a computer with high-speed Internet service, word processing software and a webcam.
Common Coursework
Associate’s degree programs in sign language interpretation require the completion of general education coursework that includes math, science, English and general psychology. Degree-related courses focus on studying and perfecting ASL communication skills.
Basics of Interpreting
Students learn how to receive a message visually or verbally and convert it into the proper format. Emphasis is placed on methods of relaying accurate emotions and inflections in the delivery.
ASL Linguistics
An analysis of the many world languages and how ASL fits in will be discussed. Students study the grammatical similarities and differences between English and ASL and how to apply theories of language to ASL communication.
Deaf Culture
Students explore the legal issues, history, conflicts and attitudes of the deaf community. Classes taken while learning basic ASL provide an introduction to topics covered in this course.
american sign language bachelor degree online
Graduates of an online bachelor’s degree program in sign language interpretation are prepared to work as highly-skilled interpreters with knowledge of new research in the field of communicating with the deaf. Applicants must be high school graduates or hold a GED certificate. Students usually need prior ASL experience or take additional basic ASL courses while enrolled in the degree program. Some programs may also require students to complete an associate’s degree program before applying. Students who only want to learn ASL and not study interpretation can find online courses in ASL or study ASL in a foreign language program.
Program Information and Requirements
An online bachelor’s degree in sign language interpretation is a 4-year program, but could take longer if ASL basic courses are needed or if the student is not enrolled full-time. Students log into a virtual classroom, watch lectures and take exams. Some schools provide interaction technology such as instant messaging and chat rooms to communicate live with instructors and other students. Depending on the school, on-campus classwork may be required.
Coursework Commonly Encountered
General education requirements in English, math, science and humanities must be completed in order to earn the degree. Additionally, ASL proficiency courses may need to be completed before a student can take courses in the major.
Advanced ASL
Students move beyond basic ASL skills and become more fluent in the hand motions and emotive expression. Application of spatial use, non-manual behaviors and register variations are taught in the lab component of this course.
Discourse Analysis
Coursework includes the study of communication events and the intent of the message. Students gain an understanding of the filters, signals and devices used in conversations.
Interpreting for Various Situations
Students are introduced to the vocabulary and skills necessary to interpret in special settings. Course material covers adaptation techniques when interpreting in legal, health, religious, artistic and conference environments.
Career Statistics for Graduates
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the hiring rate of all interpreters and translators is predicted to increase by 19% during the 2018-2028 decade (www.bls.gov). In May of 2018, a total of 76,100 interpreters and translators were employed in the U.S., earning a median annual salary of $49,930.
Certification Information
Based on research from the BLS, interpreters can obtain general professional certification through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) and the National Association of the Deaf. RID also offers certification exams in speech reading, deaf-to-deaf interpreting and legal interpretation. Although not required for all interpreter positions, many employers prefer applicants who hold a certificate.
Both fully online and hybrid programs are available in the field of sign language interpretation, with students having the choice of a bachelor’s or associate’s degree program. These programs cover the foundations of ASL communication from the basics to advanced study, preparing students to find jobs as interpreters and translators.
aSL degree programs
The listings below may include sponsored content but are popular choices among our users.
An admission advisor from each school can provide more info about:
- programs & curriculum
- career opportunities
- tuition & financial aid
- admissions & starting dates
- Southern New Hampshire University School Info Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GEDProgram InfoOnline Programs
- Master
- MA in Communication
- Bachelor
- BA in Communication Get Started with Southern New Hampshire University What is your highest level of education completed? Select One… Still in high school High school graduate/GED Some College Associate’s Degree Bachelor’s Degree Master’s Degree
- Liberty University School Info Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED Program Info Online Programs
- Doctorate
- PHD: Communication
- Master
- MA in Communication
- Bachelor
- BS: Strategic Communication Get Started with Liberty University. What is your highest level of education? Select One… High School Diploma/GED Some College 0-23 credits Associate’s degree Bachelor’s degree Master’s degree Doctoral Degree Still in High School
- Bellevue University School Info Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Bachelor degree applicants must have completed 60 college credits or more. Program Info Online Programs
- Bachelor
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts – Degree Completion
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Communication Studies Get Started with Bellevue University. What is your high school graduation status? Select One… High School or GED Some College (1-30 credits – up to 1 year) Some College (31-60 credits – up to 2 years) Some College/Associates (60+ credits) Bachelor’s Degree Master’s Degree Doctorate Degree Some High School
- Penn Foster High School School Info Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Students must be at least 14 years old and have completed the 8th grade. Program Info Online Programs
- High School Diploma
- High School Diploma Get Started with Penn Foster High School What is your age? Select One… 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80
- Walden University: School Info Program Info Online Programs
- Master
- MS in Communication Get Started with Walden University. What is your highest level of education completed? Select One… High School Some College (1-19 semester credits) Some College (20+ semester credits) Associate’s Bachelor’s Master’s Doctorate’s No High School Degree/GED
- Master
- University of New Hampshire: School Info Program Info. Areas of study you may find at University of New Hampshire include:
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Communications and Journalism
- American Sign Language – ASL
- Sign Language Interpretation
- Communication Studies
- English Language and Literature Get Started with University of New Hampshire Research University of New Hampshire’s Degree Programs
- American Sign Language – ASL
- Indiana University: School Info Program Info Areas of study you may find at Indiana University include:
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Communications and Journalism
- American Sign Language – ASL
- Sign Language Interpretation
- Communication Studies
- Digital, Radio, and Television Communication
- English Language and Literature
- Foreign Language and Literature
- Journalism Get Started with Indiana University Research Indiana University’s Degree Programs
- American Sign Language – ASL
- Valdosta State University: School Info Program Info Areas of study you may find at Valdosta State University include:
- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master’s Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Communications and Journalism
- American Sign Language – ASL
- Sign Language Interpretation
- Communication Studies
- English Language and Literature
- Foreign Language and Literature. Get Started with Valdosta State University. Research Valdosta State University’s Programs
- American Sign Language – ASL
- Eastern Kentucky University: School Info Program Info Areas of study you may find at Eastern Kentucky University include:
- Graduate: Master
- Non-Degree: Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master’s Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Communications and Journalism
- American Sign Language – ASL
- Sign Language Interpretation
- Communication Studies
- Digital, Radio, and Television Communication
- English Language and Literature
- Foreign Language and Literature
- Graphic Communications
- Journalism
- Public Relations and Advertising. Get Started with Eastern Kentucky University. Research Eastern Kentucky University’s Programs
- American Sign Language – ASL
- Oklahoma State University: School Info Program Info Areas of study you may find at Oklahoma State University include:
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate
- Communications and Journalism
- American Sign Language – ASL
- Sign Language Interpretation. Get Started with Oklahoma State University
- American Sign Language – ASL
One way to overcome the language barrier is through translation or interpretation. Interpretation/ translation is one of the least popular industries in the country. The demand for professional ASL-English interpreters is increasing annually. The National Interpreter Education Center reported a nationwide shortage of qualified interpreters. A two-year degree was required back in the year 2008 but not until July of 2012 when the National of Registry of Interpreters (RID) required a four-year degree for those who want to become certified interpreters.
As stated by the Registry of Interpreters of the Deaf, “Interpreting is a human service-related field that is utilized in a myriad of different life situations medical, mental health, law, education, etc. An interpreter, who must uphold the Code of Professional Conduct, is a bilingual and bicultural professional working in a true profession and should be regarded as such.”
Individuals who wish to pursue a degree in this field get started with a bachelor’s degree in Interpretation Studies ASL- English. An online format of this program offers flexibility for students who are working or starting to be interpreters. Most Interpretation programs are offered exclusively on-campus, and there are but a few who allow students to complete it online. Aspirant interpreters may enroll for either a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts degree program. To graduate, these programs require a special lab or internship, student teaching assignments, and exams.
online aSL certification
METHODOLOGY: We feature the 3 Online Bachelor’s in Interpretation Studies in ASL-English Degree for 2020 in an aim to assist potential distance learners in their search for the accredited school offering the undergraduate program. These three online schools stand out because of the comprehensive coursework that prepares students for fulfilling careers that allow them to become experts in their fields.
Explained in detail are the admission requirements as well as the courses that students need to complete and proceed with the next step toward landing the best jobs. This list also features the potential workplaces or industries that await Online Bachelor’s in Interpretation Studies in ASL-English graduates. Our information also includes retention rates, graduation rates, and tuition cost, as may be disclosed on the schools’ websites and the National Center for Education Statistics’ College Navigator.
1. William Woods University
Online Bachelor’s in Interpretations Studies in ASL
Based in Fulton, Missouri, William Woods University initially was a school for orphaned girls. It was founded by The Christian Church of Missouri in 1870. It was called The Female Orphan School of the Christian Church of Missouri and had gone through a few name changes in the nineteenth century. In the present, it offers undergraduate and graduate programs for both on-campus and online format. Its online bachelor’s program in Interpretation Studies in ASL-English is created to help working professionals continue their education. Prospective students must either hold an associate’s degree in an interpreting preparation program or certification equivalencies. Courses are run in an 8-week format, and 122-credit coursework must be completed. Students of this program are prepared for the National Interpreter Certification (NIC) administered by the Center for the Assessment of Sign Language Interpretation (CASLI). William Woods University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
2. University of Northern Colorado
Online Bachelor’s in Interpretation Studies in ASL
What started as a State Normal School one-hundred twenty-nine years ago had become a university serving almost 13,000 students. Academic offerings at the University of Northern Colorado include 100 baccalaureate programs and 120 graduate programs. This doctoral research university’s main campus is located in Greeley, Colorado and has other sites in Loveland, Denver, and Colorado Springs. Future professional ASL interpreters may prepare for their career through the online Bachelor’s Degree for ASL & English Interpreting program. The program offers two emphases: Community Interpreting and Educational Interpreting. The four-year program is the only one accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education (CCIE) in the nation. Students who have ASL competency above ASL V may complete this program in as little as seven semesters. The program requires 120 credits.
3. Valdosta State University
Online Bachelor’s in Interpretation Studies in ASL
A University System of Georgia unit, Valdosta State University was established in 1906. This comprehensive university offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in science & mathematics, humanities& social sciences, arts, business administration, education & human services, and nursing & health sciences. Its Bachelor of Science in Education American Sign Language/English Interpreting can be completed either on-campus or in a hybrid format. Students may design their plan of study and work closely with advisors since the student-to-faculty ratio is very low. However, most coursework for the junior and senior electives is done through face-to-face, and field experiences require site visits. Its distance learning or online program is limited to several students, so prospective students are encouraged to apply early. Students must complete 126 credit hours to earn the degree.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What will I learn in an online bachelors in Interpretation Studies in ASL-English program?
An online Bachelor’s in Interpretation Studies in ASL-English provides learners with a theoretical and hands-on understanding of the interpretation of American Sign Language in addition to general education in humanities and sciences.
Courses may include:
- Introduction to ASL/ English Interpreting or ASL Linguistics- provides a general outlook of the field of interpreting. Students learn the properties of ASL to those of spoken language having phonology, morphology, semantics, syntax, and pragmatics.
- ASL Literature- discusses ASL poetry, narrative, humor, research articles, including written pieces of deaf individuals.
- Self-Directed Lab or Fingerspelling, Numbers, and Classifiers- designed to focus on the receptive and expressive aspects in ASL and self- analysis is also completed.
What can I do with an online bachelors in Interpretation Studies in ASL-English degree?
Graduates of this program may turn to careers that may vary in terms of settings and age ranges. American Language Interpreting profession is growing and is used in a wide range of settings. Interpreters are needed in schools, hospitals, medical offices, theaters, business meetings, government institutions and agencies, and social events. Most states will require licensure or certifications and requirements vary in terms of the state mandate.
Graduates may choose to become the following, but not limited to:
- ASL/Sign Language Interpreters – facilitate communication among deaf and hard of hearing people. They use techniques and sign language in an educational setting. The duties of a sign language interpreter include translating spoken word into sign language. They must understand the subject matter to translate and relay the appropriate message accurately. This means working hard to avoid changing the meaning of the message. They must also be careful and attentive not to express their own opinions, give additional information or even take sides. Another responsibility of sign language interpreter is recognizing the differences between the culture and experiences of a deaf/hard of hearing persons from the ones of a hearing person. An effective sign language interpreter is always prepared. They should have access to books and preparation materials. Some cases or work require great technical information, therefore, requiring interpreters to do research.
- Freelancers – Some sign language interpreters work full-time while others are freelancers. Most interpreters are required to earn a bachelor’s degree and certifications from the Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) Registry State, National Interpreter Certification (NIC), Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) or American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI).
- ASL/ Sign Language Teachers – help and give deaf or hard of hearing the chance to learn subjects that are taught only in spoken language by using the method and techniques of the primary language of the deaf. Part of their role is to empower and encourage their students to learn and grow socially. They are taught how to function with the society and the hearing people, become independent and help create a favorable environment for both hearing and deaf people.
There are different types of ASL teachers: ASL teachers for hearing people, ASL teachers for deaf/hard of hearing people, ASL teachers for deaf/hard of hearing children and their hearing parents, and ASL teachers for the classroom. Some deaf or hard-of-hearing students may need to learn math, science, social studies and other subjects with the need of classroom interpreters. ASL teachers help hearing people have the ability to communicate effectively with deaf/ hard of hearing people. Hearing parents rely on ASL teachers to help them communicate well with their deaf/ hard of hearing child/ children.
Educational background requirements for ASL teacher depend on the establishment or employers. A bachelor’s degree and licensure/certification are the standard requirements.
Child Care Workers – mostly work with teachers in nursery and kindergarten classes or for preschool deaf children. They hold classes that involve vocabulary, motor skills, and social development. They ensure the safety and welfare of the children by caring for the children’s basic needs like bathing, feeding/preparing meals, keeping good hygiene, and providing activities, so children have enough exercise. Child care workers also have to look after the child’s emotional well-being and organize activities to enable and help them discover their abilities and interests. Most child workers use techniques to get the child’s attention and help them with homework and other after-school activities.
Although most employers or schools require an early childhood education degree, ASL interpretation studies are essential in communicating and helping young children start learning the ASL.
Social Workers – provide guidance and social skills activities to the deaf/ hard of hearing and their families. These are done through consulting with parents of the deaf/ hard of hearing children regarding their emotional or social needs, providing activities related to the child’s education and his home, and advocate for the welfare of the deaf/ hard of hearing. Social workers have to review the needs and facilitate group discussions or meetings with topics related to social injustices that the deaf/hard of hearing community faces, self-awareness, and acceptance of hearing loss or being deaf to functioning in school, relationships and other communities. Lastly, they coordinate with students and their families in planning objectives and goals as needed.
Generally, a degree in social work is best required for this job but social workers dealing with deaf and hard of hearing need a bachelor’s or master’s degree for deaf education or ASL program.
Employment Counselors for the Deaf – generally work with individuals or groups to assist in choosing their career path or help them choose the right job. They often assess an individual about education, work experiences, and skills. They may also facilitate tests and short-term training for a particular client or individual, assist with the job placement and career opportunities for the deaf. Most counselors are hired in private industry or agencies, and working schedules sometimes require evening work to fit into client or employee’s schedule.
Typically, while a degree in counseling or psychology is needed for this type of job, a degree or certificate in any ASL Interpretation related studies is an advantage.
What’s the job outlook for graduates with an online bachelors in Interpretation Studies in ASL-English degree?
Graduates of online Interpretation Studies in ASL English program enter the workforce with strong demand. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, demand for sign language interpreters is expected to rise by about 18 percent from 2016 to 2026. The median annual wage is at $47,190, and the highest 10% of the occupation earned $82,290. Interpreters or translators working for the government make the highest among the establishments and institutions.
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