Bachelor of Science in ASL-English Interpreting

The mission of the American Sign Language-English Interpreting program is to prepare students to become professional interpreters, proficient in ASL, English, and the process of interpretation.

Self-employed and freelance interpreters and translators also need general business skills to successfully manage their finances and career. They must set prices for their work, bill customers, keep financial records, and market their service to attract new business and build their client base. These important business skills are part of our curriculum. 

The pedagogical approach integrates skill and content courses, practicum experiences, and projects. Drawing upon Keuka College's leadership in experiential education, the program provides for a three-credit Level I and a 12-credit hour Level II interpreting practicum. Additionally, two interpreting Field Periods will provide more opportunities for observing, shadowing, and working with professional interpreters.

Graduate Outcomes

Students graduating with a degree in ASL-English Interpreting will:       

1. communicate fluently and accurately in spoken English using appropriate vocabulary, grammar, pragmatics, and discourse;
2. communicate fluently and accurately in ASL using appropriate vocabulary, grammar, pragmatics, and discourse;
3. apply knowledge of the difference between the linguistic structures of ASL and English;
4. perform accurate consecutive interpretations from spoken English to ASL and ASL to spoken English;
5. demonstrate knowledge of various interpreting theories and models and the interpreting process;
6. demonstrate knowledge of the history of interpreting, professional interpreting associations, and the certification process;
7. demonstrate understanding of the norms, values, and beliefs of Deaf culture;
8. apply knowledge of Deaf culture into interpreting situations;
9. recognize differences within the Deaf community, such as regional, social, ethnic, gender, and educational differences as they apply to interpreting situations;
10. act in a professional and culturally appropriate manner in all situations;
11. analyze ethical dilemmas;
12. explain the role of an interpreter and the relationship between interpreters, hearing and Deaf consumers;
13. demonstrate effective business skills such as financial record-keeping and management;
14. understand language variation in both English and ASL;
15. demonstrate knowledge of ASL versus English discourse styles;
16. employ consecutive or simultaneous interpretation or a combination of both in a range of interpreting situations to meet the needs of the Deaf and hearing consumers;
17. develop team-interpreting techniques to facilitate effective interpretation; and
18. determine purpose and goals of assignment, language preferences of the consumers, and communication styles.

Program Requirements

Students will apply to matriculate in the interpreting program before the end of their sophomore year. Criteria for acceptance into the interpreting program:

1. Complete ASL 212, ASL IV or equivalent level of skill.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in ASL.
3. Successfully complete ASL 265 Introduction to Interpreting and ASL 27.5 Interpreting I, or equivalent courses.
4. Demonstrate written English language skills.
5. GPA of 3.0 in prerequisite ASL courses.
6. Overall GPA of 3.0.
7. Cultural assessment
8. Approval of the ASL & ASL-English Interpreting faculty.

Pre-requirements

Major Requirements

One course in a specialized area of interpreting interest. You may choose one of the following, or a course approved by your adviser.

Discipline Specific Field Periods