ASL/English Interpreting I Proficiency Certificate

Preparation for a Career as a Communicator

Designed for those with a bachelor's degree in any field, the Interpreting I proficiency certificate introduces you to American Sign Language and the culture of the American Deaf community. The first of a two-part certificate, this program will help you work toward becoming an ASL/English interpreter.

Through your coursework, you will learn about cultural and historical perspectives of the deaf community in America, professional practices and ethics, and the theory of interpreting processes. A multimedia language and interpreting lab with video, digital and computer technology allows you to record and watch your ASL and interpreting skills. Fieldwork, observations and guest lecturers offer you the hands-on experience necessary for academic and career success.

The goal of an ASL/English interpreter is to make communication as complete and equal as possible for both Deaf and nondeaf participants. Interpreters accurately convey the thoughts, feelings, words, attitudes and meanings of the message, whether it is expressed in spoken English, ASL or other forms of signed communication.

Successful completion of this program enables you to enroll in the ASL/English Interpreting II proficiency certificate.

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Interpreter and Translator – est. salary $51,914
Special Education Teacher - Kindergarten and Elementary School – est. salary $65,592
Special Education Teacher - Middle School – est. salary $63,072
Teacher Assistant 
– est. salary $21,864* 

 

**EMSI Data, 2022; Philadelphia County, PA; a percentage of people in these jobs may have a bachelor's degree or higher.

Courses and Completion Sequence

The following courses and sequence of courses is designed for the optimal success and completion of the ASL/English Interpreting I Post-Baccalaureate Proficiency Certificate degree/certificate. Any alterations should be discussed with your academic advisor.
Course Number and Name Prerequisites Credits
ASL 101 - Elementary American Sign Language I   3 credits
ASL 102 - Elementary American Sign Language II ASL 101 with a grade of "C" or better 3 credits
ASL 201 - Intermediate American Sign Language I ASL 102 with a grade "C" or better (or program placement) 3 credits
ASL 202 - Intermediate American Sign Language II ASL 201 with a grade of "C" or better 3 credits
ASL 215 - American Sign Language Fingerspelling ASL 202 with a grade of "B" or better 3 credits
ASL 230 - Structure of American Sign Language ASL 202 with a grade of "B" or better, ENGL 101, which may be taken concurrently* 3 credits
ASL 231 - Advanced American Sign Language I ASL 202 with a grade of "B" or better 3 credits
ASL 232 - Advanced American Sign Language II ASL 231 with a grade of "C" or better 3 credits
INT 105 - Introduction to the American Deaf Community   3 credits

* Students who hold a bachelor's degree will already meet this prerequisite requirement.

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