ASL/English Interpreting II Post-Baccalaureate Proficiency Certificate is designed for students who already possess a baccalaureate degree in any discipline and want to pursue becoming an ASL/English interpreter. Students may be enrolled in the ASL/English Interpreting Post-Bac II certificate and the ASL/English Interpreting Post-Bac I certificate at the same time, as long as students have attained a level of ASL proficiency to be ready for ASL 231 to enroll in the higher-level ASL/English Interpreting II Post-Baccalaureate Proficiency Certificate. Students with a background in ASL can request a screening of their skills to determine placement in ASL coursework.
The ASL/English Interpreting Post-Bac II Proficiency Certificate completes preparation of students to work as professional interpreters with Deaf and non-deaf (hearing) people. The goal of the ASL/English interpreter is to make communication as complete and equal as possible for both Deaf and non-deaf participants by accurately conveying the thoughts, feelings, words, attitudes and meanings of the message, whether it is expressed in spoken English, American Sign Language (ASL) or other forms of signed communication. Thus, interpreters must be bilingual, skilled in both English and ASL, and bicultural, knowledgeable about the cultures of both Deaf and non-deaf people.
A skilled interpreter must also be versatile, mature and flexible in order to work successfully with people from a variety of backgrounds with diverse communication needs. The field encompasses a multitude of situations and settings, including medical, legal and psychological, that frequently contain sensitive and personal issues. In responding to these situations, it is the interpreter's professional responsibility to understand thoroughly, and adhere to, the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. Code of Professional Conduct. It is therefore imperative that interpreters also be of high moral character, nonjudgmental, and well-informed in order to meet the challenges that arise in these sensitive, diverse, and ever-changing situations.
The certificate focuses on the application of advanced skills and theory, including interpreting in specialized settings, transliteration, and professional practices and ethics. The ASL/INT lab offers practice opportunities in both video and digital formats in a small group, supportive environment.
In addition to traditional classroom lectures and laboratory activities, the curriculum utilizes hands-on experience through fieldwork, guest lectures, observations and internships. Cooperative relationships with professional and community agencies and organizations are maintained to provide opportunities for networking and interaction with the Deaf community, as well as the professional interpreting community.
The ASL/English Interpreting II Post-Baccalaureate Proficiency Certificate prepares students for entry-level work as interpreters. It also prepares students for the national certification evaluation given by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. (RID). For the majority of students, however, several years of professional work experience after graduation are needed before certification can be attained.