American Sign Language/English Interpreting (B.S.)
Bloomsburg University provides specialized training for individuals seeking to become American Sign Language interpreters. The objective for the sign language interpreting curriculum is to prepare individuals for certification from the Registry of Interpreters of the Deaf as professional interpreters between deaf/hard of hearing and hearing consumers within the context of a variety of settings: legal, educational, social or business.
One of just two four-year degree programs in the eastern United States, the program provides specialized training for individuals seeking to become American Sign Language interpreters. In addition to learning to interpret, students in this program also receive strong education in aspects of deaf culture and related communication issues.
As an ASL/English interpreting major, you'll take six semesters of American sign language courses and learn about the linguistics of ASL and the Deaf culture. Interpreter training courses include introductory classes, translation, transliteration, and interpreting in consecutive and simultaneous interpreting, as well as a seminar and practicum.
To help prepare you for work in the field, you'll also take courses in public speaking, History, Education and Guidance for the Deaf, and Practical Grammar and Usage, with possible elective courses in Visual/Gestural Communication, Interpreting in the Education Setting, Oral Interpreting and Tactile Interpreting.
Course of Study
Bloomsburg University's Interpreting Program offers a Bachelor's of Science degree in Interpreting for the Deaf. Bloomsburg University's Interpreting program is a vigorous four year program requiring several out of class hours interacting with the Deaf community and attending Deaf events.
In addition to 53 semester hours in general education requirements, the major in interpreting requires 24 semester hours in American Sign Language and culture and 24-27 semester hours in interpreting; the remaining 16-19 semester hours required for a bachelor's degree come from elective courses.
Details about ASL/English Interpreting course of study
Students are encouraged to also minor or have a concentration in another content area.
Available minors and concentrations:
Accounting
Anthropology
Art History
Art Studio
Audiology and Speech Pathology
Biology
Business
Business Information Systems
Chemistry
Communication Studies
Computer and Information Science
Computer Forensics
Computer Science
Computer Science (Web Design)
Creating Writing
Criminal Justice
Economics
Educational Techology
Electronics
English
Entrepreneurship
Ethnic Studies in the United States
Exercise Science
French
Gender and Women's Studies
Geography
Geology
German
History
Latin American Studies
Legal Studies
Management
Marketing
Mathematics
Music
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science
Professional Writing
Psychology
Sociology
Spanish
Statistics
Theatre Arts