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. A minor in Sign Language is also offered.
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 elective courses in visual/gestural communication, interpreting in the education setting, oral interpreting and tactile interpeting.
Graduates of this program enjoy a 100 percent placement rate in a variety of educational and vocational settings.
Individuals desiring to specialize in communication with the deaf have two options: a program leading to a bachelor of science in interpreting or a minor in sign language. Individuals seeking entrance to the program must complete the following courses prior to formal admission to the program: 75.154 American Sign Language I and 75.155 American Sign Language II .
Area of Concentration in Education of Deaf/Hard of Hearing - Interpreting students may choose to take an area of concentration in education of the deaf/hard of hearing. The undergraduate curriculum in education of the deaf/hard of hearing lays the foundation for the training and education needed to prepare classroom teachers and itinerant hearing therapists to work in educational settings with deaf/hard of hearing children and adults. Students supplement the curriculum for their majors with an area of concentration in education of the deaf/hard of hearing that requires a minimum of 18 semester hours. Certification to teach deaf/hard of hearing students in school programs is granted by the Pennsylvania Department of Education upon completion of a related graduate program.