American Sign Language/English Interpreting

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American Sign Language/English Interpreting

This program is intended for students seeking to become American Sign Language (ASL)/English interpreters for the deaf/hard of hearing, preparing them for a variety of jobs settings such as legal, educational, medical, etc.

It's an austere and highly competitive course of study, requiring copious amounts of hands-on training that is obtained through in-class practice and personal interaction with the local Deaf population. A combination of empirical knowledge as well as practical application will be employed in order to achieve the level of excellence required in this field.

The American Sign Language (ASL)/English Interpreting progam accepts only 25 students per graduating class each year.

Course requirements | Program outline | Monitoring and Exit Procedures

Who to contact

Program Coordinator and Instructor
Jessica Bentley-Sassaman
10 Navy Hall | (570) 389-5102

Program Description

One of just two four-year degree programs in the eastern U.S., this program provides specialized training for students seeking to become American Sign Language interpreters. In addition to learning to interpret, students also receive strong education in deaf culture and related communication issues.

As an ASL/English interpreting major, you'll take six semesters of ASL 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 for your career, you'll take courses in public speaking, history, education and guidance for the deaf, and practical grammar and usage, with possible elective courses in visual and gestural communication, interpreting in the education setting, oral and tactile interpreting.