American Sign Language and English Interpreting (B.S.)

Our interpreting program offers a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Interpreting for the Deaf. It's 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.

Students are encouraged to also minor or have a concentration in another content area.

ASL Worksheet

Students desiring to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in ASL/English Interpreting should familiarize themselves with this document. Questions concerning the procedures should be directed to the student’s advisor or the Program Coordinator of the ASL/English Interpreting Program.

The following are admission, monitoring and exit procedures and requirements for all students who major in ASL/English Interpreting at Bloomsburg University. In setting these requirements, attention was given to all national standards and criteria for interpreter candidates.

Due to cohort design and structure of the course sequence, the number of transfer students accepted into the American Sign Language/ English Interpreting Program is limited. This program may typically be completed in four years. Transferring into this program may extend this length of time.

To apply, students must complete the appropriate requirements for admission (see the Admission, Monitoring and Exit Procedures packet). Transfer students must complete 20 hours of certified interpreter observation and 10 hours of community service during the first year they are at Bloomsburg University.

Please contact the program coordinator for details on these requirements. Prior to admission, transfer students must participate in an interview with the faculty. If transferring ASL course work from another institution, an ASL placement test is required. This will ensure competency in an appropriate level of ASL coursework.

Please note that all students must pass an ASL proficiency examination at the completion of ASL III in order to advance within the program. The American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) is administered through Gallaudet University.

All students who wish to continue into ASL IV or other advanced-level interpreting course work must take the ASLPI and achieve a level 2 out of 5. Failure to pass this performance examination will require remediation, corrective action and/or re-examination. This will delay matriculation and limit access to advanced coursework.

Before transferring you will need to take a placement test so we know where to best place you in our program.

Transfer Application

The minor in sign language will involve a developmental sequence of 15 credit hours in sign language courses and three credit hours in Deaf Culture. Students outside of the ASL/English Interpreting Program will have an opportunity to strengthen an additional skill which will make them more employable and acceptable for graduate programs.

Students may wish to major in an area of their interest and want to work with the deaf/hard of hearing population in that area. Examples could be psychology/sign language, nursing/sign language, and education/sign language. Students must receive advisement from the Department of Exceptionality Programs in regard to course selections.

Total Credits: 18

The practicum experience for Interpreter Training students is one that provides opportunities to observe and participate in major activities required of professional interpreters today.

This practicum is an integral part of the Bachelor of Science degree program in ASL/English Interpreting at Bloomsburg University.  The experience provides the student with the opportunity for carrying out professional responsibilities under appropriate supervision, direct observation and modeling of effective interpretation.

Each practicum experience shall be collaboratively developed and documented by the university supervisor, mentor and student.  All practicum settings shall be conducted in sites equipped to provide the application of concepts learned through university coursework.

These experiences should enhance and extend the experiences provided throughout the program.  The practicum provides experiences with varied groups across the life-span, various language preferences, and various service-delivery models reflective of current practices in the profession.

Philosophy

Bloomsburg University is committed to the preparation of interpreters of high quality.  The development of quality for beginning interpreters is a “team” process.  The competencies developed by practicum students during their practicum are the outcome of a cooperative endeavor between the practicum mentor, university supervisor, and practicum student.  The emphasis of the interpreting practicum experience is on developing broadly educated individuals who are knowledgeable, skilled and professional in a variety of interpreted settings.

Requirements

Coming soon

GENERAL OBJECTIVES OF THE INTERPRETING PRACTICUM

To provide the student with professional experiences and competencies under the full-time supervision of certified professionals in a variety of settings.

To provide experiences for understanding of the practical realities, working conditions and professional responsibilities of practicing interpreters.

To provide feedback for the interpreting student through continuous evaluation, skill-based feedback, task modeling and guidance by cooperating supervisors and mentors.
 
To provide opportunities for developing self-direction, professional interests, attitudes, ideas, and techniques of interpreting through self-evaluation.
 
To provide experiences for observation and participation in professional activities related to interpreting such as: RID meetings, NAD meetings, interpreting workshops, and social activities where Deaf people are present.
 
To provide experiences to the interpreting student in recognition of and fostering of individual and cultural differences found among the clientele they will be serving.
 
To provide opportunities for the interpreting student to become aware of the importance of human relations as they apply to Deaf consumers, hearing consumers, and members of the community at large.