American Sign Language - English Interpreting, Associate in Applied Science
Program Description
The AAS in American Sign Language-English Interpreting program prepares students to interpret English into ASL and ASL into English. The program promotes American Sign Language skills, an understanding of deaf culture, knowledge of the interpreter’s role and responsibility, theoretical skills in interpreting, and practical experience in interactive settings. Various settings in which the interpreter works are examined in addition to ethical decision making in relation to the role of the interpreter.
This program attracts applicants coming from various backgrounds:
- graduates of two and four year ASL programs,
- individuals with no degree but with prior knowledge and skills in ASL, and
- beginning students.
Students who successfully complete ASLN 100: American Sign Language I and ASLN 103: American Sign Language II will be admitted into the program. Students who transfer into the program from other institutions must first meet with the Program Chair for skills assessment in order to determine placement.
Students within the program will need to achieve a “C” or higher in each course in order to continue in the program. In the event a student receives a “D,” it will be up to the Program Chair to allow the student to continue in the program on program probation.
Transfer Information
The A.A.S. in American Sign Language–English Interpreting is designed as a career-focused degree and is not structured under the New Jersey Statewide Transfer Agreement. Students interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree should consult with Advising & Transfer Services to explore articulation agreements or transfer opportunities at their intended institution.
Students planning to pursue national interpreting credentials should review certification requirements, which may include additional assessment and professional standards beyond degree completion.
Career Information
The A.A.S. in American Sign Language–English Interpreting prepares graduates for entry-level positions in a variety of interpreting settings.
Potential career paths include:
- Community Interpreter
- Educational Interpreter
- Video Relay Service (VRS) Interpreter
- Healthcare Interpreter
- Government or Public Service Interpreter
Professional interpreters often pursue national certification and continuing education to advance in the field. Students are encouraged to consult with faculty and Career Services to explore credentialing pathways, internship opportunities, and professional development within the interpreting profession.
| First Semester | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 151 | English I | 3 |
| ASLN 112 | American Sign Language III | 3 |
| ASLN 115 | ASL Grammar and Syntax | 3 |
| ASLN 125 | Visual Gestural Communication | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| ENGL 152 | English II | 3 |
| ASLN 105 | Deaf Culture and History | 3 |
| ASLN 121 | Interpreting Theory | 3 |
| ASLN 201 | American Sign Language IV | 3 |
| COMM 154 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Summer 10 Week | ||
| ASLN 162 | Translating from ASL into English | 3 |
| ASLN 165 | Translating from English to ASL | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| ASLN 225 | Deaf-Blind Interpreting | 3 |
| ASLN 230 | ASL-to-English Interpreting | 3 |
| ASLN 235 | English-to-ASL Interpreting | 3 |
| Mathematics Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Humanities or Social Science Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| ASLN 260 | Interactive Interpreting | 5 |
| Humanities Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Lab Science Gen. Ed. Requirement | 4 | |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 60 | |