This program prepares individuals to function as simultaneous and consecutive interpreters as well as translators of American Sign Language (ASL) and other signing systems employed to assist deaf and hard-of-hearing people, both voice-to-sign and sign-to-voice interpretation. This includes instruction in American Sign Language (ASL), alternative sign systems, fingerspelling, vocabulary and expressive nuances, oral and text translation skills, cross-cultural communications, slang and colloquialisms, and technical interpretation.

The Southwestern Illinois College Sign Language Studies/Interpreter Training program prepares students to work as interpreters for the deaf or hard of hearing community. Sign Language interpreting is a highly specialized field requiring an in-depth course of study as offered at SWIC. While the foundation of the curriculum is a commitment to American Sign Language, the professional sign language interpreter is a service provider who must be able to adjust to a broad range of consumer preferences for interpretation along a broad spectrum of communication.

American Sign Language/Interpreter Education Program (ASL/IEP) is a two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program to train individuals to become ASL conversationalists and or professional ASL interpreters. Successful graduates of this program can seek job opportunities in settings such as educational, medical, legal, mental health, religious, social, and community-based employment. This program provides individuals with the professional knowledge and skills that meet or exceed the minimum professional standards necessary to perform in a broad range of interpreting assignments. This program will prepare individuals for the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) and Virginia Quality Assurance Screening (VQAS).

These programs build skills in American Sign Language (ASL) or prepare students for rewarding careers in interpreting, with an educational philosophy that centers on providing students with the superior language skills and ethical competencies needed by today’s interpreters.