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The first degree of its kind in Canada.

George Brown College’s Honours Bachelor of Interpretation (American Sign Language – English) program was developed to address the growing demand for qualified Sign Language Interpreters. This degree helps prepare graduates for work in this dynamic field.

An interpreter is a fluent bilingual-bicultural professional, facilitating communication between those who do not share the same language or culture.

To be a sign language interpreter requires manual dexterity, critical thinking skills, visual-spatial recognition, excellent short- and long-term memory, and superior cognitive processing abilities in order to process information instantaneously at a level of bilingual and bicultural expertise beyond conversational fluency. For non-Deaf interpreters, this will also include auditory-processing capabilities.

Over the course of four years, students will continue to improve and hone both their English and American Sign Language proficiencies while studying to become interpreters.

This program focuses on seven areas of learning:

• Language and Culture.
• Field Fundamentals.
• Interpreting Skills.
• Research Methods/Trends.
• Ethics and Professionalism.
• Breadth Electives.
• Field and Community Experience.

For applicants with a diploma or advanced diploma in American Sign Language – English interpretation, an advanced entry option is available. For details on how to apply, see our How to Qualify and Apply tab.

Is this program right for you?

Interpreting is a very rewarding but demanding field of work. Successful interpreters typically possess the following attributes:

• a strong command of both English and American Sign Language
• an excellent memory
• the ability to concentrate and focus easily and for long periods of time
• the ability to process and analyze information quickly (cognitive processing skills)
• the ability to multitask
• versatility
• a willingness to be flexible
• strong communication skills
• excellent interpersonal skills

In preparation for field placement, students will be required to work in multiple small and large groups, both in classes and community settings. Attendance and participation are key elements of program success.

Your Field Education Options

420-Hour Internship Experience (unpaid)

Students wishing to become successful in the field of interpreting should expect to dedicate a significant amount of time to developing their craft outside the classroom.

To help students transition their skills from a controlled classroom environment to the real world, students are required to complete an internship program. This senior internship, offered in the Fall semester of the fourth year, is approximately 420 hours (equivalent to 14 weeks). During this time students will apply their skills, abilities, and knowledge in a variety of environments.

Students will work under the close supervision of a professional interpreter, develop a greater understanding of policy implications for sign language interpreters and engage in research.

As most interpreters in Ontario are self-employed independent contractors, these opportunities are not typically paid positions. These intensive field opportunities are meant to provide a rich learning experience and the chance to strengthen interpreting skills.

Volunteer student interpreting services (GBC-VSIS)

In addition to field placement and internship, the fourth-year students provide limited pro bono interpreting services in authentic settings within the GTA by offering Volunteer Student Interpreting Services.