23 Sign Language Preparatory Programs

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.

Berkeley City College’s ASL Program enables students to acquire the communicative competence in ASL and the cultural sensitivity needed to interact successfully with members of the American Deaf community. American Sign Language (ASL) is the fourth most used language in the United States. It is the major language that the American Deaf population uses.

This program is designed to prepare individuals for jobs providing support services to the deaf/hard of hearing. Note: It is not a sign language interpreter program. Emphasis will be on using American Sign Language (ASL). To be accepted to the program, applicants must meet the requirements for admission listed in the catalog.

As a student in the American Sign Language program, you'll gain a strong understanding of the language, culture, and community of Deaf people. You'll graduate with a deepened understanding of English and proficiency in more than one language.

Blue Ridge Community College is one of only four Interpreter Education Programs in North Carolina. It is designed to prepare individuals to work as entry-level sign language interpreters who will provide communication access in interview and interactive settings. Additionally, this curriculum provides in-service training for currently working interpreters who want to enhance their skills. The Interpreter Education Program curriculum includes coursework that covers the acquisition of American Sign Language (ASL). It encompasses ASL grammar, structure, syntax, history, and its sociolinguistic properties. Students will also learn the cognitive processing skills needed for interpreting between ASL and English in consecutive and simultaneous settings. Along with learning ASL and how to interpret, students will gain a greater knowledge of the Deaf community through classes as well as real-life interactions with their local Deaf community.

The undergraduate certificate in Advanced American Sign Language offers students an in-depth pathway to improve and refine their signing skills. The program emphasizes advanced language concepts, incl...

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.

The Associate in Arts in American Sign Language degree (A.A in American Sign Language) provides students with the foundational knowledge in ASL to prepare them for transfer to four-year universities that offer a baccalaureate program. Languages are the key to the understanding and appreciation of value systems and social attitudes of different cultures. Furthermore, acquiring communication skills in other languages facilitates the exchange of ideas and transactions, and increases awareness, appreciation and understanding of cultural diversity.

This curriculum prepares individuals to communicate in American Sign Language (ASL), primarily with persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. Students also study the U.S. Deaf community from a cultural perspective.

The American Sign Language and Deaf Studies Certificate of Completion Program are designed for individuals who currently have a college degree (Associate degree or higher) and are interested in the fields of Deaf Studies, linguistics, communications, psychology, social work, rehabilitation, education of the Deaf and other related areas.

This course gives you an introduction to British Sign Language (BSL), including finger spelling, lip reading, and the semiotic structure of the language. Alongside the practical aspects of BSL, you will learn about Deaf awareness and explore Deaf history and culture. There are over 150,000 individuals in the United Kingdom who use BSL, and they can face communication barriers in many aspects of their lives. This course will both teach you the foundations of the language, and help you to understand and support BSL users.

American Sign Language (ASL) and English interpreting is a specialized field that involves facilitating communication between individuals who use ASL and those who use English. Here are some key points about ASL interpreting and its relationship with English: ASL and English are different languages: ASL is a visual-gestural language used primarily by Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in the United States and parts of Canada. English, on the other hand, is a spoken and written language. ASL has its own grammar, syntax, and cultural nuances distinct from English. Role of ASL interpreters: ASL interpreters play a crucial role in bridging the communication gap between Deaf and hearing individuals. They translate spoken English into ASL and vice versa, ensuring effective communication in various settings such as educational institutions, workplaces, medical facilities, and social gatherings.

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.

This program will use the linguistic aspects of the language as well as the many facets of Deaf Culture to be linguistically competent allies for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals and may find employment in various settings that require the knowledge of the Deaf culture and language. Possible employment options include working as Para educators and/or Interpreting Aides in a Deaf and Hard of Hearing classroom as well as various positions in Deaf/Hard of Hearing organizations.

If you are interested in a career working with the Deaf / Hard of Hearing / DeafBlind communities, Northern Essex Community College (NECC) is a great place to start. Prepare for a career in interpreting, education, human/social services, and more.