Sign Language Interpreting, BS

Program Description:

Wright State University’s Bachelor of Science Completion degree in Sign Language Interpreting (SLI) is designed for students who have completed an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or Associate of Science (AS) degree program in American Sign Language interpreting/Interpreting for the Deaf.

Today’s interpreters work with a variety of deaf consumers: those who acquired American Sign Language (ASL) as their first language, those who communicate through a form of visual English, and those who use a contact variety form of English and ASL. Interpreters also work with a variety of hearing consumers: from those who are familiar with American deaf culture and the process of interpreting, to those who are communicating with a deaf person for the first time.

Students in this program will complete 40 semester hours of professional requirements in courses focused on enhancement of interpersonal, personal, language and interpreting skills needed to work in today’s world. Additionally, 20-25 credits of general education courses beyond the associate degree coursework may be needed to fulfill the Wright State Core requirements for a bachelor degree. This number will vary depending on the number of general education courses taken at the associate level. Students can complete the general education requirements by taking extra courses and finishing the Ohio Transfer Module before transferring to Wright State University.

There are currently no licensing requirements for gerneralist sign language interpreters and transliterators in the State of Ohio.  There are Certification requirements for legal interpreters and transliterators and Licensing requirements for educational interpreters.  Licensure and certification requirements vary from state to state, and we have not determined if this program meets educational requirements outside of Ohio. If you are planning to pursue professional licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please contact the appropriate licensing entity in that state to seek information and guidance regarding that state’s licensure or qualification requirements.

Admission Requirements

• Associate degree in sign language interpreting or the equivalent 
• Cumulative minimum GPA of 2.35 
• Application to the program director 
• Baseline proficiency of American Sign Language as determined by the sign language interpreting faculty 

Program Learning Outcomes 

The fundamental objective of the Sign Language Interpreting degree is to prepare students to enter the field as professionals who work at a high level of proficiency in both ASL and English, while conducting themselves in professional and ethical ways. 

Graduates will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of linguistics and interpretation theories.
2. Interpret effectively from voice to sign.
3. Transliterate effectively from voice to sign. 
4. Effectively interpret from sign to spoken English.
5. Participate as effective members of service delivery teams.
6. Employ strong ethical practices and standards of practice in all aspects of their work.
7. Demonstrate awareness of several specialty areas of interpreting - E.g. educational, medical, mental health, legal, theatrical and performance, etc.
8. Describe how the world of interpreting and the deaf community are part of an ever-changing tapestry and find ways to keep abreast of the changes.         
9. Demonstrate awareness of the importance of continuing on a course of life-long-learning to hone their skills and develop them accordingly to better serve themselves, their community and their profession.

For additional information:

• Sign Language Interpreting, BS
• Department of Human Services
• College of Health, Education, and Human Services