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Sign Language Interpreting Major

Major

The sign language interpreting major provides students with two years of study about the culture and community of Deaf people, including their language, American Sign Language (ASL), followed by two years of study in interpreting. Graduates of the program will be equipped with the knowledge to pass certification tests and foundational interpreting skills to begin working in the field, whether in community or educational settings.

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Bethel University academics psychology

100%

 of ASL and Interpreting classes include Deaf teachers or co-teachers

11:1

student-to-faculty ratio

100%

of students receive some form of financial assistance

Sign Language Interpreting Major

Bachelor of Arts (BA) Program – 4 years

Courses will include:

  • Interpreting for chapel
  • Interpreting for tours and role-plays
  • Interpreting for theater productions
  • Interpreting for nursing simulations
  • A 15-week off-campus internship

Prepare for an exciting future as a/an:

  • K-12 or post-secondary educational interpreter
  • Freelance contract interpreter
  • Staff interpreter at an agency

Examples of recent alumni job placements:

  • Educational interpreters in K-12 and post-secondary institutions
  • Admission to the prestigious Randleman Program for interpreters of color
  • Interpreters for video relay services and video remote interpreting companies
  • Instructors at interpreter training programs
  • Contract interpreters with for-profit and not-for-profit agencies
  • Directors of interpreting agencies
  • Support service providers and interpreters for members of the deaf-blind community
  • Educational interpreters working abroad
  • Full-time missionaries for the deaf both domestically and internationally

You’ll gain career-shaping skills such as:

  • Models of interpreting
  • Development of cognitive skills
  • Translation
  • Consecutive and simultaneous interpreting
  • Employment in the interpretation field
  • Culturally sensitive involvement in the Deaf Community
  • Ethics, professionalism and skills necessary for taking interpreting certification exams

Recent internships include locations such as:

  • Indianapolis, Ind.
  • Chicago, Ill.
  • Mobile, Ala.
  • Washington DC
  • Nashville, Tenn.
19.03.27 Bethel strong academics

Sign Language Interpreting Major Highlights

The sign language interpreting major provides students with two years of study about the culture and community of Deaf people, including their language, American Sign Language (ASL), followed by two years of study in interpreting.  Students gain real-life experience interpreting for chapel, tours, nursing simulations and more. Graduates find work in a variety of interpreting fields including medicine, theater and education.

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Also Consider These Areas of Study

As you’re considering a degree in Sign Language Interpreting, you may consider these other areas of study along with it:

Theatre (minor)
English (minor)
Psychology (major)
Sociology (major)
Medicine (Pre-Professional)

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Financial Aid

Internship Scholarship – This provides seniors with a competitive scholarship during the internship semester. Fill out an application (contact the American Sign Language & Interpretation Department), and you may be awarded a scholarship based on the merit of your application and involvement with the Deaf community and ASLID.

Take the Next Step

Take the first step toward your Bethel University degree in sign language interpreting. Visit campus, apply, request information or ask questions about financial aid.