Bachelor of Science - American Sign Language-English Interpretation (Optional Co-op)

The ASL-English interpretation major prepares sign language interpreters for work in settings where deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing people interact and communicate. This degree allows students to develop foundation skills for general interpreting, with opportunities to explore specialized fields such as those in educational and medical settings, and/or community interpreting.

The program is accredited through the Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education and is one of only 16 accredited bachelor’s degree interpreting programs in the United States.

The bachelor of science degree program in American Sign Language (ASL)–English interpretation provides specialized preparation for students to develop interpreting skills as well as practical experience and course work. The program is designed to provide graduates with a solid foundation on which to develop the skills needed to pass the National Interpreter Certification exam offered through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf or the Educational Interpreting Performance Assessment.

Interpreting students enjoy small class sizes and one-on-one discussions and advisement with knowledgeable faculty. By keeping classes small, RIT's instructors are able to focus on students, building their strengths and developing their skills. Faculty and staff members work with students on all aspects of interpreting. Interpreting students will have practicum experiences which provide the opportunity to work with a professional interpreter acting as a mentor in a college, school, or in the community. These practicums give students real-world experiences as an interpreter. There is no better place to prepare for a career in sign language interpreting than at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID).  

To succeed in this program, students must be able to understand a speaker who is behind them, understand a speaker who is far away, focus on what a speaker is saying in a noisy room, and understand recorded voices through headphones.