American Sign Language–Interpreting factsheet (PDF)

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Associate of Science (915.1) 

This comprehensive program leads to an interpreting career. The educational philosophy of the Interpreting program at CCAC centers on providing students with the superior language skills and ethical competencies needed by today’s interpreters. Through interpreting labs, observations in schools, the community and internship placement students become highly skilled professionals. Students who successfully complete the program will be prepared to sit for the Pennsylvania Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) license or the National Interpreter Certification (NIC). Students holding a bachelor’s degree would be permitted to sit for the NIC exam.

Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate will:

1. Interpret a wide variety of content in the K–12 and community settings. 

2. Apply interpreting skills to different professional settings including schools, businesses, medical offices, theatrical and community events.

3. Denote the wide variety of clients with special needs who are also D/deaf and how their services may differ.

4. Differentiate and investigate the legal and ethical aspects and responsibilities of the various requirements of interpreters in the varying settings.

5. Define the occupational challenges and legislative issues facing interpreters today.

Prior to the practicum requirement, students must be eligible for clearance through the Federal Criminal History Record (ACT114), Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Check (ACT34), Pennsylvania Public Welfare Child Abuse History Clearance Act (ACT151) and meet local requirements of the practicum placement site.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be prepared to seek employment as an educational interpreter in the K–12 system or as a community interpreter.

Students may enter the program in three ways:

1. complete CCAC’s 17 credit American Sign Language certificate program;

2. earn a level 2 or higher on the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) or

3. pass a CCAC ASL proficiency exam, administered each summer.

See the graduation checksheet for this program in printable PDF form.

Degree Requirements

Minimum Credits to Graduate: 60-61

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