Interpreter Preparation

General Education - 21-23 Credits

Program Requirements - 42 Credits

• ENGL 106 - English Grammar and Usage 3 Credit(s). *
• INTR 111 - Visual Gestural Communication 2 Credit(s).
• INTR 116 - Introduction to Interpreting 3 Credit(s). *
• INTR 204 - American Sign Language IV 3 Credit(s).
• INTR 206 - American Sign Language V 3 Credit(s).
• INTR 211 - Linguistics of American Sign Language 3 Credit(s).
• INTR 213 - Fingerspelling and Number Use in ASL 3 Credit(s).
• INTR 216 - Pre-Interpreting Skills 3 Credit(s).
• INTR 220 - Consecutive Interpreting 3 Credit(s).
• INTR 224 - Simultaneous Interpreting 3 Credit(s).
• INTR 228 - Interactive Interpreting 3 Credit(s).
• INTR 230 - Transliterating 3 Credit(s).
• INTR 231 - Survey of Specialized Interpreting 3 Credit(s).
• INTR 241 - Practicum 4 Credit(s).

Total Number of Credits Required for Degree: 63-65*

*These courses include ENGL prerequisites. Placement testing or transcript evaluation may be required for new CCBC students. Please contact Academic Advising for more information.

**A new college orientation requirement, completion of the one-credit ACDV 101  course, Transitioning to College, went into effect spring 2010. If you are a credit student who is new to college (meaning you have not successfully completed college coursework at another institution(s)), you are required to take ACDV 101  during your first semester at CCBC, thereby increasing the number of credits required for the degree to 64-66 credits. Students are required to provide an official transcript(s) to document successful completion of college coursework at another institution(s) in order for this requirement to be waived.

Program Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this degree, students will be able to:

1. assess whether their skills match those needed on a particular interpreting assignment; 
2. interpret consecutively and simultaneously in a low-key, one-on-one setting;
3. use internal and external cues to maintain accuracy and determine whether interpreting assignment goals are being met;
4. incorporate feedback from a mentor, team interpreter, and/or deaf consumer into their interpretations;
5. adjust language style for the situation, guided by the consumer’s preference; and 
6. function appropriately in an interpreting situation following the interpreter’s Code of Professional Conduct.

Program Description:

The Interpreter Preparation program is designed to provide students with entry-level skills in sign language interpreting. Students will develop skills in expressive and receptive use of American Sign Language and specific technical skills required to interpret and transliterate. In addition, students will study topics relevant to Deaf people and the field of interpreting. Students will experience a wide variety of learning activities to enhance practical skills as well as theoretical knowledge. These include on-site observations and interviews, attendance at Deaf-related community activities, guest lectures, video and audio lab assignments, and classroom lectures.

CCBC offers two INTR program options – the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree and the Certificate. The A.A.S. program is ideal for students who want to become ASL Interpreters and do not already have a degree; this program includes general education course requirements. The Certificate program is ideal for students who want to become ASL Interpreters but already have a degree. While the Certificate program does not include general education course requirements, some INTR courses do have general education prerequisites. Transcript evaluation may be necessary to determine if prerequisites have been fulfilled.

CCBC does not accept transfer credits for any sign language courses taken elsewhere. However, we do offer placement screenings to new students who have some fluency in American Sign Language and who wish to test out of ASL I. All students who wish to be screened are to contact the Interpreter Preparation office at 443-840-4274 at least one month before the beginning of the semester to make an appointment.

It is important to note that because both Interpreter Preparation programs are primarily evening and part-time, they usually take between three to four years to complete. Before you can learn to interpret, you must first become fluent in the language. This takes time and practice. It is also highly recommended that students spend at least one year socializing and interacting in the Deaf Community to gain the level of fluency needed to become a professional interpreter.

Students may begin either INTR Program in any semester: Fall, Spring, or Summer.

The American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) is a program requirement. The ASLPI is a nationally recognized tool to measure language aptitude. Students are required to take the ASLPI and score at least 2.0 as a prerequisite to INTR 211 , Linguistics of ASL, and score a minimum level of 2+ before INTR 241 , Practicum.

Career Highlights

• Interpreters may consider self-employment or private practice positions in the corporate and non-profit sectors, or work placement through an interpreter referral agency.
• Employment opportunities span across the educational, medical, mental health, religious, performing arts, legal and platform settings.
• Currently, qualified interpreters are in demand in all fields.

Program Highlights

• Named Maryland’s Outstanding Career Program of the Year at the Post-Secondary level in 1997 by the Maryland State Department of Education.
• Recipient of the 1998 Maryland Association for Higher Education Distinguished Program Award in the Instructional category.
• Advocates for the recognition of American Sign Language as a legitimate language.

Semester Sequence

• Interpreter Preparation Semester Sequence