Mar 28, 2024  
Catalog 2015-16 
    
Catalog 2015-16 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Interpreter Preparation Certificate


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Statewide Program
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. Course requirements are listed below.

Semester Sequence


This is a suggested schedule for a student who has completed any developmental course work and has no transfer credits.



Fall Semester Year 1*


Spring Semester Year 1


Fall Semester Year 2


Spring Semester Year 3


Spring Semester Year 4


Fall Semester Year 5


 

Program Requirements and Electives - 42 Credits


Total Number of Credits Required for Certificate: 42*


Notes


*Credit students who are new to college (no successfully completed college coursework at other institutions) are required to take ACDV 101  in the first semester at CCBC. This is a 1-credit class, and it does not count towards the number of credits required for a degree or certificate. Students are required to provide an official transcript(s) to document successful completion of college coursework at another institution(s) for this requirement to be waived.

 

**These courses are prerequisite courses; these credits do not count toward the total credit hours needed to complete the INTR programs.

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

Program Description


The Interpreter Preparation Program is designed to provide students with entry-level skills in sign language interpreting. Students will develop skills in 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.

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.

For new students with prior skills in American Sign Language (ASL), the department offers an assessment, for a fee, that may allow students to get credit. Experienced students should contact the Interpreter Preparation office at 443 840 4274 no later than two weeks prior to the start of the semester to set up 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.

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.

Program Outcomes


Upon completion of this certificate, 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 if 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.

Other


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.
  • Careers in Interpreting

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.

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