Mar 28, 2024  
Catalog 2017-18 
    
Catalog 2017-18 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Interpreter Preparation


Important Information


Short Description


The Interpreter Preparation program is designed to provide students with entry-level skills in sign language interpreting. 

Type of Credential


Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)

Program Code


620

Contacts and Additional Information


Program Coordinator:
CCBC Catonsville, Rebecca Minor
443-840-4975 or rminor3@ccbcmd.edu

Additional Information:

  • Statewide Program
  • The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) degree 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 (see details below).
  • 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.
  • Opportunities for Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) - For Interpreter Preparation, see Portfolio, Departmental Exam, and Articulated Credit by Industry/Apprenticeship. Several General Education classes also have PLA opportunities.
  • Articulation and Transfer Agreements - While there are no program-specific agreements, see other types of agreements such as guaranteed admission, block transfer, and discounts.

Semester Sequence


This is a suggested full-time schedule for a student who has completed any developmental course work and has no transfer credits. Refer to the College catalog for specific requirements in selecting General Education Courses .

Semester 2


Semester 4


Semester 5


Semester 6


Semester 9


Courses Needed for This Program*


Prerequisites - 6 Credits


General Education - 21-23 Credits


General Education Electives:


Choose courses in each category from the list of approved General Education courses .

  • Social and Behavioral Sciences 3 Credits.
  • Biological and Physical Sciences 3-4 Credits.
  • Mathematics 3-4 Credits.
     
  • Wellness and Health 3 Credits.
    or
  • Information Technology 3 Credits.

Program Requirements and Electives - 42 Credits


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


Notes


*Credit students who are new to college (no successfully completed transferable college credits from other institutions) are required to take ACDV 101 - Academic Development: Transitioning to College . This 1-credit course is designed to be taken in the first semester at CCBC. Students must provide an official transcript(s) from an accredited institution to document successful completion of college coursework for the ACDV 101 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 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.

For new students with prior skills in American Sign Language (ASL), the department offers an assessment, for a fee, that may allow students to test out of some or all of the ASL courses. Experienced students should contact the Interpreter Preparation office at 443 840 4975 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 time immersing themselves in ASL by 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 American Sign Language , and score a minimum level of 2+ before INTR 241 - Practicum .

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.

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.