Sign Language Interpreter Preparation, AAS

Additional information available on the Sign Language Interpreter Preparation Department website.

Recommended basic skills courses are

• College Readiness in English
• College Readiness for Quantitative Literacy 

The Sign Language Interpreter program will provide you with exceptional knowledge and a skill set that will prepare you to partner with the Deaf community. When you complete the AAS Degree in Sign Language Interpretation you will be prepared for entry-level, pre-certified interpreter/translator employment.

Students must submit a Letter of Intent to the Interpreter Preparation Program. In order to be accepted into the program, students must demonstrate proficiency in American Sign Language by:

1. passing the proficiency test at 80%, or
2. receiving a grade of “B” or above in both ASL 1121  and ASL 1122 .

In addition, program requirements include demonstrated mastery of program skills. Therefore, students must receive a grade of “B” or better in all ASL and IPP courses and at least a “C” in all other general education coursework.

To progress to the Interpreting Internship, students must:

1. satisfy all program requirements with a grade of “B” or better,
2. have completed all general education courses and
3. have an overall G.P.A of a 3.0 or higher.

As of July 2012, the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) requires a bachelor’s degree for national certification. PPSC has partnered with Regis University and Sienna Heights for full transfer of the AAS degree for a Bachelor of Applied Science degree. This BAS degree satisfies the RID educational standards for certification.

Contact the Interpreter Preparation Office at 719-502-3200 for more information.

Program prerequisite: College Readiness in English, College Readiness for Quantitative Literacy, or placement scores of ENG 1021 .

Students may complete deficiencies concurrently with the beginning courses in the program. Students not meeting a course prerequisite must have instructor permission to enroll.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Sign Language Interpreter Preparation degree program, students should be able to:

• Identify tenets of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Code of Professional Conduct and apply professional practice to various scenarios
• Analyze situation to determine modality most appropriate to client language need (interpret/transliterate)
• Interpret/transliterate for a diverse population (with native and non-native speakers of varying ages, race, gender, education, socio-economic status, and ethnicity)
• Demonstrate preparation and brainstorming skills in preparing for assignments and demonstrate flexibility in adapting to changes that arise during an assignment
• Adjust to the interpreting/transliterating needs of the consumer based on consumer signing style and/or feedback
• Identify and apply team interpreting practices during interactive interpreting scenarios