Sign Language Interpreting Certificate

Courses and Requirements

The Sign Language Interpreting Certificate is available to students already holding an Associate degree or higher. The certificate is designed to provide students with a foundation in American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf culture and an opportunity to explore careers in the Deaf/Hard of Hearing community and function as entry level professional interpreters. The program also provides for career exploration within the deaf community.  

Students must earn a minimum grade of C in all ASL and DST courses in order to move to the next level of courses and for graduation. A minimum of 53 credit hours are required for students intending to continue their studies in Interpreting. 

Program Prerequisite: ASL101 Elementary ASL I and ASL102 Elementary ASL II with a C or better or demonstrate comparable skills/knowledge. There is also a requirement of an Associate Degree or higher. See a representative in Enrollment Services for additional admissions criteria for this program.

CORI/CHRI/SORI

Students interested in participation in this academic program may be required to undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, a Criminal Records Central Repository (CHRI) check and/or a Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) check. For more information, visit the CORI/CHRI/SORI page on the NECC website.

Northern Essex Community College is committed to the success of every student. Students with legal issues in their background will meet with a committee as part of the CORI/CHRI/SORI process and will receive guidance and counseling throughout the review of their records. NECC makes every effort to help students prepare for careers in their chosen field. Students are encouraged to seek assistance and support.

Requirements

Course NumberTitleCredits
ANT101Cultural Anthropology

3

ASL111Intermediate American Sign Language I

4

ASL112Intermediate American Sign Language II

4

ASL201Advanced American Sign Language I

4

ASL202Advanced American Sign Language II

4

ASL203American Sign Language Linguistics

3

ASL205Deaf Literature & ASL Folklore

3

COM111Public Speaking

3

DST101Introduction to Deaf Studies

3

DST102Introduction to the Interpreting Field

3

DST191Deaf Community Practicum

2

DST201Interpreting I

4

DST202Interpreting II

4

DST205Deaf Culture

3

DST291Interpreting Practicum I

3

DST292Interpreting Practicum II

3

Courses with Prerequisites: ANT101, ASL112, ASL201, ASL202, ASL203, COM111, DST101

Courses with Prerequisites and Corequisites: ASL111, DST102, DST191, DST201, DST202, DST205, DST291, DST292

Program Notes

Courses are offered during daytime hours only, two days per week. In the first semester, students must be available one additional day to complete their first-semester practicum requirements. Students must have a reliable means of transportation to and from their practicum sites. Students in this option who plan on continuing to a certificate or degree in ASL/English interpreting must maintain a grade of B or better in all ASL language classes.

Recommended Course Sequence Sign Language Interpreting Certificate

Course NumberTitleCredits

Year 1

Course NumberTitleCredits
Fall
Course NumberTitleCredits
ANT101Cultural Anthropology

3

ASL111Intermediate American Sign Language I

4

COM111Public Speaking

3

DST101Introduction to Deaf Studies

3

Spring
Course NumberTitleCredits
ASL112Intermediate American Sign Language II

4

ASL203American Sign Language Linguistics

3

DST102Introduction to the Interpreting Field

3

DST191Deaf Community Practicum

2

Year 2

Course NumberTitleCredits
Fall
Course NumberTitleCredits
ASL201Advanced American Sign Language I

4

DST201Interpreting I

4

DST205Deaf Culture

3

DST291Interpreting Practicum I

3

Spring
Course NumberTitleCredits
ASL202Advanced American Sign Language II

4

ASL205Deaf Literature & ASL Folklore

3

DST202Interpreting II

4

DST292Interpreting Practicum II

3