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 48 credits is required for graduation.
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.
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.
Additional Admissions Criteria: ASL Program Criteria Packet
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 History Record Information (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
| ASL111 | Intermediate American Sign Language I | 4 |
| ASL112 | Intermediate American Sign Language II | 4 |
| ASL201 | Advanced American Sign Language I | 4 |
| ASL202 | Advanced American Sign Language II | 4 |
| ASL203 | American Sign Language Linguistics | 3 |
| ASL205 | Deaf Literature & ASL Folklore | 3 |
| DST101 | Introduction to Deaf Studies | 3 |
| DST102 | Introduction to the Interpreting Field | 4 |
| DST191 | Deaf Community Practicum | 2 |
| DST201 | Interpreting I | 4 |
| DST202 | Interpreting II | 4 |
| DST205 | Deaf Culture | 3 |
| DST291 | Interpreting Practicum I | 3 |
| DST292 | Interpreting Practicum II | 3 |
Courses with Prerequisites: ASL111, ASL112, ASL201, ASL202, ASL203, ASL205, COM111, DST102, DST103, DST191, DST201, DST202, DST205, DST291, DST292
Courses with Corequisites: ASL111, DST102, DST191, DST201, DST202, DST205, DST291, DST292
Recommended Course Sequence/Pathway Sign Language Interpreting Certificate
Year 1 Fall
| ASL111 | Intermediate American Sign Language I | 4 |
| DST101 | Introduction to Deaf Studies | 3 |
Year 1 Spring
| ASL112 | Intermediate American Sign Language II | 4 |
| ASL203 | American Sign Language Linguistics | 3 |
| DST102 | Introduction to the Interpreting Field | 4 |
| DST191 | Deaf Community Practicum | 2 |
Year 2 Fall
Year 2 Spring
| ASL202 | Advanced American Sign Language II | 4 |
| ASL205 | Deaf Literature & ASL Folklore | 3 |
| DST202 | Interpreting II | 4 |
| DST292 | Interpreting Practicum II | 3 |