Undergraduate Certificate in ASL/English Interpreting

Program Overview

The Undergraduate Certificate in ASL/English Interpreting prepares students for ASL/English interpreting at the introductory or professional level. The program covers materials for the NIC and BEI national certification exams, which are required for state credentialing in Kansas and Missouri. Students can choose between the Introduction to ASL/English Interpreting Track or the Professional ASL/English Interpreting Track. The program is open to students with ASL proficiency IV or heritage language signers, and an ASL proficiency test is required to begin the certificate.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Undergraduate Certificate in ASL/English Interpreting is designed for students who want to pursue ASL/English interpreting at either the introductory or professional level.

Objectives:

• Prepare students to sit for the NIC and BEI national certification exams so they are eligible for state credentialing in KS and MO.
• Provide students with the necessary materials to prepare them to sit for the certification exams.

Description:

• Designed for students who have completed course work toward a BA with ASL proficiency IV.
• Open to students who are heritage language signers or have completed ASL I-IV.
• Highly recommended that students complete the Advanced ASL certificate before the ASL/English Interpreting track.
• Students that enter the program with proficiency beyond ASL VI are eligible to pursue the ASL/English Interpreting certificate without completing the Advanced ASL certificate, with instructor permission.
• There is an ASL proficiency test required to begin the ASL/English Interpreting certificate.
• The Undergraduate and Graduate Certificates in ASL/English Interpreting aim to prepare students to sit for the NIC and BEI national certification exams so they are eligible for state credentialing in KS and MO.
• The website https://kcdhh.ks.gov/communication-services/interpreting-services provides information about KS interpreter registration.
• Students in MO who pass the MO certification exam are eligible to seek licensure in MO as an interpreter.
The website https://mcdhh.mo.gov/interpreter-info/ provides information about MO interpreter certification and licensing.
• If you plan to obtain a license or certification in a state other than Kansas or a US territory after completion of your program, it is highly recommended you first seek guidance from the appropriate licensing agency BEFORE beginning the academic program to ensure you can obtain a license or certification in your home state or territory.
The website https://rid.org/programs/gap/state-by-state-regulations/ provides resources for licensure and certification boards outside of Kansas.
• The Undergraduate and Graduate Certificates in ASL/English Interpreting does not guarantee that students will pass the certification exams, but covers the necessary materials to prepare students to sit for the exam.

Careers:

• Potential career paths include ASL/English interpreter.
• Opportunities for employment may be found in a variety of settings, such as schools, hospitals, businesses, and government agencies.

Other:

• The certificate is a 15 credit hour certificate that allows students to select one of the two tracks:
• Introduction to ASL/English Interpreting Track
• Professional ASL/English Interpreting Track
• The program is open to students who have completed course work toward a BA with ASL proficiency IV or are heritage language signers.
• There is an ASL proficiency test required to begin the ASL/English Interpreting certificate.
• The program covers the necessary materials to prepare students to sit for the NIC and BEI national certification exams.
• Students are encouraged to seek guidance from the appropriate licensing agency before beginning the program if they plan to obtain a license or certification in a state other than Kansas or a US territory.