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ASL, Deaf studies and interpretation programs

Study ASL and interpretation, and graduate ready for professional work between Deaf and hearing communities across Nova Scotia and beyond.

Three students sit around talking in sign language.
American Sign Language (ASL) Studies
Students are seen speaking in ASL.
ASL, Deaf studies and interpretation careers

The Deaf community across Nova Scotia is growing its professional infrastructure - and NSCC's programs are part of it. Skilled interpreters and Deaf community professionals are in demand across schools, health systems, courts, workplaces and social services, and qualified people are in short supply.

Build fluency in American Sign Language (ASL), immerse yourself in Deaf culture through community events and supervised placements, and train for professional work in and alongside Deaf communities.

Find a program that fits your interests

Whether you're new to ASL, training as a hearing interpreter or bringing your lived experience as a Deaf person into the field, we offer a program to meet you where you are.

American Sign Language (ASL) Studies
Learn American Sign Language (ASL) and immerse yourself in Deaf culture, taught mostly by Deaf faculty, to work with members of the Deaf community across education, recreation and social service settings.

American Sign Language/English Interpretation
Learn to interpret between Deaf and hearing communities in the only program of its kind in the Maritimes, aligned with the AVLIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Professional Conduct.

Deaf Interpreter
Transform lived Deaf experience into professional practice. In Canada’s first Deaf Interpreter program, build on your language, cultural knowledge and lived experience while developing the professional skills and standards needed to work alongside Coda and hearing interpreters.

A smiling student in a blue cap sits outside holding a tablet.

Apply now

Ready to take the next step? Learn about the application process and apply today, or contact us with questions:

902-491-4911
1-866-679-6722 (toll-free in Canada and the USA)
 

Why choose NSCC for ASL, Deaf studies and interpretation?

  • Learn from Deaf perspectives and experience. Most faculty across these programs teach ASL as a first language, sharing Deaf culture and history and connecting you to the Deaf community through cultural events, small-group signing practice and community-based coursework.
  • Real interpreting experience before you graduate. Our interpreting programs build hands-on practice through in-class interpretation, supervised community placements and work experience that helps prepare graduates for professional practice.
  • Aligned with professional standards. Interpretation coursework is grounded in the CASLI's Code of Ethics  (the standard for sign-language interpreters across Canada) and connects graduates to major employers and interpretation agencies, including Sorenson Communications of Canada, Society of Deaf & Hard of Hearing Nova Scotians and Atlantic Provincial Special Education Authority for post-graduation work.
  • Graduates the Deaf community needs. Qualified hearing and Deaf interpreters are in demand across Nova Scotia and beyond - in grades kindergarten/primary through 12 and post-secondary education, health systems, legal settings, video relay and referral agencies. Deaf Interpreters bring first-language ASL fluency, cultural knowledge and community trust to work that hearing interpreters can't do alone.

Explore our programs

We offer more than 120 programs grouped by area of interest to help you consider and decide on the right fit for your future. Explore all NSCC programs by areas of interest

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