American Sign Language/English Interpretation

Overview

As an interpreter, you're the crucial link between two very different worlds. You take a message from English, in a hearing-world context, and place it in American Sign Language (ASL) in a Deaf-cultural context. And you do the same in reverse.

As an interpreter, you require excellent social and interpersonal skills, as well as emotional stamina and agility. It's your job to protect the integrity of communication by not changing or influencing its meaning; both audiences depend on you to understand each other.

In your first year, you focus on Deaf culture, advanced-level American Sign Language (ASL), pre-interpretation skills and the theory of interpretation. In second year, you focus on the practice of interpretation.

Choose NSCC

• NSCC is the only college in the Maritimes to offer this program.
• Many of our teaching faculty are Deaf, giving you an authentic, one-on-one experience with Deaf culture.
• You put your skills to work in real-world environments during your work terms.

2021-22 programs

Program delivery may be subject to change based on Public Health guidelines.

September 2021

Admission requirements

• Successful completion of the Deaf Studies or American Sign Language (ASL) Studies certificate equivalent.
  • International students – Submit your official post-secondary documents for assessment. View English language requirements by country
• The final stage of the application process includes an in-person interview; the purpose of the interview is to assess your ASL and English skills, as well as your knowledge of Deaf culture. For details on what to expect at the interview, see the ASL Interview Process (PDF 121KB).
• If you don't respond to your interview invitation, or if you miss a scheduled interview, your application is cancelled.

Program requirements

• Portfolio Development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition

Tuition is valid for the 2021-22 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for college services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• American Sign Language/English Interpretation - Year 1
• American Sign Language/English Interpretation - Year 2

Career options

• There's a shortage of qualified interpreters within this province and beyond. Opportunities exist in various sectors, including:
  • school systems (from kindergarten to grade 12)
  • post-secondary institutions (colleges and universities)
  • legal environments
  • health systems
  • referral agencies, such as the Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority

Future study options

• Continue your studies at university – This program includes courses that count towards a university degree. Find out more.