Bachelor of Arts in American Sign Language/English Interpreting Shorelight Group - Utah Tech University, USA

The Bachelor of Arts in American Sign Language/English Interpreting prepares students to work as interpreters between hearing English users and Deaf American Sign Language users. Our graduates will learn to negotiate linguistic and cultural variations between English and ASL and to faithfully render the interpreted message. Upon graduation, our students should be prepared to take the Utah Novice exam.

Utah requires a certification for ASL Interpreters. There are two levels of the Utah Interpreting Certification, Novice , which allows an individual to interpret in almost any situation excluding technical or specialized situations; and Professional, which allows interpreters to work in more technical and specialized situations. The Utah Interpreting Certification does not require a university degree to obtain and is also accepted by neighboring states. Candidates must pass a written exam and a performance exam.

The National Interpreter Certification is also available and does require a bachelor’s degree. This certification will allow an interpreter to work anywhere in the United States.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate the ability to communicate in American Sign Language at an advanced level on a variety of subjects with other users of ASL.
• Compare and Contrast Personal Culture with Deaf Culture in terms of cultural artifacts, behaviors and traditions.
• Use American Sign Language to connect with other disciplines and acquire information.
• Develop insight into the nature of language and culture specifically what processes and parameters define what constitutes a language and its accompanying cultural aspects.
• Use American Sign Language to generate participation in communities at home and around the world.
• Combine knowledge of spoken English and American Sign Language to create an effective interpretation between ASL/ENG by preserving the communicative intent and negotiating cultural and linguistic nuances.
• Illustrate an understanding of the interpreting profession’s laws and regulations and certification processes.