American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter Preparatory Program Certificate (Career)

Program website

Program Manager: Dr. Leslie Puzio
Email: lpuzio@frederick.edu
Phone: 301.624.2783

Program Description

Prepares students to work as an entry-level sign language interpreter to facilitate and mediate communication between Deaf/hard of hearing and hearing people. Students will develop skills in receptive and expressive American Sign Language. Students will experience a variety of learning environments, including classroom work, laboratory practice and field placement. Students will be required to have both in-class and out-of-class experience with members of the Deaf community to further develop ASL fluency and cultural competency. Upon graduation, students will be prepared to work as an entry-level interpreter in the field or to continue their studies at a four-year institution.

* Students are required to maintain a B or higher in all ASLS and INTP courses in order to continue in the program. Students will be required to meet with the Program Manager for admission into the Program.

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Apply theoretical, ethical, cultural, and practical knowledge of the interpreting field needed to pass the RID certification knowledge written test.
  • Understand major linguistic features of ASL and English and the major cultural features of Deaf and non-Deaf communities.
  • Possess cognitive processing skills to effectively interpret between English and American Sign Language and to transliterate between spoken English and a signed form of English.
  • Comprehend different modes of interpreting/transliterating (i.e. consecutive and simultaneous) and choose the appropriate mode in a given setting/situation.
  • Provide an accurate and appropriate transfer of a message from a source language into a target language from the point of view of style, culture, and the linguistic needs of the consumers.

Program Requirements

  • Students must earn a grade of "B" or better in all ASLS and INTP courses in the ASL Interpreter Preparatory Program Certificate. 
Department Requirements
ASLS 124Introduction to Deaf Community and History3
ASLS 225American Sign Language V4
ASLS 230Deaf Culture and Oppression3
ASLS 232Introduction to the Structure of ASL3
INTP 104Introduction to Interpreting3
INTP 112Foundations of Interpreting3
INTP 114Consecutive Interpreting3
INTP 212ASL to English Interpreting I3
INTP 214English to ASL Interpreting I3
INTP 216Transliterating I3
INTP 222ASL to English Interpreting II3
INTP 224English to ASL Interpreting II3
INTP 226Transliterating II3
INTP 228Interpreting Environments1
INTP 230Internship Seminar & Interpreting Environments1
INTR 103Internship3
Total Credits45

Transfer Note

For more information on careers and transfer, contact the Career and Academic Planning Services office at 301.846.2471 or visit Transfer Services.

Guided Pathway to Success (GPS)

Suggested schedules map your path to degree completion.

Students should meet with an advisor each semester to carefully select and sequence courses based on their specific academic goals and interests. Visit Jefferson Hall or call 301.846.2471 for advising.

Plan of Study Grid
Recommended First SemesterCredits
ASLS 225 American Sign Language V 4
INTP 104 Introduction to Interpreting (Milestone) 3
ASLS 124 Introduction to Deaf Community and History 3
INTP 112 Foundations of Interpreting 3
 Credits13
Recommended Second Semester
ASLS 232 Introduction to the Structure of ASL 3
INTP 114 Consecutive Interpreting 3
ASLS 230 Deaf Culture and Oppression 3
 Credits9
Recommended Third Semester
INTP 212 ASL to English Interpreting I (Milestone) 3
INTP 214 English to ASL Interpreting I 3
INTP 216 Transliterating I 3
INTP 228 Interpreting Environments 1
 Credits10
Recommended Fourth Semester
INTP 222 ASL to English Interpreting II 3
INTP 224 English to ASL Interpreting II 3
INTP 226 Transliterating II 3
INTP 230 Internship Seminar & Interpreting Environments 1
 Credits10
Recommended Fifth Semester
INTR 103 Internship 3
 Credits3
 Total Credits45

Admission into the IPP will be through application and review of the approval board.

Part-time Students

Part-time students should complete courses in the order listed on the pathway. Please contact program manager for questions about part-time status.

Students who take fewer than 15 credits each semester or who require developmental English or Math coursework will need additional semesters to complete their degrees. Summer term and January session classes may help students to make faster progress.

Pathway Legend

Milestone - courses with the Milestone notation should be taken within the recommend credit range to stay on track for program completion.

Fall, Spring, Summer - courses with a Fall, Spring, or Summer notation indicate the course is offered in the specified semester only.