Become a Certified American Sign Language Interpreter
Turn your passion for communication into a career with the Deaf Communication Studies: Interpreter Education associate in applied science (AAS) degree at STLCC. This program prepares you with the skills needed to pursue certification as an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter while developing fluency in ASL and English, interpreting techniques, Deaf culture and professional ethics.
You’ll gain experience through interpreting practice, explore Deaf history and communities and learn how to support effective communication between Deaf and hearing individuals.
What is ASL Interpreter Education at St. Louis Community College?
The Deaf Communication Studies: Interpreter Education program prepares you to help Deaf and hearing individuals communicate effectively in educational, health care, legal and community settings. You’ll learn how to interpret between spoken English and ASL while developing the skills needed for professional interpreting environments.
The program focuses on building interpreting skills through coursework and practice in areas such as:
- Voice-to-sign interpretation.
- Sign-to-voice interpretation.
- Sight translation.
- Transliteration.
You’ll also explore Deaf culture, history and professional ethics to better understand the communities you serve. Through focused training and interpreting practice, you’ll build the knowledge and confidence needed for entry-level ASL interpreter roles or continued education in the field.
What Can You Do with a Deaf Communication Studies: Interpreter Education Degree?
The Deaf Communication Studies: Interpreter Education AAS degree prepares you for careers that support communication access between Deaf and hearing individuals. While you’re still in the program, you can earn a student license that allows you to apply your interpreting skills in real-world settings under supervision. This experience helps you build confidence and develop the skills needed for professional interpreting work.
After completing the program, you’ll be prepared to pursue industry certifications, including:
- Missouri Interpreter Certification System Test of English Proficiency
- Interpreter Certification Basic Performance Evaluation
With the skills and credentials gained through this program, you can pursue opportunities in Deaf services, communication access and ASL interpretation in educational, health care, government and community settings.
AAS in Deaf Communication Studies: Interpreter Education
- Degree offered: Associate in applied science
- Locations Florissant Valley
- Hours to complete: 60
- Program contact name: Daniel J. Betzler
- Program contact email: dbetzler@stlcc.edu
- This program meets the educational requirements for state licensure in the following states: Missouri and Illinois. Students interested in pursuing licensure in a different state should contact the program coordinator for more information.
Tuition for district residents is $127 per credit hour for in-district students. Find out more about our straightforward and low-cost tuition structure.
Program Prerequisites
Students are admitted into the program after demonstrating intermediate ASL skills and a working knowledge of ASL linguistics.
If you already know ASL, a deaf instructor will evaluate your skills and place you at the appropriate level.
Why You Should Choose STLCC's Deaf Communication Studies: Interpreter Education Program
Total Immersion with Certified Faculty
All faculty members who teach American Sign Language classes are deaf and teach in a total immersion format: no voice is permitted in these classes. All interpreting faculty are certified and licensed interpreters.
Schedules Built for Your Busy Life
Fitting a quality education into your busy life is easy with the flexibility STLCC offers:
- Day and evening
- Full or part time
Graduate With Little or No Debt
We believe cost should never be a barrier to achieving your potential. Save over $4,700 per year with tuition that's one-third lower than other local institutions. Plus, we'll help you navigate scholarship options and financial aid.
Stackable Credentials
Stackable credentials help you level up your career opportunities without investing a large amount of time and resources. You can stack a series of traditional and nontraditional credentials, including degrees, certificates and more.
STLCC. What's your reason?