Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Professions in Deafness, concentration in Interpreter Preparation
The Interpreter Preparation concentration prepares students for careers as qualified sign language interpreters for the Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and Deaf-blind individuals in both educational and community settings. Additionally, this program will prepare students to take national and state assessments necessary to receive professional credentials.
Example Careers:
Interpreter for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Educational Interpreter/Transliterator, Service Support Provider for the Deaf Blind
Program Contact
Sam Parker, MFA, CSC, ASLTA
Rm. 420, School of Education Building
sdparker@uncg.edu
Phone: Voice/336-256-1217 Video Phone: 336-543-2139
Designed For
The Interpreter Preparation concentration is designed for students who have a passion for the culture and language of the Deaf community and an interest in becoming a nationally certified sign language interpreter.
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities for qualified interpreters exist in a variety of settings including: public school systems(s) (kindergarten through high school), interpreting agencies, and video relay service providers.
Minimum Program Requirements
Admission Requirements:
- Meet with a Professions in Deafness advisor and complete forms outlining Technical Standards, Dispositions, and Program Requirements
- Overall GPA of 2.50 or higher
Progression Requirements:
- Satisfactory progress on Dispositions Review each semester
- Continued demonstration of required competencies outlined in the Technical Standards
- Passing score on the Professions in Deafness Program Benchmark Assessments
- Achievement of a B- (2.70) or higher in SES courses
- Achievement of a 2.0 rating or higher on the ASLPI (taken during ASL IV)
- Overall GPA of 2.50 or higher
Assessment Information
PEPSI: Program Entry Potential in Sign Language
- Cost: Free
- Purpose: Initial screening to evaluate one’s potential in communicating with members of the Deaf community. Passing the assessment gives a student permission to take SES 102 ASL II designated for majors
- When Administered: Taken during SES 101.
SPIL: Sign Proficiency at the Intermediate Level
- Cost: Free
- Purpose: Secondary screening to evaluate one’s ASL skills and processing ability at the intermediate level. Passing the assessment gives a student permission to take the SES 203 ASL III designated for majors
- When Administered:Taken during SES 102 or when a person transfers in at this level.
ASLPI: American Sign Language Proficiency Interview
- Cost: $165
- Purpose: This external assessment evaluates one’s basic ASL skills to determine if they should continue in their field of study and if they have the achieved level of proficiency in order to begin their internship. Required rating: 2.0 or higher.
- When Administered: Taken during SES 204 ASL IV; Taken during SES 204
National Assessments
National Interpreter Certification (NIC) Test
Developed by The Registry of Interpreter’s for the Deaf (RID) and the National Association of the Deaf (NAD)
Students typically take the written portion of the test while they are a senior in the program and the performance portion after they have graduated and have had some experience in the field. For more information, go to rid.org.
The Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA)
This test is typically taken before graduation. For more information, go to classroominterpreting.org.