The ASL/English Interpreting certificate is designed for students wishing to pursue ASL/English interpreting at either the introductory or professional level. This certificate could serve students who are sufficiently proficient and fluent in both American Sign Language and English to pass a language proficiency entrance exam. These individuals in this latter category may be Deaf or hearing heritage ASL users.

This certificate is designed for students who have completed course work toward a BA with ASL proficiency IV. It is also open to students who are heritage language signers, or have completed ASL I-IV. It is highly recommended that students complete the Advanced ASL certificate before the ASL/English Interpreting track due to the level of proficiency required. Students that enter the program with proficiency beyond ASL VI are eligible to pursue the ASL/English Interpreting certificate without completion of the Advanced ASL certificate, with instructor permission. There is an ASL proficiency test required to begin the ASL/English Interpreting certificate.

The Undergraduate and Graduate Certificates in ASL/English Interpreting aim to prepare students to sit for the NIC and BEI national certification exams so they are eligible for state credentialing in KS and MO. Students in KS who pass the performance certification exam are eligible to register in KS as an interpreter. The website https://kcdhh.ks.gov/communication-services/interpreting-services provides information about KS interpreter registration. Students in MO who pass the MO certification exam are eligible to seek licensure in MO as an interpreter. The website https://mcdhh.mo.gov/interpreter-info/ provides information about MO interpreter certification and licensing.  If you plan to obtain a license or certification in a state other than Kansas or a US territory after completion of your program, it is highly recommended you first seek guidance from the appropriate licensing agency BEFORE beginning the academic program to ensure you can obtain a license or certification in your home state or territory. The website https://rid.org/programs/gap/state-by-state-regulations/ provides resources for licensure and certification boards outside of Kansas. The Undergraduate and Graduate Certificates in ASL/English Interpreting does not guarantee that students will pass the certification exams, but covers the necessary materials to prepare students to sit for the exam.

Admission to Graduate Studies

An applicant seeking to pursue graduate study may be admitted as either a degree-seeking or non-degree seeking student. Policies and procedures of Graduate Studies govern the process of Graduate admission. These may be found in the Graduate Studies section of the online catalog.

For more information on admission to a graduate certificate program at KU, see the policy on Admission to Graduate Study.  Applications may be submitted at http://graduate.ku.edu/ku-graduate-application.

Students must complete an American Sign Language proficiency exam prior to admissions into the program.

The ASL/English Interpreting Graduate Certificate is a 15 credit hour certificate that allows students to pursue one of the following tracks.

Introduction to ASL/English Interpreting Track

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
ASLD 701	Introduction to the ASL/English Interpreting Profession	3
ASLD 702	Theories of Interpreting: Co-Constructions of Meaning	3
Select three of the following electives:		9
ASLD 803	Interpreting: Mediated Interactions in Communications
ASLD 806	Interpreting: Diverse Communities
ASLD 807	Ethics and Professionalization for Interpreters
ASLD 808	ASL/English Interpreting Observation Practicum
ASLD 810	Psychological Effects of Interpreting

Professional ASL/English Interpreting Track

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
ASLD 702	Theories of Interpreting: Co-Constructions of Meaning	3
ASLD 807	Ethics and Professionalization for Interpreters	3
ASLD 809	Practicum in American Sign Language Interpreting	3
ASLD 810	Psychological Effects of Interpreting	3
Select one of the following electives or other departmentally approved electives:		3
ASLD 803	Interpreting: Mediated Interactions in Communications
ASLD 804	Interpreting: ASL to English
ASLD 805	Interpreting: English to ASL
ASLD 806	Interpreting: Diverse Communities
ASLD 815	Business Practices for Interpreters
ASLD 816	Interpreting: Dynamic Paralinguistic Demands
ASLD 838	Topics in Interpreting: _____