The ASL/English Interpreting graduate certificate is designed for students wishing to pursue ASL/English interpreting education and who demonstrate fluency in both ASL and English. The certificate is a rigorous program of study that integrates a strong foundation of ASL and Deaf Studies with intensive interpreting skill development. 

It is highly recommended that students complete the Bachelor's in ASL and Deaf Studies and applicable Pre-ASL/English Interpreting coursework* first due to the level of proficiency required. Individuals with proficiency beyond ASL VI and who meet eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply. 

Courses for this certificate are offered at the Edwards Campus in Overland Park, KS. 

The Graduate Certificate in ASL/English Interpreting aims to prepare students to sit for professional certification exams so they are eligible for state credentialing in Kansas and Missouri. The website https://kcdhh.ks.gov/communication-services/interpreting-services provides information about Kansas interpreter registration. The website https://mcdhh.mo.gov/interpreter-info/ provides information about Missouri 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 Graduate Certificate in ASL/English Interpreting does not guarantee that students will pass the certification exams, but it covers the necessary materials to prepare students to sit for the exams.

*Pre-Interpreting Coursework includes the following:

• ASLD 501 Introduction to the ASL/English Interpreting Profession 
• ASLD 502 Theories of Interpreting: Co-Constructions of Meaning
• ASLD 521 Discourse Analysis of ASL
• ASLD 601 Applied ASL Linguistics
• ASLD 603 Interpreting: Mediated Interactions in Communications 
• ASLD 610 Psychological Effects of Interpreting

Admission 

In addition to all University requirements for admission to graduate studies, admission to the graduate certificate in ASL/English Interpreting requires the the following:

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Required Courses
ASLD 804	Interpreting: ASL to English	3
ASLD 805	Interpreting: English to ASL	3
ASLD 807	Ethics and Professionalization for Interpreters	3
ASLD 809	Practicum in American Sign Language Interpreting	3
ASLD 816	Interpreting: Dynamic Paralinguistic Demands	3
Total Hours		15

At least 50% of the coursework taken to fulfill the certificate requirements must be 700 level or 
above.

At the completion of this program, students will be able to: 

• Demonstrate advanced linguistic competence and flexibility in American Sign Language (ASL) and English by effectively communicating in a variety of routine personal and professional situations with native and non-native ASL signers of varied age, race, gender, education, socio-economic status, and ethnicity.
• Perform the functions and responsibilities of a novice professional ASL - English interpreter in solo and teamed practice.
• Apply academic knowledge about the responsibilities, ethics, aptitudes, and professional credentialing of ASL-English interpreters in order to advocate for Deaf, Deafblind, and hard of hearing people's access to qualified interpreting and other accommodations in organizations, institutions, and contexts.
• Apply internalized, objective and de-personalized languages to discuss one's interpreting and translation work and that other colleagues.
• Analyze and apply knowledge of discourse settings and structures for efficient, effective interpreting and translation practice.
• Demonstrate professionalism skills and temperament that demonstrates integrity, self-awareness, and discretion by monitoring and managing personal and professional role conflicts and conflicts of interest.