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.

Certificate Requirements

The ASL/English Interpreting Undergraduate Certificate is a 15 credit hour certificate that allows students to select one of the two tracks:

Introduction to ASL/English Interpreting Track

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Required:
ASLD 501	Introduction to the ASL/English Interpreting Profession	3
ASLD 502	Theories of Interpreting: Co-Constructions of Meaning	3
Select three of the following electives or other departmentally approved courses:
ASLD 603	Interpreting: Mediated Interactions in Communications	3
ASLD 607	Ethics and Professionalization for Interpreters	3
ASLD 608	ASL/English Interpreting Observation Practicum	1-6
ASLD 610	Psychological Effects of Interpreting	3

Professional ASL/English Interpreting Track

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Required:
ASLD 607	Ethics and Professionalization for Interpreters	3
ASLD 609	Practicum in American Sign Language Interpreting	1-6
ASLD 610	Psychological Effects of Interpreting	3
Select two of the following electives or other departmentally approved courses:
ASLD 502	Theories of Interpreting: Co-Constructions of Meaning	3
ASLD 603	Interpreting: Mediated Interactions in Communications	3
ASLD 604	Interpreting: ASL to English	3
ASLD 605	Interpreting: English to ASL	3
ASLD 606	Interpreting: Diverse Communities	3
ASLD 615	Business Practices for Interpreters	3
ASLD 616	Interpreting: Dynamic Paralinguistic Demands	3
ASLD 638	Topics in Interpreting: _____	3
LING 343	Bilingualism	3