American Sign Language – Interpreter Preparation Program – Deaf Studies
Degrees Offered
- Bachelor of Arts: Interpreter Preparation
- Associate of Arts: Deaf Studies
- Minor: Deaf Studies
Students who major or minor in Deaf Studies will be taught American Sign Language and deaf culture, offering sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to interact with, provide services for, and develop programs and activities for the deaf and hard of hearing population. It is an excellent supplement to your major and eventual career.
Program of Study For BA in Interpreter Preparation
Purpose
The Interpreter Preparation Program at MacMurray College is designed to teach American Sign Language, basic interpreting skills, and the ethical behavior required of professional sign language interpreters providing services to individuals who are deaf and hard-of-hearing. Our preparation program is a stepping stone towards competency in the field of sign language interpreting. The students are provided the skills and tools necessary to prepare them to become linguistically competent, professionally ethical, and individually equipped with personal integrity.
Curriculum
The Interpreter Preparation Program curriculum is divided into five (5) areas: American Sign Language, Culture, Legal Issues/Ethics, Interpreting, and Practicum. The curriculum is developed and organized to satisfy the standards established by the NAD-RID Interpreter Certification, Illinois Interpreter for the Deaf Licensure Act of 2007, and any other interpreter certifying body.
Internship
The purpose of the internship experience is to obtain "hands on" practical experience in interpreting with a certified and licensed interpreter(s) as a mentor. Such experience is an integral part of the Interpreter Preparation Program, and it is intended to complement the curriculum by allowing the students to apply what they have learned into actual interpreting assignments/situations. The internship provides the student with an invaluable experience of applying his/her skills in actual interpreting situations with a mentor to guide him/her.
IDEA Club
The Interpreter & Deaf Education Association is the official student organization for Interpreter and Deaf Education majors. The purpose of IDEA is to involve Deaf Education Majors as well as Interpreting Majors/associates in the Deaf community. Students taking American Sign Language classes are also welcome into this association. This organization is to provide several opportunities for students to participate in and to gain knowledge of the deaf community.
Success After Graduation
As a self-employed freelancer, under contract, or on an agency staff, you can earn $15 to $50 an hour, depending on certification and experience. Interpreters are needed in a variety of settings, including:
- Education
- Medical
- Mental health
- Legal
- Financial
- Government
- Performing arts
- Personnel services and employment
- Community services organizations
- Social services
- Conferences and conventions
- Video interpreting
Faculty
William Stricklen
Assistant Professor of ASL
B.S., Gardner Webb University
M.A., Denver University
Email: bill.stricklen@mac.edu
