Degrees type: Bachelor
Main Campus
Interested in learning more about Deaf culture? Want to become fluent in American Sign Language for a job as an interpreter? Do you enjoy being exposed to other cultures and communities? Then studying American Sign Language/English Interpreting at Mount Aloysius might be the right path for you.
The American Sign Language/English Interpreting program at Mount Aloysius College is more than a major. You’ll receive one-on-one, personalized attention from your professors, so any questions you may have get answered in class. The small class sizes and individualized attention allows students to form bonds with their peers and their professors, creating a close, supportive environment to learn and grow.
You will learn how to effectively and seamlessly communicate within two different cultures and languages. In addition to an effective learning environment with small classes, the program offers unique educational opportunities such as:
- Interactive ASL computer labs
- Monthly social gatherings with members of the region’s Deaf community
- Weekly lunches with the Deaf community
- A biennial student-run interpreting conference
- One-on-one interaction with professors
Program Highlights
As a graduate from our ASL/English Interpreter program, you’ll have endless career choices, including:
- Community interpreter
- Conference interpreter
- Health or medical interpreter
- Liaison or escort interpreter
- Legal or judicial interpreter
- American Sign Language interpreter
- Literary translator
When students graduate with a bachelor’s degree in ASL/English Interpreting they are prepared to find challenging careers working as interpreters in educational, medical, business, religious, and a variety of other settings.
The demand for Sign Language Interpreters is expected to rise 29% from 2014 to 2024, an increase of 17,500 jobs.
The average median wage for an interpreter in the state of Pennsylvania is $50,870.
Graduates of this program will demonstrate attributes that underlie competent professional interpreting practice:
- Demonstrate language competency in American Sign Language and language proficiency in English;
- Demonstrate cultural competence and multicultural sensitivities of both hearing and deaf cultures;
- Exercise judgment, employ critical thinking, and utilize the knowledge they’ve gained from the code of professional conduct when making professional decisions;
- Analyze the effectiveness of their interpretations by applying contemporary theories of performance assessment, noting areas for improvement;
- Demonstrate critical analysis of current literature related to the discipline of interpreting;
- Produce accurate and reliable interpretations in both English and ASL; and
- Work effectively and collegially with other members involved with the profession of Interpreting.
Watch current ASL students sign the national anthem.
Watch a video about what to expect when visiting Mount Aloysius.
Student Voices & Success Stories
- Michelle Fischetti, Class of 2016, ASL/EI, is an American Sign Language Interpreter at Sign Language Interpreting Professionals.
- Melissa Reeves, Class of 2016, ASL/EI, is an American Sign Language Interpreter at Living Resources New York, self-employed Sign Language Interpreter.
- Julianna Breeze, Class of 2016, ASL/EI, is an American Sign Language Interpreter at Sign Language Specialists of Western PA Inc.
- Chey Garvin, Class of 2016, ASL/EI, is a self-employed Sign Language Interpreter, and a Sign Language Interpreter at Bucks County Intermediate Unit.
- Krista White, Class of 2015, ASL/EI, is a Sign Language Interpreter at Youngstown Community Center for the Deaf/Hearing & Speech Center, and Sign Language Interpreter at Purple Communications.
More Information
Upcoming Admissions Events
Still have questions?
A member of the admissions team would love to get connected with you!
Admissions Office
Main Administration Building
7373 Admiral Peary Highway
Cresson, PA 16630
Stay Connected!