Major in ASL/English Interpreting

Our American Sign Language (ASL)/English Interpreting Program is one of very few baccalaureate degree programs available in Indiana. Our program is on-campus in Indianapolis and takes advantage of internship and opportunities and experiences around the city.

During their underclassman years, students develop a strong foundation in American Sign Language, Deaf Culture and Linguistics. During their upper class man years students will develop and hone their interpreting skills, partake in guided practice on and off campus, and learn how to evaluate interpreting scenarios in an ethical way. All of this in combination with a broad liberal arts education will prepare you to enter the profession of interpreting, which serves diverse populations and encompasses a wide range of subjects settings.

ASL/English Interpreting Program Application

Students are required to complete the ASL/English Interpreting Program Application to be considered for acceptance into the SLA/English Interpreting Program. Please contact Becca Niethammer for application information.

Requirements for the Major

The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in American Sign Language/English Interpreting (ASL) requires satisfactory completion of the following:

  • A minimum of 120 credit hours is required for a B.S. degree from the IU School of Liberal Arts.
  • A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (C) is required for graduation.
  • A minimum of 26 credit hours must be completed after formal admission to IUPUI.
  • A minimum of 21 credit hours of major coursework must be completed in residence in the IU School of Liberal Arts in Indianapolis.
  • A minimum grade of C (2.0) is required in each major course.
  • Once a course has been applied toward one requirement, it cannot be used to satisfy a second requirement, except where explicitly stated otherwise. In addition, except in cases of variable title courses, internships, and other special courses, no course will be counted more than once toward graduation.

Required Courses

These courses are required for 36 credits.

  • ASL-A 219: Deaf Community History & Culture (3 credits)
  • ASL-A 221: Linguistics of American Sign Language (3 credits)
  • ASL-I 250: Introduction to Interpreting (3 credits)
  • ASL-I 305: Text Analysis (3 credits)
  • ASL-I 361: Theory and Process of Interpreting I (3 credits)
  • ASL-I 363: Theory and Process of Interpreting II (3 credits)
  • ASL-I 365: Theory and Process of Interpreting III (3 credits)
  • ASL-I 405: Practicum (6 credits)
  • ASL-L 340: Interpreting Discourse English to ASL (3 credits)
  • ASL-L 342: Interpreting Discourse ASL to English (3 credits)
  • ENG-Z 205: Introduction to the English Language (3 credits) or other linguistics courses approved by the Director of the ASL/English Interpreting Program

Core Courses

  • ASL I250 Introduction to Interpreting (3 credits)
  • ASL A219 History and Culture of the American Deaf Community (3 credits)
  • ASL A221 Linguistics of ASL (3 credits)
  • ENG Z205 Introduction to the English Language (3 credits)
  • ASL I305 Text Analysis (3 credits)
  • ASL L340 Interpreting Discourse: ASL to English (3 credits)
  • ASL L342 Interpreting Discourse: English to ASL (3 credits)
  • ASL I361 Theory & Process of Interpreting I (3 credits)
  • ASL I363 Theory & Process of Interpreting II (3 credits)
  • ASL I365 Theory & Process of Interpreting III (3 credits)
  • ASL I405 Practicum (6 credits)

Advanced Credits

Students are required to have 42 credit hours in 300-400 level coursework including courses in their major. Of the 42 advanced credits, 9 credit hours must be 300-400 level coursework outside the first Liberal Arts major field of study and from the School of Liberal Arts. Students seeking dual degrees are exempt from completing 9 credits hours in 300-400 level coursework outside their major and from the School of Liberal Arts.

Recommended Curriculum

To provide students with guidance that will both enhance their academic experience and avoid problems meeting requirements, the Department of World Languages and Cultures has developed the following suggested curriculum for taking ASL/English Interpreting courses, as a major.

Four-Year Plan

Freshman Year

ASL-A 131: First Year ASL I (4 credits)
ASL-A 132: First Year ASL II (4 credits)

Sophomore Year

ASL-A 211: Second Year ASL I (3 credits)
ASL-A 212: Second Year ASL II (3 credits)
ASL-A 219: History and Culture of the American Deaf Community (3 credits)
ASL-A 221: Linguistics of American Sign Language (3 credits)
ASL-I 250: Introduction to Interpreting (3 credits)

Junior Year

ASL-A 311 Third Year ASL (3 credits)
ASL-A 312 Third Year ASL II (3 credits)
ASL-I 305: Text Analysis (3 credits)
ASL-L 340: Interpreting Discourse: ASL to English (3 credits)
ASL-I 361: Theory & Process of Interpreting I (3 credits)
ASL-I 363: Theory & Process of Interpreting II (3 credits)

Senior Year

ASL-I 365: Theory & Process of Interpreting III (3 credits)
ASL-L 342: Interpreting Discourse: English to ASL (3 credits)
ASL-I 405: Practicum (6 credits)

Degree Map

To help you guide your four-year college journey, consult your degree map for a snapshot of the classes you will take to finish your degree.

More Info

Contact Vera Masters Coordinator of ASL