Sign Language Interpreter Preparation Program

Sign Language Interpreter Preparation Program

Degree Type: Associate of Applied Science Degree, AAS, Certificate, CER

Pathway: Public Service & Social Sciences

More Options: Classroom Based

Program Length: 6 Semesters

Location: Centennial, Rampart Range

Transferability: Non-transferable

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If you are currently taking ASL 122 or completed ASL 122 and ready to apply for the IPP. Click here to complete the Fall 2023 cohort application.

sign language class outside

Why Choose the Sign Language Interpreter Program at PPSC

PPSC’s sign language interpreter preparation degree program provides you with the highest quality of knowledge and skills for them to become valuable partners with the deaf community. We help you function as emerging professionals in the sign language interpreting field while adhering to deaf culture expectations and professional ethics and practices. You'll have the opportunity to work with members of the deaf community, native ASL users and nationally certified interpreters in nearly every industry, the community and in education.

Upon graduation from PPSC, students can work as pre-certified sign language interpreter in a variety of settings, including: 
• Community interpreting
• Post-secondary Education
• K-12 Education 

Learn More About Interpreter Preparation Program Requirements 
sign language students

Your Interpreting Career Starts Here

We prepare you for entry-level employment as a pre-certified sign language interpreter for deaf and hard of hearing individuals. You must apply for admission to the Sign Language Interpreter Preparation Program by submitting a letter of intent. In order to be accepted into the program, you must demonstrate proficiency in American Sign Language. This may be accomplished by passing a proficiency test or by completing ASL 121 with a “C” grade or better and ASL 122 with a “B” grade or better. Contact the Interpreter Preparation Office for more details about applying.

You must earn a “B” or better in all advanced ASL skills classes to progress to the next level. To enroll in internship (IPP 281), students must (1) have completed all General Education courses, (2) have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher, and (3) successfully complete IPP 225, 227, 229 and ASL 222 with a grade of “B” or better.

General Education courses such as ANT 101 and ENG 121 must be completed prior to program admission. Students not meeting a course prerequisite must have permission from the Department Chair to enroll.

Learn More at Discover Interpreting

 

Sign Language Interpreter Classes You Might Take

A variety of signing-related classes get you on your way.
class 1

ASL 123 | American Sign Language III

Provides the student an opportunity to develop a stronger grasp of American Sign Language (ASL), as well as the cultural features of the language. ASL vocabulary is also increased. The direct experience method is used to further enhance the learning process. This course is a continuation of ASL 122 with more emphasis on expressive skills in signing.

class 2

IPP 122 | Aspects of Interpreting II

Introduces the foundations of interpreting, explaining the historical context and the professional requirements for being an interpreter . This course describes the professional considerations of communication variables. the Code of Professional Conduct, certifications, specialized work of interpreters, situational assessment concerns, and interpreting processing theories.

class 3

IPP 225 | English to ASL Interpreting

Provides the student an opportunity to develop consecutive and simultaneous interpreting skills, working from American Sign Language to spoken English

view in catalog

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Identify tenets of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Code of Professional Conduct and apply professional practice to various scenarios
  • Analyze situations to determine modality most appropriate to client language need (interpret/transliterate)
  • Interpret/transliterate for a diverse population (with native and non-native speakers of varying age, race, gender, education, socio-economic status, and ethnicity)
  • Demonstrate preparation and brainstorming skills in preparing for assignments and demonstrate flexibility in adapting to changes that arise during an assignment
  • Adjust to the interpreting/transliterating needs of the consumer based on consumer signing style and/or feedback
  • Identify and apply team interpreting practices during interactive interpreting scenarios
sign language interpreter

Degree & Certificate Plan

math & english requirements

Degree & Certificate Plan

  • ANT 1001 - Cultural Anthropology SS3 - 3 Credit Hours
  • CIS 1018 - Introduction to PC Applications - 3 Credit Hours or CSC 1005 - Computer Literacy - 3 Credit Hours
  • COM 1150 - Public Speaking - 3 Credit Hours
  • ENG 1021 - English Composition I CO1 - 3 Credit Hours
  • MAT 1140 - Career Math - 3 Credit Hours or MAT 1240 - Mathematics for the Liberal Arts MA1 - 4 Credit Hours or higher
  • Prerequisites - ASL 1121 and ASL 1122 with a grade of 'B' or better OR an ASL Proficiency Screening

ASL 1123 - American Sign Language III* - 5 credit hours

IPP 1021 - Aspects of Interpreting I - 3 credit hours

IPP 1031 - Text Analysis - 3 credit hours

IPP 1045 - Deaf People in Society - 2 credit hours

Total credit hours: 13

*Weekly Language Sessions required

ASL 2221 - American Sign Language IV* - 3 credit hours

IPP 1022 - Aspects of Interpreting II** - 3 credit hours

IPP 1025 - Oral Transliterating - 2 credit hours

IPP 1032 - Interpretation Analysis - 3 credit hours

IPP 1047 - Survey of Deaf Culture - 3 credit hours

IPP 2005 - Education Interpreting - 4 credit hours

Total credit hours: 18

*Weekly Language Sessions required

**Required outside of class activities/events

ASL 2215 - ASL Literature - 3 credit hours

ASL 2222 - American Sign Language V* - 3 credit hours

IPP 2007 - Specialize and Technical Communication - 2 credit hours

IPP 2025 - English to ASL** - 3 credit hours

IPP 2027 - ASL to English - 3 credit hours

Total credit hours: 14

*Weekly Language Sessions required

**Required outside of class activities/events

 

IPP 2029 - Transliterating - 3 credit hours

IPP 2035 - Advanced Interpreting - 4 credit hours

IPP 2079 - Interpreting Seminar - 3 credit hours

IPP 2081 - Internship*** - 5 credit hours

Total credit hours: 15

IPP 2029, IPP 2035, and IPP 2079 are evening courses to allow for the daytime internship. 

***Internship schedule is determined by the site 

General Education Requirements:

ANT 1001 - Cultural Anthropology - 3 credit hours

ENG 1021 - English Composition I - 3 credit hours

Prerequisites:

ASL 1121 and ASL 1122 with a grade of 'B' or better OR an ASL Proficiency Screening

 

Semester 1 - Fall

ASL 1123 - American Sign Language III* - 5 credit hours

IPP 1021 - Aspects of Interpreting I - 3 credit hours

IPP 1045- Deaf People in Society - 2 credit hours

Total credit hours: 10

 

Semester 2 - Spring

ASL 2221 - American Sign Language IV* - 3 credit hours

IPP 1047 - Survey of Deaf Culture - 3 credit hours

Total credit hours: 6

*Weekly Language Sessions required

math & english requirements

Recommended basic skills courses are

  • College Reading & Writing Literacy
  • MAT 1140 - Career Math 3 Credit Hour(s) or MAT 1240 - Mathematics for the Liberal Arts MA1 4 Credit Hour(s) or higher

Recommended basic skills courses are

  • College Reading & Writing Literacy
  • ENG 1021 - English Composition I CO1 3 Credit Hour(s)

Voces de PPSC

Angelez Anderson

Voices of PPSC

The professors here really work with you and all the staff are really kind.

Angelez Anderson
General Studies Major | Future Transfer Student

Need more information?

Contact the Sign Language Interpreter Preparation Program

Faculty Contact

Ilah Jackson
719-502-3076
Ilah.Jackson@pikespeak.edu 

Advising Team

Advising website

719-502-3232
719-502-2000