Gallaudet University is the most famous of interpreting colleges in the U.S. A renowned university for deaf students, Gallaudet often hires deaf professors and hearing interpreters to educate students. Both hearing and deaf individuals can attend Gallaudet as non-degree or degree-seeking students.
If you are interested in taking a class to become a certified ASL instructor, you must be at least 16 years of age and hold a GED or high-school diploma. You will be placed in a class appropriate to your sign language ability. These classes meet four times a week for three weeks. You can enroll as a credit or non-credit student. Some financial aid is available.
Bachelor's degree-seeking students can obtain a formal degree in American Sign Language, interpreting and deaf studies at Gallaudet. All three programs require four years of training in ASL in addition to regular academic coursework. Master's degrees are also available.
Gallaudet University
800 Florida Avenue, NE
Merrill Learning Center 2201
Washington, D.C. 20002-3625
gallaudet.edu
Northeastern University boasts one of the best ASL interpreting programs in the country. Classes are taught by deaf professors to give students an introduction to deaf culture and experience interacting with deaf persons. Students have the option of double-majoring in American Sign Language and psychology, theater or human services. Students can also major in ASL/English interpretation. All students have access to the media center in addition to deaf societies in the greater Boston area.
Admission to the program is contingent upon admission to Northeastern University. The program is very rigorous and expects students to be fully fluent after four years of field practice and academic study. Master's degree and certificate programs are also available.
Northeastern University
American Sign Language Program
360 Huntington Avenue
405 Meserve Hall
Boston, MA 02115
617-373-3064
[email protected]
Portland Community College (PCC), nestled in the heart of Oregon's most beloved city, offers an in-depth, hands-on ASL interpretation program. From day one, students learn essential interpreting skills to begin communicating with deaf and hearing impaired students. At PCC, you can get an associate's degree in sign language or go for a two-year ASL certificate. The latter is a great asset for the psychologist or human service worker who frequently encounters deaf persons.
The full-time, six term program, which admits just 25 students a year, prepares students to work as entry-level interpreters in a variety of settings. Students have access to ASL-accredited internships, renowned ASL professors and numerous class options, ranging from beginning ASL to deaf culture. Applications are accepted at the beginning of every quarter.
Portland Community College
Sign Language Program
Sylvania CT 219
Portland, OR 97280
503-977-4672
[email protected]