Deaf Studies: Sign Language Interpreter Option

The associate in arts degree program in Deaf Studies: Sign Language Interpreter Option is designed to provide students with a broad educational experience based on a balance and diversity of general education, American Sign Language (ASL) and interpreting courses. Students are provided the opportunity to develop an understanding of the profession of interpreting for deaf and hearing individuals and the knowledge, attitude and skills necessary to function as entry-level professional interpreters. The program also provides for career exploration within the deaf community and the basic academic preparation for possible transfer to bachelor degree programs. A minimum of 72 credit hours are required for graduation.

Program Prerequisites: ASL101 Elementary ASL I and ASL102 Elementary ASL II with a "B" or better or demonstrate comparable skills/knowledge. See a representative in the Office of Admission for additional admissions criteria for this program. All ASL and DST courses, with the exception of DST101, require a DST major or permission of the instructor.

Students interested in participation in an academic program that involves working with children, the disabled, or the elderly, or a cooperative education experience or a program that includes a clinical affiliation with a private or public health care provider, may be required to undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, a Criminal Records Central Repository (CHRI) check and/or a Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) check. Students will need to provide a government issued photo identification and sign a release form allowing the college to view the student’s CORI, CHRI or SORI reports. Depending on the contents of a student’s CORI, CHRI or SORI reports, participation in an academic program or a cooperative education experience or a clinical or practicum affiliation related thereto, may be denied. CORI checks may be performed pursuant to Mass. General Laws, Chapter 6, Section 172, and consistent with guidelines promulgated by the Executive Office for Health and Human Services, and/or the Commonwealth’s Department of Public Health. SORI checks may be performed pursuant to Mass. General Laws, Chapter 6, Sections 178(J) & 178(K). CHRI checks may be performed pursuant to New Hampshire law. For more information, contact the Registrar at 978-556-3700.

(It is strongly recommended that students choose electives in consultation with their advisor or program coordinator).