The Community Spanish Interpreter curriculum prepares individuals to work as entry-level bilingual professionals who will provide communication access in interview and interactive settings. In addition, this curriculum provides educational training for working professionals who want to acquire Spanish language skills.
Coursework includes the acquisition of Spanish: grammar, structure, and sociolinguistic properties, cognitive processes associated with interpretation between Spanish and English; the structure and character of the Hispanic community; and acquisition of communication skills.
Graduates should qualify for entry-level jobs as para-professional bilingual employees in educational systems or a variety of community settings. Individuals may choose from part-time, full-time, or self-employment/free-lance positions, or apply language skills to other human service related areas.
Upon successful completion of this program, the student should be able to:
- Students will be able to identify appropriate norms and traditions associated with specific cultural behaviors.
- Students will be able to demonstrate an active dialogue and interpretation using both the Spanish and English language.
- Students will be able to identify key phonological distinctions between English and Spanish, particularly in contexts prone to interference that may impact comprehension.
- Students will be able to demonstrate the skills and competencies necessary to translate documents from English to Spanish, as well as from Spanish to English.
- Students will able to demonstrate professionalism while serving as interpreters and representatives of the profession.
A.A.S. in Community Spanish Interpreter (A55370)
2026-2027 Catalog
A.A.S. in Community Spanish Interpreter (A55370) Print Version
Program of Study
| Fall Semester | |||
| ACA-111 | College Student Success OR | 1 | |
| ACA-122 | Transfer & Career Success | 1 | |
| CIS-110 | Introduction to Computers | 1/3 | |
| CIS-113 | Computer Basics | 1 | |
| ENG-111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3 | |
| SPA-111 | Elementary Spanish I | 3 | |
| ## | SPA-120 | Spanish for the Workplace | 3 |
| SPA-181 | Spanish Lab 1 | 1 | |
| **Humanities/Fine Arts Elective | 3 | ||
| Spring Semester | |||
| **English Composition Elective | 3 | ||
| **Math Elective | 3/4 | ||
| SPA-112 | Elementary Spanish II | 3 | |
| SPA-161 | Cultural Immersion | 3 | |
| SPA-182 | Spanish Lab II | 1 | |
| SPA-215 | Spanish Phonics/Structure | 3 | |
| Summer Semester | |||
| **Communication Elective | 3 | ||
| **Social/Behavioral Science | 3 | ||
| Fall Semester | |||
| SPA-141 | Culture and Civilization | 3 | |
| SPA-211 | Intermediate Spanish I | 3 | |
| SPA-281 | Spanish Lab 3 | 1 | |
| SPI-113 | Intro to Spanish Inter. (8 week course offering) | 3 | |
| SPI-114 | Analytical Skills Spanish Inter. (8 week course offering) | 3 | |
| SPI-213 | Review of Grammar | 3 | |
| Spring Semester | |||
| SPA-212 | Intermediate Spanish II (1st 8-week course offering) | 3 | |
| SPA-221 | Spanish Conversation (2nd 8-week course offering) | 3 | |
| SPA-231 | Reading and Composition (2nd 8-week course offering) | 3 | |
| SPA-282 | Spanish Lab 4 (1st 8-week course offering) | 1 | |
| SPI-214 | Intro to Translation | 3 | |
| WBL-111 | Work Based Learning I | 1 | |
| WBL-115 | Work Based Learning Seminar I | 1 | |
| Elective Options | |||
| **Math Elective | |||
| Select one from the following: | |||
| MAT 121 | Algebra/Trigonometry I | 3 | |
| MAT 143 | Quantitative Literacy | 3 | |
| MAT 152 | Statistical Methods I | 4 | |
| MAT 171 | Precalculus Algebra | 4 | |
| **Communication Elective | |||
| Select one from the following: | |||
| COM 110 | Introduction to Communication | 3 | |
| COM 120 | Intro to Interpersonal Communication | 3 | |
| COM 231 | Public Speaking | 3 | |
| **English Elective | |||
| Select one from the following: | |||
| ENG 112 | Writing/Research in the Disciplines | 3 | |
| ENG 114 | Professional Research & Reporting | 3 | |
| **Humanities/Fine Arts Elective | |||
| Select one from the following: | |||
| ART 111 | Art Appreciation | 3 | |
| ART 113 | Art Methods and Materials | 3 | |
| ENG 131 | Introduction to Literature | 3 | |
| ENG 231 | American Literature I | 3 | |
| ENG 232 | American Literature II | 3 | |
| ENG 241 | British Literature I | 3 | |
| ENG 242 | British Literature II | 3 | |
| HUM 115 | Critical Thinking | 3 | |
| MUS 110 | Music Appreciation | 3 | |
| MUS 111 | Fundamentals of Music | 3 | |
| MUS 112 | Introduction to Jazz | 3 | |
| PHI 210 | History of Philosophy | 3 | |
| PHI 215 | Philosophical Issues | 3 | |
| PHI 240 | Introduction to Ethics | 3 | |
| REL 110 | World Religions | 3 | |
| **Social/Behavioral Science Elective | |||
| Select one from the following: | |||
| ECO 251 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 | |
| ECO 252 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 | |
| HIS 111 | World Civilizations I | 3 | |
| HIS 112 | World Civilizations II | 3 | |
| HIS 121 | Western Civilization I | 3 | |
| HIS 122 | Western Civilization II | 3 | |
| HIS 131 | American History I | 3 | |
| HIS 132 | American History II | 3 | |
| HIS 221 | African American History | 3 | |
| POL 120 | American Government | 3 | |
| PSY 150 | General Psychology | 3 | |
| SOC 210 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | |
| SOC 213 | Sociology of the Family | 3 | |
| SOC 225 | Social Diversity | 3 |
*This course is a component of the general education requirements needed for graduation.
Spanish Language & Workplace Certificate (C55370)
Spanish Language & Workplace Certificate (C55370) Print Version
The Spanish Language & Workplace certificate will provide students with the language skills and the cultural background knowledge needed to effectively communicate in Spanish within both the workplace and the community.
Program of Study
| SPA-111 | Elementary Spanish I | 3 | |
| SPA-181 | Spanish Lab 1 | 1 | |
| SPA-120 | Spanish for the Workplace | 3 | |
| SPA-112 | Elementary Spanish II | 3 | |
| SPA-182 | Spanish Lab II | 1 | |
| SPA-215 | Spanish Phonics/Structure | 3 |
A CCP pathway for high school juniors and seniors is available for this program. Visit the Career and College Promise page for more information.
The Career and College Promise (CCP) Program provides opportunities for eligible high school students to start college early, where courses can count for dual credit (credit in the high school and college at the same time), all TUITION-FREE! CCP students accelerate completion of college certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees that provide entry-level job skills and/or lead to college transfer credit.
Program Coordinator - Community Spanish Interpreter
Faculty Schedule: Charlie Clark
Phone: (252) 246-1269
Email: cclark@wilsoncc.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Community Spanish Interpreter prepares students to enter the workforce as entry-level bilingual professionals who will provide communication access in interview and interactive settings. This program will also provide educational training for working professionals who want to acquire Spanish language skills.
The length of time to complete the Community Spanish Interpreter (A.A.S.) degree or certificate depends on the number of pre-requisite math and English courses students must take, the time at which students are admitted into the program, and the number of courses students take each semester. Students are admitted in fall, spring, and summer semesters, but specific courses are only offered once a year. Full-time students can finish the degree in two years if they follow the sequence set forth in the plan of study, which requires students to take courses in the summer.
Certificate students are able to earn their certificate in one year. Once students complete the prerequisites, they should be able to complete the certificate in two semesters by taking 2 courses each semester.
In order to have the best idea of exactly how long the program will take, it is recommended that you apply, have your transcripts sent for evaluation, and then follow up with your program advisor who can provide you with a personalized, semester-by-semester plan outlining the specific courses you would need to take. That plan would include an “anticipated graduation” date.
Community Spanish Interpreter program courses are offered in a variety of formats, including online, in-person, and hyflex. HyFlex courses give students the flexibility to choose how they attend each class meeting based on two options: (1) attend in-person at the scheduled meeting times or (2) complete weekly online activities by the specified due date. When program classes meet on campus, it is usually 1-2 days per week. Most online courses are asynchronous, which means students are not required to be present online at a specific time.
Once students graduate with a Community Spanish Interpreter (A.A.S.) degree, students do not need to pass a test or earn a license to seek employment in the field of interpreting and translation. Most employers do not require their employees to be certified; however, there are some professions, such as medical and court interpreters that may require the employee to pass an exam after graduation and earn a specific certification. There are several nationally accredited certifications.
Graduates should qualify for entry-level jobs as para-professional bilingual employees in educational systems or a variety of community settings. Individuals may choose from part-time, full-time, or self-employment/free-lance positions, or apply language skills to other human service-related areas. Career opportunities for Spanish Interpreters include Social Work, Human Resources, Immigration Specialists, and Teachers. For more information, visit the Career Resources tab above.
No, even though some knowledge of Spanish is always helpful, the program has a diversity of students with no prior knowledge of the Spanish language. Both types of students are successful in completing the degree or certificate program.
Yes. There are specific program combinations for double majors that have been approved by the College. Students enrolled in the Community Spanish Interpreter program are also approved to major in Interpreter Education, Paralegal Technology, and Associate in Arts. If applicable, please check with the Financial Aid Office to determine if you are eligible to add a double major. Requests for double majors must be approved by the College. Contact your advisor to start the approval process.