The American Sign Language -English (ASL-English) Interpreter Preparation Program provides students with foundational interpreting skills and a working knowledge of the profession for employment and growth.
Coursework includes American Sign Language Acquisition, ASL-English translation and interpreting skill development, Deaf community perspectives, and ethical decision making; coursework culminates in a work-based learning experience.
Graduates may seek entry level employment in educational, community settings, or human service fields and may also pursue various interpreter assessments required for North Carolina Interpreter licensure.
NOTE: For all ASL and IPP courses required prior to the last semester of the program, students must earn a grade of ‘C’ or better. Students must earn a grade of ‘C’ or better in all required ASL, IPP, and WBL courses to graduate.
Upon successful completion of this program, the student should be able to:
- Students will be able to express themselves correctly, fluently, and clearly in the target or source language (English or ASL).
- Students will be able to demonstrate legal, moral, and ethical responsibilities of the Code of Professional Conduct (CPC) as it relates to professional practice in a variety of settings.
- Students will be able to mediate cultural differences between Deaf and Hearing participants.
- Students will be able to interpret correctly, fluently, and clearly in the target language (English or ASL).
- Students will be able to understand power dynamics in interpreting situations and respond by supporting the Deaf Community through allyship and empowerment.
A.A.S. in Interpreter Education (A55300)
2026-2027 Catalog
A.A.S. in Interpreter Education (A55300) Print Version
Program of Study
| Fall Semester | |||
| ACA-111 | College Student Success OR | 1 | |
| ACA-122 | Transfer & Career Success | 1 | |
| ASL-111 | Elementary ASL I | 3 | |
| ASL-181 | ASL Lab 1 | 1 | |
| ** English/Communication Elective | 3 | ||
| * | ENG-111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3 |
| IPP-112 | Comparative Cultures | 3 | |
| Spring Semester | |||
| ASL-112 | Elementary ASL II | 3 | |
| ASL-182 | ASL Lab 2 | 1 | |
| IPP-111 | Introduction to Interpretation | 3 | |
| IPP-130 | Analytical Skills for Interpreting | 3 | |
| **Math Elective | 3 | ||
| ## | **Humanities/Fine Arts Elective | 3 | |
| Summer Semester | |||
| ASL-211 | Intermediate ASL I | 3 | |
| ASL-250 | Linguistics of ASL | 3 | |
| ASL-281 | ASL Lab 3 | 1 | |
| IPP-152 | ASL/English Translation | 3 | |
| # | **Social/Behavioral Science Electives | 3 | |
| Fall Semester | |||
| ASL-212 | Intermediate ASL II | 3 | |
| ASL-252 | ASL Classifiers (8 week course offering) | 1 | |
| ASL-253 | ASL Non-Manual Signals (8 week course offering) | 1 | |
| IPP-153 | Introduction to Discourse Analysis | 3 | |
| IPP-161 | Consecutive Interpreting | 5 | |
| IPP-245 | Educational Interpreting Issues | 3 | |
| Spring Semester | |||
| ASL-221 | Advanced ASL I | 3 | |
| IPP-221 | Simultaneous Interpreting I | 5 | |
| IPP-224 | ASL to English Interpretation | 2 | |
| WBL-111 | Work-Based Learning I | 1 | |
| WBL-115 | Work-Based Learning Seminar I | 1 | |
| Elective Options | |||
| **Math Elective | |||
| Select one course 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 | |
| **English/Communication Elective | |||
| Select one course from the following: | |||
| COM 110 | Introduction to Communication | 3 | |
| COM 120 | Intro to Interpersonal Communication | 3 | |
| COM 231 | Public Speaking | 3 | |
| ENG 112 | Writing/Research in the Disciplines | 3 | |
| ENG 114 | Professional Research & Reporting | 3 | |
| **Social/Behavioral Science Elective | |||
| Select one course 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 | |
| **Humanities/Fine Arts Electives | |||
| Select one course 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 |
- *This course is a component of the general education requirements needed for graduation.
- NOTE: Students are required to take ACA 111 in their first semester.
- NOTE: ASL 181, ASL 182, & ASL 281 are required for Interpreter Education degree- and certificate-seeking students.
- NOTE: See Criminal Record Considerations in Admissions section of the catalog.
Deaf Studies Option Certificate (C55300)
2026-2027 Catalog
Deaf Studies Option Certificate (C55300) Print Version
Program of Study
The Deaf Studies Certificate prepares students for basic communication with people who use sign language to communicate. NOTE: The A.A.S. Degree in Interpreter Education is required if you wish to become a sign language interpreter.
| ASL-111 | Elementary ASL I | 3 | |
| ASL-112 | Elementary ASL II | 3 | |
| ASL-181 | ASL Lab 1 | 1 | |
| ASL-182 | ASL Lab 2 | 1 | |
| ASL-211 | Intermediate ASL I | 3 | |
| ASL-281 | ASL Lab 3 | 1 | |
| IPP-112 | Comparative Cultures | 3 |
- Note: Students must earn a grade of ‘C’ or better on all required content area courses (ASL and IPP courses) or on any prerequisite course before taking the next level course.
- NOTE: This certificate prepares students to communicate with deaf people. Students who want to become an interpreter should complete the Interpreter Education A.A.S. program.
Students entering or applying to enter certain programs of study should be aware that completion of the program, licensure, certification, and/or employment may be affected if they have a prior criminal record. Programs where a student’s prior criminal record may come into question include, but are not limited to: Health Sciences programs, Basic Law Enforcement Training, Criminal Justice Technology, Early Childhood Education, Paralegal Technology, and Emergency Medical Services.
Community agencies that provide opportunities for sponsorship, practicums, internships, or clinical experience may require criminal background checks. If the participating agency will not accept the student because of a criminal record, the student may be unable to continue in the program. Students completing certain programs of study may be prohibited from obtaining credentials 46 or licenses due to a criminal record. In such cases, the actual violation and the length of time since that violation may be a deciding factor. In some cases, employers may be required by law to perform a criminal background check prior to employment. The College conducts pre-employment criminal background checks on all eligible applicants for Federal Work Study positions.
Graduates from the Interpreter Education Program are required to pass specific, skill-based assessments to qualify for their Provisional Interpreting License or to be hired as a staff interpreter in the NC public school system. Please see https://ncitlb.org/ for more information about the licensure requirements for community interpreters or https://www.dpi.nc.gov/220707non-certified-public-school-employees-class-specificationspdf/ open page 30 of the document for specific requirements for educational interpreters.
Out-of-state students seeking to enroll in a program or course leading to professional licensure or certification should contact Wes Hill, Dean of Human Services & Public Safety to discuss enrollment and professional licensure options available. Students may view the Professional Licensure information page to learn more.
Earn College Credit in High School
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 - Interpreter Education
Phone: (252) 281-2823 Relay Service
Email: gleon@wilsoncc.edu
