Sign Language Studies

Degree:

• A.A. - Sign Language Studies: Business
• A.A. - Sign Language Studies: Human Services
• A.A. - Interpreter Preparation Program

Certificates:

• Sign Language Studies - Business
• Sign Language Studies - Human Services
• Sign Language Studies - Interpreter Preparation Program

Sign Language Studies: Business Degree and Certificate: This program in Sign Language Studies: Business provides an introductory overview of American Sign Language, the Deaf community in a cultural context and the psychosocial dynamics of people who want to pursue training in business management while working in the Deaf community.

Sign Language Studies: Human Services Degree and Certificate: This program in Sign Language Studies: Human Services provides an introductory overview of American Sign Language, the Deaf community in a cultural context and the psychosocial dynamics of people who want to pursue training in business management while working in the Deaf community. The certificate also emphasizes development of skills related to paraprofessional services in an individual or group setting in an educational or social services agency which serves deaf clients.

Interpreter Preparation Program Degree and Certificate:

Find the links on this webpage for ARC Interpreter Preparation Program (ARC IPP) Summary, ARC IPP application, and ARC IPP application introductory letter.

Description: The Sign Language Studies Interpreting program provides an integrated series of coursework in American Sign Language (ASL) and ASL/English interpretation to prepare students for entry-level positions. A foundation in ASL discourse and interpretation is established through theoretical models. The emphasis is on the practical application of these models and knowledge in the areas of human relations, language skills, interpreting skills and professionalism.

Enrollment Eligibility:

To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:

• Graduation from an accredited high school in the United States, or successful completion of the General Educational Development (GED) Test or California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE) prior to time of application: a) Students with a high school diploma from a school outside the United States must have transcripts evaluated by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) approved independent agency. Such cases will be evaluated on an individual basis. b) Students who possess an Associate of Arts/Associate of Science degree or higher from a regionally accredited college are exempt from the educational requirement stated above. c) Students who have attended college outside the United States must have transcripts evaluated by a NACES approved independent agency, demonstrating AA/AS degree or higher. Such cases will be evaluated on an individual basis.
• SILA 316: ASL 4
• Eligibility for ENGRD 310 or 312.
• A completed pre-enrollment application.

Enrollment Process:

Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:

• Pre-enrollment applications and deadlines for the Interpreter Preparation Program (IPP) are available from the Humanities Division, the coordinator of the IPP or at the ARC IPP website. The Interpreter Preparation Program currently accepts students once per year for the Fall semester which begins in August. Applications for the Fall semester are available by February 15th and the deadline to submit the application is by the second Friday in April.
• Only qualified applicants who meet the educational requirements and follow the pre-enrollment procedures will be considered for the program. Meeting all these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
• Upon completion and acceptance of the pre-enrollment application, students will participate in an interview/screening process conducted by the Interpreter Preparation Program. Should the number of qualified applicants exceed available space in the program, selection will be based on the rankings from the interview/screening process.