| What is the American Sign Language and Interpreting program? |
The Department of American Sign Language (ASL) and Interpreting is designed to provide quality ASL and Interpreter education by offering a comprehensive series of classes including, but not limited to ASL, Deaf Culture, and the interpreting process. The department strives to provide an environment where students become fully prepared to work as interpreters and deaf support specialist for members of this unique population.
Interpreting students will acquire an awareness and understanding of:
- ASL
- Deaf culture
- the interpreting profession
- the interpreting process
- specialized interpreting settings
DSS students will acquire an awareness and understanding of:
- ASL
- Deaf culture
- Role of a DSS in the community and educational settings
- Advocacy, job coaching and mentoring
| What can I do with this course of study? |
The demand for interpreters allows for a variety of job opportunities, either part-time or full-time. There are a number of settings for an ASL interpreter to find employment such as educational, community, video relay, medical, legal, mental health/psychiatric, religious and performing arts. An interpreter also has the opportunity to be self-employed and work for various companies and/or government agencies. The pay rate for an ASL interpreter will depend on certification level, degrees held, location (urban vs. rural) and years of experience.
WHAT CAN DEAF SUPPORT SPECIALISTS DO WITH THEIR DEGREE?
A DSS function as paraprofessionals within the work place, and can also work in various vocational rehabilitation roles such as job coaches and regional specialists. They are often involved working with people who face additional challenges in conjunction with their Deafness.
| What is special about our program? |
- Program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education
- Program rated Exemplary by Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
- Eleven full time faculty
- More than 180 declared majors
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services part of the department
- Only program in Texas requiring students to pass the State certification Exam as a graduation requirement