American Sign Language and Interpretation

About the Major

The Bachelor of Science program in American sign language/English interpreting will educate you to become a community interpreter who possesses analytical skills, a breadth of knowledge, and an ability to combine and synthesize the diverse and complex aspects of human language behavior in contemporary society. You will learn various models of translating and are expected to engage with the deaf community of Indianapolis. The major prepares students to enter the profession of interpreting upon graduation.

Skill and abilities this major develops include: interpreting, cultural competency, communication, writing, and critical thinking skills (IU School of Liberal Arts, 2017).

Engaged Learning Experiences

Regardless of your major or future career, engaged learning is vital to your present and future. It makes you more marketable for jobs and professional schools upon graduation, it enables you to build deeper connections with faculty and staff in your field of study, and it makes your learning personal by connecting your interests and values with the curriculum from your classes. Check out the three ideas below for places to get started, or learn more at IUPUI’s Institute for Engaged Learning website.

Service Learning

We believe strongly in our power and responsibility to help others. Each year our students, faculty, and staff work to improve neighborhoods in Indianapolis and beyond through service learning courses, community-based research and service projects, and partnerships with local organizations. If you want to make a difference, too, you have a home here.

Career Services

The Office of Career Development prepares, supports, and advises students each step of their career path--like finding internships and building your resume. They serve undergraduate students, graduate students, alumni and recent graduates.

Study Abroad

Choose among programs in 50+ countries and nearly 20 languages, including English. Both shorter and longer immersion programs are available

Opportunities After Graduation

For IUPUI American sign language interpreting graduates, there are many opportunities within Indianapolis for interpreting. The employment of interpreters and translators is expected to grow at a rate of 29% for 2014–2024, which is much faster than the national average (Occupation Outlook Handbook, 2017).

Graduates from the IU American Sign Language Interpretation program at IUPUI typically have hourly rates at the beginning of their careers that range from $18 to $25 an hour. The median annual salary for interpreters during 2019 was $44,660 in Indiana (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2020). Earnings are contingent on experience and place of work.

American sign language interpretation majors often pursue advanced degrees in the following areas: psychology, education, linguistics, social work, political science, law, and government affairs.

Quick Facts

Sample Coursework

Introduction to interpreting
ASL for interpreters
Theory and processing of interpreting
English to ASL
History and culture of the deaf community
Practicum

Possible Careers

Audiologist*
Educator
Employment counselor
Health care interpreter
Social worker
Speech therapist

*This career option requires additional training or education.

Where could I work?

Administration
Business
Freelance
Indiana School fo the Deaf
IU Health
Law Office

Complementing Interests

SSocial

CConventional

EEnterprising

Get your interest code

Where to Get More Information

IU School of Liberal Arts

Department of World Languages and Cultures; Cavanaugh Hall 545

Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc.

Liberal Arts Career Development Office

Cavanaugh Hall 243B; 317-274-1224

Arts, Humanities, and Human Services Cluster

This major is part of the Arts, Humanities, and Human Services (AHHS) cluster. The AHHS cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in art and design, education, general studies, journalism, liberal arts, and social work. The AHHS cluster partners with students on their academic advising and career plans to guide them into their degree-granting schools.

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