Sign Language Interpreter (SLI.AAS)

Associate in Applied Science

Human Services

Orchard Ridge Campus

In this program, leading to a Sign Language Interpreter Associate in Applied Science degree, the student will gain knowledge of the Deaf community, culture and language, with emphasis on interpretation. The program is designed to train students to be qualified sign language interpreters. Successful completion of the program requirements qualifies the student to take interpreter certification exams. Satisfactory achievement on a certification exam is required by the State of Michigan Deaf Person’s Interpreter Act (1982 PA 204 Amended 2007) prior to becoming employed as an interpreter. The policies and procedures regarding progression and retention in the sign language interpreter program, certification exam information, and State of Michigan registration requirements are provided to students after enrollment in SLI 2050. In addition to tuition, students will incur additional expenses related to supplies, travel, and certification exam application.

Program Requirements

Students must maintain a C+ or better in all required Sign Language Interpreting Program courses, including required supportive courses, in order to advance from course to course and ultimately obtain the Sign Language Interpreter Associate in Applied Science degree.

Students must complete ENG 1510 and ENG 1520 prior to enrollment in SLI 2050.

Sign Language Interpreter program webpage

Full Time - Sign Language Interpreter program plan example

Part Time - Sign Language Interpreter program plan example

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Major Requirements
SLI 1000	American Sign Language (ASL) I	3
SLI 1001	Orientation to Deafness	2
SLI 1010	American Sign Language (ASL) II	3
SLI 1020	American Sign Language (ASL) III	3
SLI 1030	American Sign Language (ASL) IV	3
SLI 1050	Linguistic Principles of ASL	3
SLI 1150	Interpreting: ASL to English I	3
SLI 1211	Non-manual Grammatical Features of ASL	2
SLI 1501	Deaf Culture and History	3
SLI 1550	Interpreting: ASL to English II	3
SLI 1600	American Sign Language Fingerspelling and Number Use	3
SLI 2050	Principles of Interpreting	3
SLI 2150	Interpreting: ASL to English III	3
SLI 2250	Interpreting: English to ASL I	3
SLI 2450	Interpreting: English to ASL II	2
SLI 2800	Interactive Interpreting	3
SLI 2900	ASL - English Interpreting Internship	2
Required Supportive Courses
ENG 15101	Composition I	3-6
or ENG 1510E	Composition I Enhanced	4
or ENG 1510S	Composition I with Support	6
ENG 15201	Composition II	3
Recommended Electives
ANT 15401	Introduction to Cultural Anthropology	3
MDA 1103	Medical Terminology	3
PSY 25101	Introduction to Psychology	3
SLI 1040	American Sign Language (ASL) V	3
SLI 1045	American Sign Language (ASL) VI	3
SLI 2910 - SLI 2918	Topics in Interpreting (see Topics list below)
SLI 2921	Interpreter Certification Preparation	2
SLI 2922	Educational Interpreting: EIPA Bootcamp	2
SLI 2925	Introduction to DeafBlind Interpreting	2
SOC 25101	Sociology	3
Total Credit Hours for Program-Related Courses		53
General Education Requirements
Communication / English (3-credits)
Satisfied
Fine Arts / Humanities (3-credits)
Satisfied
Mathematics / Science (3-credits)		3
Complete 3 credits from Mathematics/Science courses listed in the General Education Distribution List
Social Science (3-credits)		3
Complete ANT 1540, PSY 2510, or SOC 2510 from Recommended Electives, or complete 3 credits from Social Science courses listed in the General Education Distribution List
Written Communication (3-credits)
Satisfied
Additional elective credits needed to meet requirements for an Associate in Applied Science degree		3
Total Credit Hours		62-65

¹

 Course may be used to meet General Education requirements.