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

Major Requirements
SLI 1000American Sign Language (ASL) I3
SLI 1001Orientation to Deafness2
SLI 1010American Sign Language (ASL) II3
SLI 1020American Sign Language (ASL) III3
SLI 1030American Sign Language (ASL) IV3
SLI 1050Linguistic Principles of ASL3
SLI 1150Interpreting: ASL to English I3
SLI 1211Non-manual Grammatical Features of ASL2
SLI 1501Deaf Culture and History3
SLI 1550Interpreting: ASL to English II3
SLI 1600American Sign Language Fingerspelling and Number Use3
SLI 2050Principles of Interpreting3
SLI 2150Interpreting: ASL to English III3
SLI 2250Interpreting: English to ASL I3
SLI 2450Interpreting: English to ASL II2
SLI 2800Interactive Interpreting3
SLI 2900ASL - English Interpreting Internship2
Required Supportive Courses
ENG 15101Composition I 3-6
or ENG 1510E Composition I Enhanced4
or ENG 1510S Composition I with Support6
ENG 15201Composition II 3
Recommended Electives
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology 3
Medical Terminology3
Introduction to Psychology 3
American Sign Language (ASL) V3
American Sign Language (ASL) VI3
SLI 2910 - SLI 2918
Topics in Interpreting (see Topics list below)
Interpreter Certification Preparation2
Educational Interpreting: EIPA Bootcamp2
Introduction to DeafBlind Interpreting2
Sociology 3
Total Credit Hours for Program-Related Courses53
General Education Requirements
Communication / English (3-credits)
Satisfied
Fine Arts / Humanities (3-credits)
Satisfied
Mathematics / Science (3-credits)3
Social Science (3-credits)3
Written Communication (3-credits)
Satisfied
Additional elective credits needed to meet requirements for an Associate in Applied Science degree3
Total Credit Hours62-65
1

 Course may be used to meet General Education requirements.

A minimum cumulative 2.00 grade point average (GPA) overall is required for graduation.

Topics in Interpreting

SLI 2910Topics in Interpreting: Interpreting in Artistic Settings1
SLI 2913Topics in Interpreting: Idioms1
SLI 2914Topics in Interpreting: ASL Storytelling1
SLI 2917Topics in Interpreting: Freelance 1011
SLI 2918Topics in Interpreting: Team Interpreting1
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