Interpreter Training, Associate of Applied Science
- Academic Year: 2025-2026
- Division / Department: Human Services & Education / Interpreter Training
- Degree Code: IT.AAS
This program is designed to teach the basic skills and the ethical behavior required of the professional interpreter providing services to deaf/hard-of-hearing persons. Students learn through classroom study, skills development and laboratory practice. Field observation and experience focusing on workplace competencies are also required.
Professional opportunities for sign language interpreters are as wide-ranging as the communities in which we live. Interpreters work in rehabilitation, education, state and local government, medical facilities, legal practices, and other community services. Once you complete our training, you enhance your career growth by earning levels of certification from the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf or the state of Texas Board of Evaluation of Interpreters.
Marketable Skills
1. Prepares candidates for the basic level exam offered by the Board of Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) in the state of Texas.
2. Acquire an awareness and understanding of Deaf Culture.
3. Acquire the ability to interpret from ASL/English to ASL/English.
4. Acquire the ability to cultural mediate between consumers.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of the Code of Professional Conduct for ASL/English Interpreters.
Semester I
| SGNL 1401 Beginning ASL I
Course Description× SGNL 1401 Beginning ASL I Lab Fee: $10.00 Introduction to American Sign Language (ASL) covering finger spelling, vocabulary, and basic sentence structure in preparing individuals to interpret oral speech for the hearing impaired. Semester Hours 4 (3 lec/2 lab) |
4 hours |
| SLNG 1321 Introduction to the Interpreting Profession
Course Description× SLNG 1321 Introduction to the Interpreting Profession An overview of the field of American Sign Language (ASL)/English interpretation. Provides a historical framework for the principles, ethics, roles, responsibilities, and standard practices of the interpreting profession. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| SLNG 1317 Introduction to Deaf Community
Course Description× SLNG 1317 Introduction to Deaf Community An overview of the physical, educational, social, and cultural implications within the context of a deaf or hard-of-hearing individual's personal life, family, and community in today's multicultural world. Emphasis on current educational and vocational programs, legislation, technology, oppression, and other issues. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| Mathematics (MATH) (college-level) | 3 hours |
| 13 hours |
Semester II
| SGNL 1402 Beginning ASL II
Course Description× SGNL 1402 Beginning ASL II Lab Fee: $10.00 Introduction to American Sign Language (ASL) covering fingerspelling, vocabulary, and basic sentence structure in preparing individuals to interpret oral speech for the hearing impaired. This course is the Capstone course for the Studies in Deafness Certificate. Prerequisite: SGNL 1401 Beginning ASL I with a grade of C, or consent of the Program Director. Semester Hours 4 (3 lec/2 lab) |
4 hours |
| SLNG 1347 Deaf Culture
Course Description× SLNG 1347 Deaf Culture Historical and contemporary perspective of American deaf culture using a sociocultural model. Includes cultural identity and awareness, values, group norms, communication, language, and significant contributions made by deaf people to the world. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| SLNG 1207 Intra-lingual Skills Dev for Interprete
Course Description× SLNG 1207 Intra-lingual Skills Dev for Interprete Development of intra-lingual (English to English) skills necessary for future development of inter-lingual (English to American Sign Language [ASL]/ASL to English) skills. Focus on linguistic and cognitive skills development in areas of paraphrasing, summarizing, main idea identification, comprehension, memory, delayed repetition, multi-tasking, vocabulary, and cultural literacy. Semester Hours: 2 (1 lec/3 lab) |
2 hours |
| ENGL 1301 Composition I
Course Description× ENGL 1301 Composition I Intensive study of and practice in writing processes, from invention and researching to drafting, revising, and editing, both individually and collaboratively. Emphasis is on effective rhetorical choices, including audience, purpose, arrangement, and style. Focus is on writing the academic essay as a vehicle for learning, communicating, and critical analysis. Note: ENGL 1301 is a pre-requisite for all 2000-level literature courses. Prerequisite: TSI complete in Writing or the equivalent. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| 12 hours |
Summer Semester
| SGNL 2301 Intermediate ASL I
Course Description× SGNL 2301 Intermediate ASL I Lab Fee: $10.00 Review and application of conversational skills in American Sign Language and interpreting from signing to voice as well as from voice to signing. Introduction to American Sign Language literature and folklore. Prerequisite: SGNL 1402 with a grade of C or better or consent of the program director. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| SPCH 1311 Introduction to Speech Communication
Course Description× SPCH 1311 Introduction to Speech Communication Introduces basic human communication principles and theories embedded in a variety of contexts, including interpersonal, small group, and public speaking. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| 6 hours |
Semester III
| SGNL 2302 Intermediate ASL II
Course Description× SGNL 2302 Intermediate ASL II Lab Fee: $10.00 Review and application of conversational skills in American Sign Language and interpreting from signing to voice as well as from voice to signing. Introduction to American Sign Language literature and folklore. Prerequisite: SGNL 2301 with a grade of C or better or consent of the program director. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| SLNG 2401 Interpreting I
Course Description× SLNG 2401 Interpreting I Lab Fee: $10.00 An overview of the interpreting process and models of interpretation. Introduces the skills necessary to achieve dynamic message equivalency in interpreting American Sign Language (ASL) to English and English to ASL. Prerequisite: SLNG 2301 with at least a C or consent of the instructor. Semester Hours 4 (3 lec/2 lab) |
4 hours |
| SLNG 1215 Visual/Gestural Communication
Course Description× SLNG 1215 Visual/Gestural Communication Lab Fee: $10.00 Development of skills in non-verbal communications. Emphasizes the use and understanding of facial expression, gestures, pantomime and body lauguage. Prerequisite: SGNL 2301 with at least a C or consent of instructor. Semester hours 2 (2 lec/1 lab) |
2 hours |
| DRAM 1351 Acting I
Course Description× DRAM 1351 Acting I An introduction to the fundamental principles and tools of acting as used in auditions, 113 rehearsals, and performances. This may include ensemble performing, character and script analysis, and basic theater terminology. This exploration will emphasize the development of the actors instrument: voice, body and imagination. Required of theatre majors. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| SOCI 1301 Introduction to Sociology
Course Description× SOCI 1301 Introduction to Sociology The scientific study of human society, including ways in which groups, social institutions, and individuals affect each other. Causes of social stability and social change are explored through the application of various theoretical perspectives, key concepts, and related research methods of sociology. Analysis of social issues in their institutional context may include topics such as social stratification, gender, race/ethnicity, and deviance. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| 15 hours |
Semester IV
| SLNG 2334 American Sign Language (ASL)V
Course Description× SLNG 2334 American Sign Language (ASL)V Lab Fee: $10.00 Development of proficiency in ASL. Includes instruction in semantic and grammatical accuracy and appropriate discourse strategies in a variety of communication contexts. Prerequisite: SGNL 2302. Semester Hours 3 (2 lec/3 lab) |
3 hours |
| SLNG 2266 Sign Language Inter and Trans
Course Description× SLNG 2266 Sign Language Inter and Trans Special Fee: $13.00 Practical, general workplace training supported by an individualized learning plan developed by the employer, college, and student. Prerequisites: SLNG 2401 with at least a C or consent of the instructor. Semester Hours: 2 (15 lab) |
2 hours |
| SLNG 1291 Special Topics in Sign Langua
Course Description× SLNG 1291 Special Topics in Sign Langua Lab Fee: $10.00 Topics address recently identified current events, skills, knowledges, and/or attitudes and behaviors pertinent to the technology or occupation and relevant to the professional development of the student. This course was designed to be repeated multiple times to improve student proficiency. Certification Preparation: Course will cover and help prepare students for the Board of Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) testing for certification. Prerequisites: SLNG 2401 with at least a C or consent of instructor. Semester Hours 2 (1 lec/2 lab) |
2 hours |
| SLNG 2402 Interpreting II
Course Description× SLNG 2402 Interpreting II Lab Fee: $10.00 Continued development of discourse analysis and interpreting skills for increasingly complex tasks utilization of consecutive and simultaneous interpreting scenarious including monologues and dialogues. Emphasizes skill development and self-analysis, and peer evaluation. Prerequisite: SLNG 2401 Interpreting I with a grade of C or better or consent of the program director. Semester Hours 4 (3 lec/2 lab) |
4 hours |
| SLNG 2303 Transliterating
Course Description× SLNG 2303 Transliterating A practice-oriented course designed to develop skills necessary for rendering spoken English to a signed English format and signed English to spoken English. Pre/Corequisite: SLNG 2402. Semester Hours: 3 (3 lec/2 lab) |
3 hours |
| 14 hours |
Summer Semester
| SLNG 2331 Interpreting III
Course Description× SLNG 2331 Interpreting III Lab Fee: $10.00 A practice-oriented course to strengthen skills in the integration and application of interpreting using complex source materials. Continued exposure to simulated interpreting/transliterating experiences. Pre/Corequisite: SLNG 2402. Semester Hours 3 (2 lec/3 lab) |
3 hours |
| SLNG 2267 Pract-S/Lang Interpretation & Translation
Course Description× SLNG 2267 Pract-S/Lang Interpretation & Translation Special Fee: $13.00 Practical, general workplace training supported by an individualized learning plan developed by the employer, college and student. Prerequisite: SLNG 2266 with at least a C or consent of instructor. Semester Hours 2 (15 lab) |
2 hours |
| 5 hours |
| Total hours: | 65 hours |
Math
| MATH 1314 College Algebra
Course Description× MATH 1314 College Algebra In-depth study and applications of polynomial, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic functions, and systems of equations using matrices. Additional topics such as sequences, series, probability, and conics may be included. Problem solving with algebraic applications relevant to today's world is emphasized. Graphing calculator required. Prerequisite: TSI Math complete or MATH 0311. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| MATH 1316 Plane Trigonometry
Course Description× MATH 1316 Plane Trigonometry In-depth study and applications of trigonometry including definitions, identities, inverse functions, solutions of equations, graphing, and solving triangles. Additional topics such as vectors, polar coordinates and parametric equations may be included. Graphing calculator required. Prerequisite: MATH 1314 with a minimum grade of C, or passing score on non-credit equivalency exam for MATH 1314, or consent of division chair. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| MATH 1324 Mathematics for Business & Social Sciences
Course Description× MATH 1324 Mathematics for Business & Social Sciences The application of common algebraic functions, including polynomial, exponential, logarithmic and rational, to problems in business, economics and the social sciences are addressed. The applications include mathematics of finance, including simple and compound interest and annuities; systems of linear equations; matrices, linear programming; and probability, including expected value. Prerequisite: TSI math complete or MATH 0311. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| MATH 1325 Calculus for Business & Social Sciences
Course Description× MATH 1325 Calculus for Business & Social Sciences This course is the basic study of limits and continuity, differentiation, optimization and graphing, and integration of elementary functions, with emphasis on applications in business, economics and social sciences. This course is not a substitute for MATH 2313 or 2413 - Calculus I. Prerequisite: MATH 1314 or MATH 1324, minimum grade C. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| MATH 1332 Contemporary Math: Quantitative Reasoning
Course Description× MATH 1332 Contemporary Math: Quantitative Reasoning Intended for Non STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) majors. Topics include introductory treatments of sets and logic, financial mathematics, probability and statistics with appropriate applications. Number sense, proportional reasoning, estimation, technology, and communication should be embedded throughout the course. Additional topics may be covered. Graphing calculator required. Prerequisite: TSI math complete (non-algebraic) or MATH 0308. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| MATH 1342 Elementary Statistical Methods
Course Description× MATH 1342 Elementary Statistical Methods Collection, analysis, presentation and interpretation of data, and probability. Analysis includes descriptive statistics, correlation and regression, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. Provides a study of statistical description of frequency distributions; sampling; elementary principles of probability distributions, both binomial and normal; estimation of parameters; tests of hypotheses; linear regression and correlation; independence of variables by Chi Square analysis; and an introduction to a statistics software package. Use of appropriate technology is recommended. Graphing calculator required. Prerequisite: TSI math complete (non- algebraic) or MATH 0308 or completion of college-level math course. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| MATH 1350 Mathematics for Teachers I (Fundamentals of Mathematics I)
Course Description× MATH 1350 Mathematics for Teachers I (Fundamentals of Mathematics I) This course is intended to build or reinforce a foundation in fundamental mathematics concepts and skills. It includes the conceptual development of the following: sets, functions, numeration systems, number theory, and properties of the various number systems with an emphasis on problem solving and critical thinking. Prerequisite: MATH 1314/1414 College Algebra or the equivalent. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| MATH 1351 Mathematics for Teachers II (Fundamentals of Mathematics II)
Course Description× MATH 1351 Mathematics for Teachers II (Fundamentals of Mathematics II) This course is intended to build or reinforce a foundation in fundamental mathematics concepts and skills. It includes the concepts of geometry, measurement, probability, and statistics with an emphasis on problem solving and critical thinking. Prerequisite: MATH 1314/1414 College Algebra a minimum grade of C or consent of the division chair. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| MATH 1414 College Algebra (Stem Intensive)
Course Description× MATH 1414 College Algebra (Stem Intensive) In-depth study and applications of polynomial, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic functions, and systems of equations using matrices. Additional topics such as sequences, series, probability, and conics may be included. Semester hours 4 (4 lec) |
4 hours |
| MATH 2305 Discrete Mathematics
Course Description× MATH 2305 Discrete Mathematics A course designed to prepare math, computer science, and engineering majors for a background in abstraction, notation, and critical thinking for the mathematics most directly related to computer science. Topics include: logic, relations, functions, basic set theory, countability and counting arguments, proof techniques, mathematical induction, combinatorics, discrete probability, recursion, sequence and recurrence, elementary number theory, graph theory, and mathematical proof techniques. Prerequisite: MATH 2413 with a grade of C or better. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| MATH 2318 Linear Algebra
Course Description× MATH 2318 Linear Algebra Introduces and provides models for application of the concepts of vector algebra. Topics include finite dimensional vector spaces and their geometric significance; representing and solving systems of linear equations using multiple methods, including Gaussian elimination and matrix inversion; matrices; determinants; linear transformations; quadratic forms; eigenvalues and eigenvector; and applications in science and engineering. Graphing calculator required. Prerequisite or corequisite: MATH 2414 with a minimum grade of C or consent of division chair. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| MATH 2320 Differential Equations
Course Description× MATH 2320 Differential Equations Ordinary differential equations, including linear equations, systems of equations, equations with variable coefficients, existence and uniqueness of solutions, series solutions, singular points, transform methods, and boundary value problems; application of differential equations to real-world problems. Graphing calculator required. Prerequisite or corequisite: MATH 2414 with minimum grade of C or consent of the division chair. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| MATH 2412 Pre-Calculus Mathematics
Course Description× MATH 2412 Pre-Calculus Mathematics In-depth combined study of algebra, trigonometry, and other topics for calculus readiness. Prerequisite: MATH 1314 with a minimum grade of C, or Placement Score: ACT Math 26+, SAT Math 610+, or ALEKS 61+, or CLEP 50+ that gives student credit for MATH 1314NC or MATH 2412NC or AP Calculus AB or BC 3+ or consent of division chair. Semester Hours 4 (4 lec) |
4 hours |
| MATH 2413 Calculus I
Course Description× MATH 2413 Calculus I Limits and continuity; the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus; definition of the derivative of a function and techniques of differentiation; applications of the derivative to maximizing or minimizing a function; the chain rule, mean value theorem, and rate of change problems; curve sketching; definite and indefinite integration of algebraic, trigonometric, and transcendental functions, with an application to calculation of areas. Graphing calculator required. Prerequisite: MATH 2412 with a minimum grade of C, or both MATH 1314 and MATH 1316 with minimum grades of C, or passing score on non-credit equivalency exam for MATH 2412, or consent of the division chair. Semester Hours 4 (4 lec) |
4 hours |
| MATH 2414 Calculus II
Course Description× MATH 2414 Calculus II Differentiation and integration of transcendental functions; parametric equations and polar coordinates; techniques of integration; sequences and series; improper integrals. Graphing calculator required. Prerequisite: MATH 2413 with a grade of C or better or consent of division chair. Semester Hours 4 (4 lec) |
4 hours |
| MATH 2415 Calculus III
Course Description× MATH 2415 Calculus III Advanced topics in calculus, including vectors and vector-valued functions, partial differentiation, Lagrange multipliers, multiple integrals, and Jacobians; application of the line integral, including Green's Theorem, the Divergence Theorem, and Stokes' Theorem. Graphing calculator required. Prerequisite: MATH 2414 with a grade of C or better or consent of division chair. Semester Hours 4 (4 lec) |
4 hours |