The American Sign Language Interpreting (ASLI) program at College of DuPage offers immersive training for students interested in becoming professional sign language interpreters.
Learn ASL from fluent signers and nationally certified interpreters while gaining a deep understanding of Deaf culture. Through a combination of classroom instruction, small group practice and real-world experience, you'll build strong skills in:
- ASL comprehension and production
- Sign language grammar
- Non-verbal communication
- Cultural awareness of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community
Program Format and Admission
Students take sign language courses on sign comprehension, production, grammar and non-verbal communication techniques and are introduced to the Deaf community from a cultural perspective. Courses focus on learning ASL and the culture of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
ASL is a unique, visual language of the Deaf community and is one of the fastest-growing language offered at colleges. The ASLI Associate in Applied Science degree program begins annually in the spring. It is cohort-based with limited enrollment. Students submitting an application to the ASLI Program must have completed a minimum of seven ASL or ASLI courses. Review the admission requirements.
Determine Your Path
Interpreters work in a variety of settings including education, offices, courts, hospitals and conferences.
Whether you are preparing for a career in ASLI, planning to transfer to a four-year baccalaureate-granting institution or updating your skills, College of DuPage has the right program for you. We offer:
- Dedicated instructors with years of professional experience.
- Instruction utilizing our state-of-the-art equipment and top-notch facilities.
- Affordable courses to help you achieve success without creating overwhelming debt or draining your savings account.
- Small class sizes to ensure you receive personalized attention.
American Sign Language Interpreter
The American Sign Language Interpreter Associate in Applied Science degree will prepare students for a career working as a sign language interpreter for people who are Deaf and hard of hearing.
American Sign Language Interpreting
The American Sign Language Interpreting certificate provides instruction in communication models and processes of American Sign Language, Deaf culture, interpreting skills, ethical understanding, and hands-on training in oral and manual interpreting in a wide range of situations.
American Sign Language
The American Sign Language certificate provides the language and cultural foundation for competency in American Sign Language as well as preparation for the certificate in American Sign Language Interpreting.
COD Stories
"I loved learning ASL and interacting with the Deaf community, and COD helped prepare me to pass the American Sign Language Interpreter state licensure exam." - Rosemary Montalbano
Rosemary's COD StoryCOD Stories
“I did research on a few interpreting programs and decided on College of DuPage for a number reasons. I liked that COD was close to home. COD was affordable. Lastly, but most importantly, COD’s Interpreting program has a deaf director and deaf staff. When learning a language, it is important to learn from native users.- Carly Gaerlan
Carly's COD StoryGet Started Today
The first step to getting started in the ASLI program is to review program admission information.
Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.
American Sign Language Interpreting Degree and Certificates
- Describe the linguistic importance of American Sign Language.
- List historical events and current movements that influence society’s views of deafness and the Deaf community.
- Demonstrate the ability to comprehend vocabulary, grammar, and non-verbal techniques, and apply them at a conversational pace.
- Demonstrate an increased interaction with the Deaf community through usage of American Sign Language (ASL).
- Demonstrate an advanced level of flow and cohesion in signing and voicing ability.
- Identify the application of theory to practice in fieldwork experiences.
- Demonstrate self-assessment of interpreting work.
- Demonstrate professional behavior, decision-making, and demeanor.
Career Information
Explore careers based on your interest, location and salary range or view top occupations by income.
Signing Circle Event
Signing Circle is a new monthly event for practicing ASL receptive skills, increasing understanding of deaf culture and connecting with others interested in American Sign Language. During the event deaf speakers will share their life stories in American Sign Language and invite discussion. Discussion is in American Sign Language and English interpretation will be provided for non-signing participants. The event is free and open to the public.
