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New adult programs in communication and sign language interpreting introduced
Goshen College has launched two new career building programs for adult students, in communication and sign language interpreting that will begin in the fall of 2021.
The Sign Language Interpreting major at Goshen College will introduce you to the rich language and culture of the Deaf community. You will learn American Sign Language (ASL) and interpreting techniques, along with an understanding of Deaf culture, and the role of interpreters.
Sign language interpreting is a dynamic and exciting profession that allows students to be a communication bridge between members of Deaf and hearing communities in places as diverse as hospitals, schools, courtrooms, concerts, plays, or sporting events.
As professional interpreters, you could work in a staff position at a school or agency or be self-employed, setting your own schedule. Sign language interpreting is one of the most challenging and rewarding careers you could choose!
The sign language interpreting major at Goshen College will introduce you American Sign Language (ASL). We then use those language skills to teach you how to interpret between spoken English and American Sign Language or signed English.
Our sign language interpreting program’s small class sizes will allow you to work closely with your professors and peers in a rigorous but supportive setting. With this support, you will be well prepared to begin your interpreting career and gain state licensure.
In our sign language interpreting program, you’ll learn ASL and interpreting techniques, along with an understanding of professional conduct, and the role of interpreters in community and educational settings.
You will also find many opportunities to practice your ASL skills outside the classroom as you attend various events, including:
The capstone for the SLI program is a 12 week internship where you will work alongside professional interpreters through a school or interpreting agency.
Learn more about our distinctive capstone internships.
Would you like to work with the Deaf community in another capacity?
Our Deaf Studies major will prepare you to work in an educational setting as a tutor, teaching assistant, or in an after school program. Or you may prepare to work in the community as a case manager, job coach, or advocate.
And if you would like to be licensed to teach ASL you can double major in Deaf Studies and Secondary Education.
Goshen College has launched two new career building programs for adult students, in communication and sign language interpreting that will begin in the fall of 2021.
Hear from Emma Zuercher, a student in the Sustainability Leadership Semester (SLS) fall 2020 cohort, about how the SLS is an immersive language experience. She described how the SLS allowed her to focus on the nuances of the English language in a way she never previously encountered.
In their final semester at Goshen College, 12 senior sign language interpreting majors are gaining experience in an area they hadn’t expected before the spread of coronavirus: online interpreting.
of GC interpreting students pass the written portion of the national certification exam
of graduates from the classes of 2014, 2015 and 2016 are employed in a job related to sign language.
of graduates from the past 4 years who chose to work in the interpreting field found a job within 3 months of graduation
Number of weeks students spend completing their senior ASL internship
Learn more about Goshen College's exceptional academic outcomes and national rankings.
We offer a several majors and minors options in the Sign Language field. You don’t need to choose one today (just inquire about Sign Language below), but you will be asked to select a particular major/minor when you apply to Goshen College.
The Sign Language Interpreting major focuses specifically on how to become a professional sign language interpreter. You will study ASL and Deaf History, Ethics, as well as classes to learn how to interpret in general and also classes that specialize in Medical Interpreting, Sign to Voice Interpreting, and Transliterating (focusing on Educational Interpreting). There are also elective classes related to Performance Interpreting and Specialty Areas of Interpreting (Legal, Mental Health, DeafBlind, Atypical Signers).
The Deaf studies major at Goshen College will introduce you to the rich language and culture of the Deaf community. You will then use your American Sign Language skills through one of two tracks: a social work focus or an education focus.
A minor in ASL is great to pair with many majors. By studying ASL you would be able to sign directly to any Deaf students or clients you might work with as a teacher, accountant, social worker, nurse and many other majors.
Armando Nunez was a student with two chief interests: American Sign Language and tennis. When he came to Goshen to pursue both, he learned quickly that GC students learn much more outside of their major and sport.
Armando's storyIt’s not every day that a Goshen College student’s internship has them opening for a pop music icon in front of thousands of people. For Mary O’Connell, a senior sign language interpreting and social work double major, this s
Mary's storyAs a child, Isis Espinoza ’24 learned English with help from her teachers, now she wants to do the same for others.
Hannah Cole always had trouble deciding between majoring in ASL and education. Fortunately for her, she didn’t have to choose at Goshen College.
Hannah's storySam Heberling, an American Sign Language Interpreting graduate from Mishawaka, Indiana, was active on campus as a leader in the ASL club and on the women's volleyball team.
Sam's storyEmma Zuercher ’23 shaped the way she approaches interpreting, art, relationships and all aspects of her life.
Emma's storyColleen Geier
Program Director and Professor of Sign Language Interpreting
Damon Johnson
Adjunct Professor of Sign Language Interpreting
Diana Boussom
Instructor of American Sign Language