Overview
Note: This program was previously offered under the name “Interpreter Training Program.”
The American Sign Language Interpreter Training program at Cincinnati State is a stepping stone toward competency in the field of sign language interpreting, including extensive coursework in American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Studies.
The combination of classroom instruction, experiential and self-directed growth, and community involvement creates a rich learning environment.
Interpreting between ASL and English is a challenging and complex task. Students learning the profession must develop fluency in a language that is different from spoken languages. Once fluency is achieved, students must develop the skills to facilitate communication quickly and accurately between the two languages.
The skills required for success in American Sign Language Interpreter Training cannot be mastered through classroom attendance alone. Students must devote a great deal of time to study, practice, skill development, observation, and community involvement.
To complete the degree program successfully, students must be able to comprehend, write, and speak in English fluently. Program graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science degree.
Related Programs
Deaf Studies Certificate (DSC)Contacts
Program Chair
Career Outlook
Graduates Are Prepared To
- Work as an entry-level interpreter
- Transfer to a bachelor’s degree program in a related field
Representative Job Titles For Graduates
- Interpreter of Sign Language
- Transliterator of Sign Language
Graduate Employment Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of all types of interpreters is projected to grow by 4 percent through 2032 (as fast as the average for all professions) and demand for American Sign Language interpreters is expected to grow rapidly as well. Some venues/settings can be entered immediately upon graduation; others may need more experience, skill-building, and/or certification. Opportunities for sign language interpreters include conference interpreting, cruise/vacation interpreting, deaf/blind interpreting, educational interpreting, legal interpreting, medical interpreting, mental health interpreting, religious interpreting, theatrical interpreting, video relay interpreting, and vocational interpreting.
$15 to $40/hour (freelance or hourly services), or $30,000 to $45,000 annually (staff employee)
Graduate Starting Salary Projections
Contacts
Program Chair
Curriculum
2026-2027
American Sign Language Interpreter Training (ASLIT)
Program Prerequisite: ASL 101 Beginning American Sign Language 1 and ASL 102 Beginning American Sign Language 2 and ITP 140 Fingerspelling and Numbers or ASLIT Program Chair consent.
| Semester 1 | Lec | Lab | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASL 201 | Intermediate American Sign Language 1 ( B) | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| ITP 115 | Deaf Culture, History, and Rights ( B) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ITP 135 | Introduction to the Interpreting Profession ( B) | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| ENG 101 | English Composition 1 ( G) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| FYE 1XX First Year Experience Elective (B) | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
| Semester 2 | ||||
| ASL 202 | Intermediate American Sign Language 2 ( B) | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| ITP 120 | Psychosocial Aspects of Deafness ( B) | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| ITP 230 | Intermediate Assessment ( B) | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| ENG 1XX English Composition Elective (G) | 3 | 0 | 3 | |
| PSY 110 | Introduction to Psychology ( G) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Semester 3 | ||||
| ASL 251 | Advanced American Sign Language 1 ( T) | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| ITP 261 | Advanced Interpreting 1: Sign to Voice ( T) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| MAT 1XX Mathematics Elective (G) | 3 | 2 | 3 | |
| XXX XXX Arts/Humanities Elective (G) | 3 | 0 | 3 | |
| Semester 4 | ||||
| ITP 220 | Educational Interpreting ( B) | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| ITP 250 | Interactive Interpreting ( T) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ITP 270 | Transliterating ( T) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ITP 275 | Interpreting in Medical Settings ( T) | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| ITP XXX Interpreting Elective (B) | 2 | 0 | 2 | |
| Semester 5 | ||||
| ASL 252 | Advanced American Sign Language 2 ( T) | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| ITP 262 | Advanced Interpreting 2: Sign to Voice ( T) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ITP 265 | Interpreting in Specialized Settings ( T) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| ITP XXX Interpreting Practicum 1 Option (T) | 2 | 10 | 3 | |
| Semester 6 | ||||
| ITP 280 | Interpreter Professionalism ( T) | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| ITP XXX Interpreting Practicum 2 Option (T) | 2 | 10 | 3 | |
| Total Credits: | 63 | 26 | 65 | |
Electives
| First Year Experience Elective | ||
| FYE 100 | Essentials for College Success | 1 |
| FYE 105 | Skills for College and Personal Success | 2 |
| FYE 110 | Intensive College Success Strategies | 3 |
| English Composition Elective | ||
| ENG 102 | English Composition 2: Contemporary Issues | 3 |
| ENG 103 | English Composition 2: Writing about Literature | 3 |
| ENG 104 | English Composition 2: Technical Communication | 3 |
| ENG 105 | English Composition 2: Business Communication | 3 |
| Interpreting Elective | ||
| ITP 205 | Performance Interpreting | 2 |
| ITP 210 | Deaf-Blind Interpreting | 2 |
| ITP 215 | Religious Interpreting | 2 |
| ITP 225 | Vocabulary Building | 2 |
| ITP 235 | Deaf Plus / DeafDisabled Interpreting | 2 |
| Arts/Humanities Elective | ||
| Any Transfer Module course from ART, LIT, MUS, PHI, REL, THE, or COMM 130 | 3 | |
| Mathematics Elective | ||
| MAT 105 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 |
| MAT 131 | Statistics 1 | 3 |
| MAT 151 | College Algebra | 4 |
| Interpreting Practicum Options (6 credits of practicum required) | ||
| ITP 191 | ITP Limited Practicum 1 | 1 |
| ITP 192 | ITP Limited Practicum 2 | 1 |
| ITP 193 | ITP Limited Practicum 3 | 1 |
| ITP 194 | ITP Limited Practicum 4 | 1 |
| ITP 195 | ITP Limited Practicum 5 | 1 |
| ITP 196 | ITP Limited Practicum 6 | 1 |
| ITP 291 | ITP Parallel Practicum 1 | 2 |
| ITP 292 | ITP Parallel Practicum 2 | 2 |
| ITP 293 | ITP Parallel Practicum 3 | 2 |
| ITP 294 | Educational Interpreting Practicum | 2 |
| ITP 295 | ITP General Practicum 1 | 3 |
| ITP 296 | ITP General Practicum 2 | 3 |