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.
Sign Language Interpreting Major
About
Interpreting is a dynamic and exciting profession that gives you an opportunity to be a communication bridge between members of Deaf and hearing communities in places as diverse as hospitals, schools, court rooms, concerts, plays, or sporting events. As an interpreter, you could work in a staff position at a school or agency, or you could 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 to the rich language and culture of the Deaf community. We then use those language skills to teach you how to interpret between spoken English and ASL 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.
You will also find many opportunities to practice your ASL skills outside the classroom as you attend workshops, Deaf church, Deaf sporting events and other local events. And in the final semester of the program you will travel to another part of the country for a 12-week, hands-on internship.
The Deaf Studies minor is perfect for students interested in ASL who do not want to enter the field of interpreting. And if you want to teach ASL, our Deaf studies major will be the right fit for you. Learn more about each major & minor option.
News & Events
Emma Zuercher ’23
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.
Virtual Interpreting: Sign language seniors regroup after COVID-19
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.
Stats
90%
of GC interpreting students pass the written portion of the national certification exam
100%
of graduates from the classes of 2014, 2015 and 2016 are employed in a job related to sign language.
12
Number of weeks students spend completing their senior ASL internship
100%
of graduates from the past 4 years who chose to work in the interpreting field found a job within 3 months of graduation
Learn more about Goshen College's exceptional academic outcomes and national rankings.
Major & Minor Options
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.
Sign Language Interpreting Major
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).
Deaf Studies Major
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.
American Sign Language Minor
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.
Students & Alumni
American Sign Language Major
Sam Heberling '15
Sam 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 story
American Sign Language, social work
Mary O'Connell '19
It’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 story
American Sign Language Interpreting
Armando Nunez '16
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 story
student
Emma Zuercher '23
Emma Zuercher ’23 shaped the way she approaches interpreting, art, relationships and all aspects of her life.
Emma's story
Student
Ashley Valencia ’24
Ashley Valencia ’24 found a sense of belonging and an excellent nursing program at Goshen
Ashley's story
Professor of Sign Language Interpreting
Colleen Geier
Colleen Geier has taught American Sign Language and interpreting at other colleges but has never experienced the "wonderful cooperative learning environment" that she finds at Goshen College.
Colleen's storyRequest Information
Faculty & Staff
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Colleen Geier
Program Director and Professor of Sign Language Interpreting
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(574) 535-7467
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Administration Building 32 (Map)
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Amanda Flickinger
Associate Professor of American Sign Language
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(574) 538-2840
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Administration Building 34B (Map)
Damon Johnson
Adjunct Professor of Sign Language Interpreting
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Karen Horvath
Adjunct Professor of Sign Language Interpreting
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(574) 535-7360
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Administration Building 22 (Map)
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Danielle Pagoria
Administrative Assistant
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(574) 535-7061
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Administration Building 34 (Map)