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Undergraduate Adult & Continuing Studies Graduate
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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. Watch our video to see for yourself!
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 American Sign Language (ASL) 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.
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.
Mia Engle '15 talk about her experience interpreting on a cruise ship.
This semester, the sign language interpreting department saw a record 12 students venture to 10 different states across the country to grow their interpreting skills in semester-long internships.
Number of weeks students spend completing their senior ASL internship
of GC interpreting students pass the written portion of the national certification exam
of graduates from the past 4 years who chose to work in the interpreting field found a job within 3 months of graduation
of graduates from the classes of 2014, 2015 and 2016 are employed in a job related to sign language.
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.
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 storyDanielle Kerschakl, from Elmwood Park, Illinois, was involved with American Sign Language Club, the campus news program and Goshen College's award-winning radio station, 91.1 The Globe (WGCS).
Danielle's storyArmando 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 storyOlivia Ginn '16 is using her American Sign Language skills to help others.
Olivia's storyHannah 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 storyColleen Geier
Program Director and Professor of Sign Language Interpreting
Amanda Flickinger
Associate Professor of American Sign Language
Damon Johnson
Adjunct Professor of Sign Language Interpreting
Karen Horvath
Adjunct Professor of Sign Language Interpreting
Sandy Slabaugh
Adjunct Professor of Sign Language Interpreting
Danielle Pagoria
Administrative Assistant
