You Should Know: Colleen Geier, associate professor of ASL interpreting
Colleen Geier, associate professor of ASL interpreting, finds life's calling as ASL interpreter.
Sign Language Interpreting Majors & Minor
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. 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 ASL education major will be the right fit for you. Learn more about each major & minor option.
Watch Video
Check out the opportunities available to sign language interpreting majors, ASL education majors and ASL minors at Goshen College, and learn what makes our program unique!
News & Events
ASL interpreters see language growing in popularity
Goshen College is one of only three universities in Indiana and 150 nationwide that offer ASL as a major. Besides majoring in interpreting, she said students also take ASL for foreign language credits or as a minor that bolsters a major in a field where knowing sign language is useful.
Faculty members recognized for milestones
On Monday, March 19, Goshen College recognized five professors for milestone achievements, including promotions and doctoral degree completions.
Stats
12
Number of weeks students spend completing their senior ASL internship
90%
of GC interpreting students pass the written portion of the national certification exam
100%
of graduates from the past 4 years who chose to work in the interpreting field found a job within 3 months of graduation
100%
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.
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).
American Sign Language Education Major
ASL Education prepares students to teach ASL to hearing students in middle school or high school as a language option rather than Spanish or French. This major will not prepare you to interpret. In the ASL Ed major you will take ASL classes and spend a semester as a visiting student at Gallaudet University in DC and you will take education classes to help you learn how to teach.
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 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
Psychology, American Sign Language
Olivia Ginn '16
Olivia Ginn '16 wants to change the perception of mental illness.
Olivia's story
Associate Professor of ASL 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 story
ASL and Broadcasting Major
Danielle Kerschhackl '16
Danielle Kerschakl, from Elmwood Park, Illinois, is 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 storyRequest Information
Faculty & Staff
View Profile
Colleen Geier
Program Director and Associate Professor of Sign Language Interpreting
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(574) 535-7467
