Sign Language Interpreting

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Why Study Sign Language Interpreting at Goshen College?

Sign Language Interpreter student

Goshen College offers one of the few four-year bachelor’s degree programs in sign language interpreting in the region. Our program emphasizes hands-on learning, real-world experiences and a strong foundation in ethics and communication. You’ll graduate with the skills, confidence and cultural awareness to serve as a qualified professional interpreter in medical, legal, educational and community settings.

As a sign language interpreting major at Goshen College, you will prepare for a meaningful and dynamic career that builds bridges between Deaf and hearing communities. You’ll gain fluency in American Sign Language (ASL), explore Deaf culture and linguistics and develop the interpreting skills you need to make a real impact.

  • 91%
    of classes have fewer than 30 students
  • 93%
    of graduates are employed, in grad school, or in service within a year
  • 100%
    of recent interpreting graduates passed the Indiana Quality Assurance Screening (IQAS) or earned state-level certification

    Career Paths

    A degree in sign language interpreting prepares you for a wide range of careers, including:

    • Educational Interpreter
    • Medical Interpreter
    • Legal Interpreter
    • Video Relay Interpreter
    • Religious Interpreter
    • Freelance Interpreter
    • Community Outreach Specialist

    Graduates are employed in schools, hospitals, court systems, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Many continue their education in graduate-level interpreter training or linguistics programs.

    Credits and Requirements

    Your coursework will include:

    • American Sign Language I–V
    • Interpreting I–III
    • ASL Linguistics
    • Fingerspelling and Numbers
    • Deaf Culture and Community
    • Interpreting Ethics and Professional Standards
    • Interpreting in Educational and Medical Settings
    • Senior Seminar and Internship

    All students complete a capstone internship as part of the program.

    course catalog

    Hands-On Learning Opportunities

    From your first year, you’ll be immersed in real-world experiences, including:

    • Regular interaction with the local Deaf community
    • Observations of professional interpreters in action
    • A senior-year internship that places you in a professional interpreting setting—students have interned with hospitals, schools, churches, courtrooms and more
    • Participation in state and regional interpreting conferences
    • Optional summer immersion in Deaf culture or interpreter training

    These experiences will develop your fluency and prepare you for certification and employment after graduation.

    Scholarships

    Students in the Deaf studies program are eligible for a variety of Goshen College scholarships. Visit our Scholarships Page for current opportunities.

    Explore more of our scholarships

    Facilities & Resources

    Students in the program benefit from access to video labs for skill practice and analysis, small group interpreting labs, and faculty mentoring from experienced, certified interpreters. You’ll also build strong relationships within the local Deaf community through partnerships and service opportunities.

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