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Home : Educational Programs : Career and Technical : American sign language and interpreting studies

American sign language and interpreting studies

student signing song
Students have the opportunity to interpret at events to practice their skills. This ASL student interprets a song. Facial expressions play a key role in interpretation.
One of its kind
The American Sign Language and Interpreting Studies (ASL & IS) program at Lake Region State College is the only program of its kind in North Dakota.

Located one block from North Dakota School for the Deaf (NDSD), Lake Region State College is ideally situated to offer ASL & IS program.

Students in the program have access to the sign language environment at NDSD and the large Deaf Community which resides in the Lake Region to practice acquired skills and gain knowledge in deaf culture.

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Program Entry Requirements

Admission to the ASL & IS program requires basic knowledge of ASL. Prior to acceptance into the program, applicants must complete ASL 101 and ASL 102 (these courses are sequential and can be completed in two semesters or two summer sessions) with grades of B or better; OR applicants must demonstrate proficiency in ASL at a level equal to course completers.

Ask program advisor

students at deaflympics
Twenty-eight students went to the Deaflympics with their instructors in 2007.
Hands-on learning
Many students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in their learning environment.

This spring, students made the journey to the Deaflympics in Salt Lake City, Utah, where they were able to meet deaf individuals from almost 25 countries.

Read about their experience.      

Working with advisor
Eileen Gray, program advisor working with a student.
Earn a Certificate
The two-semester Certificate in American Sign Language Studies gives students the opportunity to increase their understanding of deaf culture while developing fluency in American Sign Language, but does not prepare students to perform professional interpreting services between spoken English users and ASL users. Prospective students include parents of deaf children and people who plan to work in deaf-related fields, such as social work, health care, vocational rehabilitation, education, etc. The Certificate program is also beneficial to students who are enrolled in related programs such as Early Childhood Education and Nursing

Complete AAS Degree
The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in American Sign Language and Interpreting Studies (ASL & IS) is two-year, full-time course of study designed to benefit those who are interested in providing communication access between Deaf and hearing people. The Sign Language Program is designed to provide students with sign language skills, an understanding of deaf culture, knowledge of the interpreter's role and skill development to prepare students for the profession of sign language interpreting. Successful completion of this program qualify the student to interpret in a variety of settings including education, medical, human service, legal and performing arts. After program completion students are encouraged to obtain nationally recognized interpreter certification credentials by taking NAD-RID National Interpreter Certification Test.

Sign language interpreting
Hands-on Experience

Get interpreting skills and practice in real life situations with ASL internship! Students pursuing AAS degree in American Sign Language will train with professional interpreters who work with deaf individuals.

Employment Opportunities

The passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has created an increase in part-time and full-time positions available for professional interpreters who have initiative and ability. As an interpreter, you may choose to be self-employed or work full- or part-time in public or business setting.

Learn More
North Dakota School for the Deaf
National Association of the Deaf
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf

Apply for admission
Learn about financial aid

"I joined the sign language program in Devils Lake to take advantage of the smaller, more personal class sizes with more one-on-one help. I stayed in the program because of the wonderful and very well educated instructors in the sign language program."

- Betsey Tabert, former LRSC student