Sign Language Studies-Interpreter
Sign Language Studies at a Glance
- Hourly wages: $15 to $75
- Length of Program:
- Two-semester certificate or two-year degree
- Program Location: Belleville Campus
- Program Start Time: Fall and Spring semesters
- Learn practical language communication skills
- Prepare for certification
- Job opportunities in a wide variety of fields
Program Location
The Sign Language Studies degree program consists of general education courses, SLS pre-fix courses and field experiences. The certificate program consists of SLS pre-fix courses and field experiences. Specific course locations depend on the course type.
General Education Courses
General education courses required for the degree program can be taken at the Belleville, Sam Wolf Granite City or Red Bud campuses.
Sign Language Studies Courses
SLS courses required for the degree and certificate programs are only offered at the Belleville Campus.
Field Experiences
Field experience courses are completed off campus at various deaf/hard-of-hearing community events. Students will be required to travel outside of the college district for field experience courses, SLS 101, SLS 102, SLS 203, SLS 206, and SLS 230 and may be required to have background checks and/or drug testing prior.
Program Cost
Sign Language Studies certificate program
For details, see the Sign Language Studies Certificate cost sheet.
Sign Language Studies degree program
For details, see the Sign Language Studies Degree cost sheet.
Financial assistance is available!
Financial aid is available subject to financial need and satisfactory academic progress requirements set by the college.
There is a Student Work program for which financial aid eligibility is not required.
The SWIC Foundation office offers more than 200 scholarships based on residency, enrollment and GPA criteria.
Time Commitment
Participation and Practice
Time, dedication, study, immersion in the deaf/hard-of-hearing community and constant practice is required to develop proficiency in signing and interpreting. The level of skill students attain is directly related to their participation and practice.
Study Time
For each hour of class time spent in lecture, students should plan to spend two hours outside of class for study time, homework and completing assignments. For each hour of class time spent learning skills, students should spend an equal amount of time outside of class practicing those skills.
Attendance
Students should check the location and schedule of classes to ensure their own availability and access. Students are responsible for their own transportation and attendance at any of the classes and field experience/practicum assigned by the program.
Work Requirements
The National Association for the Deaf (NAD) and the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) jointly offer certification for general sign interpreters. These examinations are offered throughout the year at various sites in the state and country. The SLS curriculum prepares graduates for this written and performance-based examination.
Transfer Opportunities
SWIC has an articulation agreement with MacMurray College, which allows student to enter the bachelor’s program in Interpreter Preparation with junior status. It is recommended that students who are planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree contact MacMurray College to confirm readiness and review the transfer guide requirements.
Get Started
For more information, please fill out the contact form.