Facilitate Conversations. Connect People.
Become an American Sign Language interpreter.
Master the art and science of professional interpreting for the deaf and hard of hearing communities. This program will help you become a skilled practitioner ready to facilitate life’s most important conversations.
Over four immersive semesters, you’ll develop the advanced skills that distinguish exceptional interpreters from the rest. You’ll become fluent in bidirectional communication, seamlessly moving between ASL and English while maintaining the integrity and nuance of every message.
Marketable skills that matter:
- Advanced ASL mastery: Complex vocabulary, sophisticated grammar structures, and the subtle facial expressions that convey meaning beyond words
- Professional interpreting techniques: Sight translation, consecutive interpreting, and simultaneous interpretation across diverse settings
- Cultural competency: Culture study, community values and the ethical standards that guide professional practice
Small Classes. Expert Guidance.
At Owens, you have a team of dedicated, experienced professionals guiding you. In turn, your faculty will be supported by an Advisory Committee of local professionals.
Our instructors are experts who take pride in your success. Combined with our small class sizes, you’ll get one-on-one mentorship and precise technical feedback tailored to your goals.
Award Type
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Department
Department of Teacher Education and Human Services
Required credit hours
61-63
A Closer Look
$48,450
Average annual salary in Ohio
61-63
Credit hours—typically completed over 4 semesters (2 years)
24%
Growth in demand for ASL interpreter jobs through 2030
Build Bridges Through Beautiful Communication
Bridging two worlds with this comprehensive four-semester program that will build ASL fluency and the ability to facilitate conversations with precision and cultural sensitivity.
Your foundation semesters immerse you in essential ASL skills, fingerspelling mastery, and professional interpreting fundamentals. Next, you’ll dive deeper into deaf culture while developing advanced transliteration and bidirectional interpreting skills to nurture fluency.
Beyond language mastery, you’ll also complete well-rounded coursework in composition, psychology, public speaking, and sciences to strengthen your analytical thinking. Humanities and arts electives broaden your cultural awareness, making you a more effective interpreter.
Your final semester integrates legal and ethical standards, specialized interpreting contexts, and a hands-on practicum where you’ll apply your skills in real situations. You’ll graduate confident and ready for this rewarding profession.
Your Path to Professional Credentials
American Sign Language courses are incorporated this program, and you’ll earn the American Sign Language Certificate as part of this degree—a perk of this program.
This degree also provides a solid foundation if you decide to pursue higher certifications such as the National Interpreter Certification, which requires a bachelor’s degree.
Program Outcomes
Students will…
- Demonstrate Advanced ASL.
- Apply Cultural and Ethical Standards.
- Interpret Between ASL and English.
- Demonstrate Professional Readiness.
- Prepare for Career and Academic Progression.
Important Note About Licensure
The Associate of Applied Science in ASL Interpreting at Owens provides a strong foundation in American Sign Language and interpreting skills. As part of this program, you’ll also earn an ASL Certificate, demonstrating language proficiency along the way.
To become a nationally certified and licensed interpreter, you’ll need to continue your education and complete a bachelor’s degree, as well as pass the required certification exams. This associate degree—together with the ASL Certificate—is an excellent first step on that professional journey.
Career Outcomes
ASL interpreting is more than in-demand—it’s career freedom. Qualified interpreters are essential everywhere, giving you the power to work coast to coast across every industry.
Your possibilities are vast. Shape minds in classrooms, ensure justice in courtrooms, enable corporate communication, or interpret at entertainment venues and cruise ships. Pioneer the growing field of video remote interpreting from anywhere, or specialize in prestigious medical and legal settings with advanced training.
This is your passport to professional adventure—where every day brings new environments and the profound satisfaction of making communication possible for everyone.
Explore the employment data to understand trends in our area.
In Their Words
“I’ve definitely found something in the profession that’s a special interest for me. If anyone asks me questions, I just ramble because I’m so excited about it.”
Monica Turner, American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter Preparation, ’25
Getting Started at Owens
Begin your high-quality education at an affordable price today!
Enrollment is easy—just fill out an online admissions application to get started. We’ll ask you to submit your transcripts for course placement and college credit.
Upon acceptance, schedule a meeting with your admissions advisor to register for classes. Next, attend an on-campus orientation and meet with your student financial services advisor to discuss ways to pay for college.