COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Science in Sign Language Interpreting at Wright State University is a professional completion program designed for students who already hold an associate degree (or equivalent) in interpreter training and are preparing to enter the field as qualified sign language interpreters serving Deaf and hard of hearing communities. The program’s primary objective is to develop highly proficient bilingual professionals who can work accurately and ethically between English and American Sign Language (ASL), with strong emphasis on cultural competence, linguistic precision, and real-world interpreting skills. Students complete approximately 40 semester hours of upper-level professional coursework focused on interpreting practice, Deaf culture, linguistics, ethics, and specialized interpreting contexts, along with about 24 semester hours of additional general education requirements depending on prior transfer credit. Coursework is structured to combine theory with applied practice, helping students refine decision-making skills in complex interpreting situations such as educational settings, healthcare environments, legal contexts, and community services. The program also emphasizes engagement with the Deaf community and encourages students to build professional networks with working interpreters, which helps them understand evolving language use, professional standards, and workplace expectations. Flexible course delivery is a key feature, with classes offered in traditional, online, and hybrid formats, and many on-campus sessions scheduled in the evenings (typically starting around 5:30 p.m.) to accommodate working students or those balancing other academic commitments. Students entering the program are expected to have already completed foundational ASL, Deaf studies, linguistics, and interpreting coursework as part of their associate degree, along with supervised practicum experience. By building on this foundation, the program prepares graduates to become competent, culturally responsive professionals capable of facilitating communication access in diverse environments while contributing meaningfully to the Deaf community and the broader field of interpreting.