Develop a bicultural and bilingual foundation in ASL and English.
Graduate prepared to pursue licensure and take required interpreting exams.
Gain real-world experience through events, internships and other community opportunities.
Learn from instructors who use ASL and hold advanced degrees, certifications and licenses.
This Associate in Applied Science degree is grounded in Deaf leadership and expertise. ASL courses are taught by Deaf instructors who bring language and culture to life, while the Interpreter Education program is guided by experienced interpreting faculty. Through Deaf events, internships, and work-based learning opportunities, you’ll build strong language skills, cultural understanding, and professional experience.
In the associate degree program, you will acquire the knowledge and master the skills, as well as develop the attitudes necessary to work as an entry-level interpreter. You will both learn ASL and learn how to interpret between ASL and English, noting both words and intent. You’ll consider expressions, body language and tone, cadence and word choice. You’ll also learn to analyze ethical dilemmas and be able to apply the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Code of Professional Conduct.
Interpreters work in many settings, including the community, government, private industry, K-12 and college classrooms, healthcare, video relay services and more.
Yes. After completing the associate degree, graduates will qualify to test for a provisional license and/or take the Educational Interpreters Performance Assessment to work in K-12 schools in North Carolina. Within four to five years, many graduates complete the National Interpreter Certification. A bachelor’s degree in any subject is required for this certification.
The associate degree usually takes four years to complete part-time (9-11 credits per year). While many associate degrees take two years, this program allows more time to build strong ASL skills before beginning formal interpreting coursework.
To become fully fluent in ASL often takes from 4–7 years.
Central Piedmont is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees.
