BA/BS
Sign Language Interpretation
Overview
The sign language interpretation program at UNH Manchester is a specialized, in-depth program with a national reputation for quality. In 1999, the program became the first interpreting program in the nation to be found in compliance with the National Interpreter Education Standards of the Conference of Interpreter Trainers (CIT). In addition, UNH Manchester houses one of northern New England's most comprehensive collection of books and media materials on sign language interpretation.
The program is guided by the premise that Deaf people, as a linguistic minority, possess their own cultural values, literature, history, traditions, and social conventions. Interpretation requires bilingual and bicultural competence in spoken English and American Sign Language. The sign language interpretation program at UNH Manchester provides students with a strong theoretical foundation as a generalist in ASL/English interpretation and helps prepare students for either state-level interpreter screening or national Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) interpreter certification, depending on students' skill level and experience. Graduates may go on to pursue specialty areas in interpretation or related fields of study.
Students who complete the bachelor of science degree in sign language interpretation graduate with a varied and flexible academic base. Students also develop skills such as sustained powers of concentration, versatility in dealing with a variety of people and content areas, fast-thinking, and excellent communication skills in the respective languages. Students seeking to become interpreters receive a foundation in American Sign Language, Deaf culture, and the interpretation process, and their programs of study often include elective courses in linguistics, sociology, communication, and psychology. Students also gain a thorough grounding in the liberal arts through the University's general education program.
Graduates of the sign language interpretation program may pursue careers in ASL/English interpretation, Deaf education, rehabilitation, health care, audiology, social work, counseling, and the media. The program provides students with a varied and flexible academic base. Graduates are prepared for further study in such fields as psychology, communication, linguistics, sociology, and anthropology.
A Degree With Many Applications:
Career opportunities - Graduates of the Sign Language Interpretation program may pursue careers in ASL/English interpretation, Deaf education, rehabilitation, health care, audiology, social work, counseling, and the media.
Graduate study - The program provides students with a varied and flexible academic base. Graduates are prepared for further study in such fields as psychology, communication, linguistics, sociology, and anthropology. For more information about the sign language interpretation program, contact Professor Jack Hoza, Program Director, 603-641-4143 or contact the UNH Manchester Office of Admissions at 603-641-4150.
