Bachelor of Science in Sign Language Interpreting

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree In Sign Language Interpreting is designed to prepare students for employment as interpreters in educational settings and entry-level freelance assignments. Students are taught with a "hands on" approach as they learn about the Deaf culture, how to collaborate in a professional setting and participate in field observations culminating with an interpreting internship. An Associate Degree in Sign Language Studies or its equivalent is required. ISU offers an Associate Degree in Sign Language Studies on the Pocatello campus. The Bachelor of Science Degree is only offered on the Meridian campus.  

TO APPLY: Sign Language Interpreting Application Information 

SLI and SLS 2018-2019 Policy and Procedures Handbook.pdf

The following courses are required in addition to an Associate Degree or equivalent in Sign Language Studies or related area:

CSD 3301 English Text Analysis

CSD 3302 Specialized Terminology in English for Interpreters

CSD 3331 Translation

CSD 3332 Consecutive Interpreting

CSD 3345 Ethics and Decision-Making for Interpreters

CSD 3346 Specialized Settings and Scenarios in Interpreting

CSD 3351 Linguistics of ASL

CSD 3352 Depiction in ASL

CSD 4401 Research and Interpreting

CSD 4431 Simultaneous Interpreting

CSD 4432 Senior Seminar in Interpreting

CSD 4441 Professional Interpreting Practice and Relationships

CSD 4451 Advanced Discourse in ASL

CSD 4470 Field Observation and Theoretical Application of Interpreting

CSD 4474 Interpreting Internship 

Sign Language Interpreting Internship

Interpreting students are required to take a maximum of eight (8) credits of Internship. This experience will take place the last eight (8) weeks of the students' senior year. Therefore, all other course work must be completed prior to the internship. Most of our internship placement sites are in K-12 educational settings. The student will collaborate with the Internship Coordinator to establish a site the semester prior to internship assignment.

Some previous placement sites include: Idaho School for the Deaf and the Blind, MT School for the Deaf and the Blind, Tennessee School for the Deaf and the Blind, Pocatello School District, Boise School District, Meridian School District, Eugene, OR School District, Wasilla, Alaska School District, Vancouver Washington School of Arts & Academics, and Mesa, Arizona Public Schools. Students will be required to complete a background check through the Idaho State Dept. of Education before they can go on their internship.

Idaho State University's program has national accreditation through Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education (CCIE). 

Course Sequence

SLI Program Year One (typically Junior yr.)

SLI Program Year Two (typically Senior yr.)