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 3374 Service Learning in the Deaf Community
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). .png)
Course Sequence
SLI Program Year One (typically Junior yr.)
| 1st Semester | |
| CSD 3301 English Text Analysis | 3 |
| CSD 3331 Translation | 3 |
| CSD 3345 Ethics and Decision-Making | 3 |
| CSD 3351 Linguistics of ASL | 3 |
| CSD 4470 Field Observation I | 2 |
| 14 cr |
| 2nd Semester | |
| CSD 3302 Specialized Terminology in English | 3 |
| CSD 3332 Consecutive Interpreting | 3 |
| CSD 3346 Specialized Settings and Scenarios | 3 |
| CSD 3352 Depiction in ASL | 3 |
| CSD 4470 Field Observation II | 2 |
| 14 cr |
SLI Program Year Two (typically Senior yr.)
| 1st Semester | |
| CSD 4401 Research and Interpreting | 3 |
| CSD 4431 Simultaneous Interpreting | 3 |
| CSD 4441 Professional Interpreting Practice | 3 |
| CSD 4451 Advanced Discourse in ASL | 3 |
| CSD 4470 Field Observation III | 2 |
| CSD 3374 Service Learning in the Deaf Community* | 1 |
| 15 cr | |
|
*CSD 3374 may be offered during year one, second semester or year two, first semester, depending on opportunities available. |
|
| 2nd Semester | |
| CSD 4432 Senior Seminar in Interpreting | 6 |
| CSD 4474 Interpreting Internship** | 8 |
| 14 cr | |
| **CSD 4432 and CSD 4474 are taught in 8-week blocks. Students will attend CSD 4432 the first 8 weeks then CSD 4474 the second 8 weeks of the semester. | |