120 Credit Hours

Description

The deaf studies program provides quality instruction and vocational training in American Sign Language and English interpreting. Candidates will gain the theoretical and practical skills necessary to succeed in a career providing linguistic access to people who can hear typically and to people who are deaf, hard of hearing, d/DeafBlind, and d/Deaf+. Upon completion of the program, candidates will possess the entry level skills necessary to work as a qualified interpreter in a variety of settings and prepared to pursue graduate studies in a related discipline.

The degree can be completed on campus or via distance learning. There are unique proficiency assessment requirements and they can be found on the Moore School of Education overview page.

Online Learning

Candidates in the Deaf Studies – Interpreting program receive a comprehensive learning experience that seamlessly delivers the campus and classroom online. Our program combines remote learning and experiential learning to encourage networking and collaboration between the cohort, faculty, professional interpreters (deaf and hearing), and the deaf community. The online experience features:

  • Remote Classes: Students meet weekly in a live class with peers and their instructor.
  • Multimedia Coursework: With an internet connection, students can access their coursework and learning opportunities (videos, applications, discussion feeds) on the Learning Management System 24/7.
  • In-Person Immersions: Candidates can join faculty and peers for intensive immersions throughout the program. Some intensives are offered on the campus in Winston-Salem and other intensive are offered abroad.

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Communicate effectively in American Sign Language and English
  • Provide culturally responsive and impartial services to all consumers and clients
  • Maintain a high standard of ethics and professionalism
  • Employ critical reflexivity to one's own professional practice
  • Interpret and transliterate effectively and accurately
  • Satisfy professional benchmark exams to advance and pursue minimal entry level interpreting credentials

Admissions Requirements

CU General Requirements

  • A high school diploma or GED
  • GPA of 2.0 or higher
  • Official transcripts from all previously attended schools
  • Completed application with Carolina University

Deaf Studies Interpreting Training Program Specific Requirements

  • To be accepted into the interpreting program applicants must meet some minimum requirements:
    • Demonstrated good academic standing in professional core courses related to Deaf Studies
    • Pass the SLPI with survival or higher

Graduation Requirements

To earn a Bachelor of Science degree from the Moore School of Education, students must:

  • CU General Requirements
    • Complete the required number of designed semester credit hours with a grade-point average of at least 2.75. The student must earn a C or better in key course designated as essential in each program.
    • Complete the professional core courses as described in the University catalog. The program advisor will assist you through the process.
    • Meet the requirements for the professional exam as previously described.
  • Deaf Studies Interpreting Training Program Specific Requirements
    • Maintained good academic standing in professional core courses related to Deaf Studies
    • Complete the required professional core courses including the preliminary practicum and final practicum
    • Satisfactorily complete a capstone project (this is a bilingual project where students will present their capstone in ASL along with a written product).
    • Pass the CASLI Generalist Knowledge written exam