• Do I need to have an appointment with someone before I can register for a class?
• How do I register for one of the courses offered in the program?
• What is the cost of a class?
• Is financial aid available?

• What classes are available?
• When are the classes offered?
• Can the classes be audited rather than taking them for credit?
• Are non-credit classes available or classes which cost less?
• Are classes offered at the other campuses?
• Can courses in American Sign Language be used as part of an A.A. degree?
• Can American Sign Language be used to fulfill the foreign language requirement of colleges and universities?

• If already have some signing skills do I have to start in the lowest class?
• If I have taken ASL or other courses from another college, can these be transferred to M-DC to apply toward my degree.
• Do I need to be evaluated before I can enter the interpretation program?
• Do I need to pursue a degree or can I take classes for my own interest?
• Do I need a degree to become a Sign Language Interpreter?
• How long will it take me to learn American Sign Language and is it difficult to master?

• How long is the program?
• What courses are offered for the Associate in Science degree in Sign Language Interpretation?

• How is the job market and pay for interpreters?
• Are there employment opportunities which utilize persons with signing skills?
• What kind of salaries are available?
• What qualifications do I need to work as an interpreter?

No. If you are taking Sign Language for the first time, we suggest you begin with American Sign Language 1 (ASL 1140C). If you would like to take an additional class, Survey of Deaf Studies (ASL 1000), a lecture course, would be a valuable addition to your initial learning.

Complete a college application and mail or bring it to the campus nearest you.  You will receive or be sent a student identification number.  After you have obtained a number you may register on campus. Returning students are given priority in registering. First time students may register only after the designated date for new students, which are established each term.

Classes in American Sign Language, skill-building courses in the interpreting process and lecture classes dealing with aspects of deaf studies and Deaf culture and are offered.

Currently, program classes are offered in the evening. Available courses can be found online in the Open Class Listing for each semester. Call 305-237-1249 or 305-237-1300.

Yes, you may register to audit a course.  However, students registering for credit have first priority in registering.  The enrollment period for those who wish to audit courses is AFTER that.  For more information contact the Registration Department, (305) 237-1111.

The Interpretation Program offers ONLY credit classes. For possible non-credit classes contact the Community Education (night school) program of your choice to see if classes are available. You may also wish to contact Deaf Services Bureau of Miami to see whether classes are available.

Yes, depending on the availability of instructors. Contact the Foreign Language Departments at Wolfson and Kendall Campuses.

American Sign Language 3 (ASL 2160C) and American Sign Language 4 (ASL 2200C) can be used as elective credits.

The Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Sign Language Interpretation totals 72 credits, which usually takes full-time students approximately two years to complete. However, most of our students work full-time and attend the college on a part time basis. For these students, three years is usually the length of time required.

Three types of courses are required for the degree. - 50 credits in the subject major, 7 credits in the elective category and 15 credits in the general education category. (See our 3-page description of the program for specifics.)

No.  If you have previously acquired skill, contact the department, who will assist you in determining the appropriate course for you.

Yes, in most cases this can be done.  This would need to be arranged on an individual basis and will be done in consultation with the department.

No, you do NOT need to pursue the degree. You may take classes for your own personal interest.

No, you do not. You need the skills and knowledge. However, for those who have not previously attended college, we encourage you to think about pursuing this important goal.  You would be preparing yourself for employment as an interpreter and also be achieving a well-rounded education. Furthermore, more and more employers are providing additional compensation for those interpreters who possess college degrees in addition to having passed interpreter evaluation systems.

Also, testing systems for professional interpreters are beginning to require advanced education before those applying can take such tests.

At the present time there is a tremendous need for both full and part-time interpreters, working in educational, social service, medical, employment, entertainment, religious and other settings. Current job listings are posted in the program office and our staff will assist with job placement for students.  Job availability and salaries depend on individual interpreter qualifications and on the geographic location.

Teachers of hearing impaired children, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselors, personnel of deaf service centers and others employed in social service agencies, which deal with deaf and hard of hearing persons, all use Sign Language to communicate.

Salaries will vary depending on factors such as the geographical location, employment setting, amount of education, your experience and your credentials.   Full-time interpreting positions may pay anywhere from $25,000 to $60,000 annually. The highest salaries are given to interpreters with national certification. Hourly rates with a two-hour minimum generally range from $15.00 to $50.00 per hour.

The state and national professional organizations for sign language interpreters have established evaluation systems for assessing interpreting competency.  For most interpreting positions it is necessary to have taken and passed one of these.  While our program can not guarantee that you will pass such tests, we have found that the vast majority of our students who have communicated with and interpreted for deaf and hard of hearing persons on a regular basis, have passed within one year of completing their coursework.  Furthermore, many students have passed an evaluation before completing their coursework.  

The evaluations available include:

• The Quality Assurance (QA) of the Florida Registry of Interpreter for the Deaf (F.R.I.D.)
  Levels 1, 2 and 3 (the highest)
• The Educational Interpreter Evaluation (E.I.E.) of the F.R.I. D.
  Levels 1, 2 and 3 (the highest)
• National Association of the Deaf and Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (NAD-RID)
  National Interpreter Certificate (N.I.C.)