ASL Interpretation & Translation

Program Description

Sign language at commencement

When you learn a new language and culture, you gain access to a whole new world beyond everything that you have ever known. Here at Mt. San Jacinto College, the Department of ASL Interpretation & Translation offers you the unique opportunity to study American Sign Language and Deaf Culture in a full immersion setting! Acquiring a language is not just about learning vocabulary, but about internalizing a way of life. Our language acquisition and cultural awareness courses will adequately prepare you to flourish in the Deaf community. Once you have completed the language acquisition series, you are eligible to apply for our Interpreter Preparation Program (IPP), which offers a specially designed course sequence in both advanced linguistic and cultural competency development, as well as translation and interpretation competencies. Our program is open to qualified Deaf, Hearing, and Hard-of-Hearing individuals who aspire to become ASL/English interpreters and translators.

The IPP guides students through the processes of understanding the field of interpretation, its history and development over time, and an understanding and mastering of translation, consecutive interpretation, and simultaneous interpretation skill sets. In addition, our program highlights the critical roles of Deaf interpreters in our field and how to most effectively work in Deaf/Hearing interpreting teams. Our degree opportunity provides high-quality American Sign Language instruction and effectively prepares students to become professional interpreters who are competent, ethical and life-long learners. The majority of graduates from our program have successfully transferred to Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., CSU Northridge in Northridge, CA, St. Catherine’s University in St. Paul, MN, and many more!

ASL Interpretation and Translation Department Page

Transfer Preparation

MSJC offers a wide range of course work that prepares students for the workforce or for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. All four-year institutions prescribe their own standards for course evaluation and admissions. Courses that fulfill major requirements for an associate degree in a program at MSJC might not be the same as those required for transfer into a similar major at a four-year university. Please meet with a Counselor to confirm transfer requirements.  

Transfer students are advised to do research on prospective majors and careers. The MSJC Transfer Center and MSJC catalog can be helpful tools. Students interested in transferring to CSU’s or UC’s can access major preparation by visiting ASSIST. All students are advised to meet with a counselor at least once a semester to create or update their comprehensive education plan.  

Contact Information

San Jacinto Campus
(951) 487-MSJC (6752)
1-800-624-5561
Voice (951) 639-5399

Menifee Valley Campus
(951) 672-MSJC (6752)
1-800-452-3335
Jeremy Rogers
Videophone (951) 639-8138
Fax (951) 672-0454
Voice (951) 639-5399

  • Demonstrate expressive and receptive competence of ASL grammatical features when communicating with the Deaf/ Hard of Hearing people.
  • Demonstrate expressive and receptive competence and interpersonal communication using visual language between individuals.
  • Acquire information and recognize distinctive viewpoints that are only available through American Sign Language and Deaf culture.
  • Engage in one-to-one conversations using ASL with the Deaf community to access information about Deaf culture that will lead to lifelong learning experiences.
  • Examine expected social behaviors when interacting with mixed groups of Deaf/Hard of Hearing and hearing individuals at Deaf events (e.g., handwaving to show enjoyment of entertainment).

Discover in-demand careers and education options based on your interests!  See the list of careers below or explore further by searching for Careers or Programs.

Note: There are no guaranteed positions for students completing these programs. Education and work experience required will vary by employer. The salary and benefits for specific occupations will be dependent on work experience, education, background, and employer. Labor market statistics are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Census Bureau, O-NET, EMSI.

Career/Industries CA Annual Median Salary or Range Employment Demand or Opening CA
Interpreter (A, B, M) $70,872 1,674
Translator (A, B, M) $70,872 1,674

(degree required: SM some college, C: Certificate, A: Associate degree, B: Bachelor’s degree, M: Master’s degree, D: Doctorate)