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Interpreter Training Program

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Degree Type:
Undergraduate
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Create Connections, Include and Empower with a Bachelor's Degree in ASL

Do you have a love for languages and cultures? Are you passionate about including others and celebrating differences? If so, American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting may be for you. If you are a strong communicator who is interested in making information accessible to others, Troy University's Bachelor of Science in Interpreter Training program prepares you for rewarding interpreter careers.

interpreter working an event
“The interpreter training program at TROY has taught me so much about my career. With the support of amazing advisors and highly educated professors, I was ready to enter the workforce with confidence. The interpreter training program also taught life skills, such as critical thinking methods, that I carry with me daily. I am not only an educated, professional interpreter but a well-rounded individual thanks to TROY's interpreter training program.”
Lauren Cash  | Interpreter Training, 2018

Find Interpreter Jobs in Any Field

Job opportunities for sign language interpreters are nearly endless. As an ASL interpreter, you can work full time in sectors from healthcare to tourism or as an independent contractor. Whether you want to improve access to mental health care or help organizations become more inclusive, a bachelor's degree in ASL empowers you to do so.

Prepare for ASL Certification

Encompassing coursework from linguistics to technology, TROY's interpreter program prepares you for a wide range of interpreter jobs and ASL certification after you graduate. You'll take advanced courses in Deaf studies, ASL, discourse analysis and interactive interpreting to develop the skills and expertise you need to sit for the National Interpreter Certification Exam following graduation.
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Interpreter Training Program Curriculum

While specific courses may vary from year to year, coursework for the ASL degree includes:
Academic Catalog

Degree Maps

Degree Map - Interpreter Training - Internship Track - Semesters
Degree Map - Interpreter Training - Internship Track - Terms
Degree Map - Interpreter Training - Master Mentor Track - Semesters
Degree Map - Interpreter Training - Master Mentor Track - Terms

Interpreter Training Program Locations

Get the flexibility you need by earning your ASL degree online, on the Troy Campus or through a blend of both. For more information about program availability and delivery options call 1-800-414-5756

Troy Campus
TROY Online

Become an Advanced Interpreter in the Master Mentor Program

If you're an experienced interpreter who already holds national ASL certification, TROY's Master Mentor interpreter program offers a path to a bachelor's degree in ASL and a Master Mentor certificate. Holding a full bachelor's degree in ASL broadens your understanding of Deaf culture and helps you hone your skills, opening up new career opportunities. The Master Mentor certificate also allows you to mentor and teach other sign language interpreters, further contributing to accessibility and inclusion.
Students in a Classroom Attending a Class

What Can You Do with a Degree in Interpreter Training?

Interpreters are needed in public schools, medical and mental health settings, and just about any other aspect of working life. In addition, interpreters can be found in religious and entertainment settings. Some interpreting work is provided by full-time staff interpreters. Other work is conducted by private contractors.

Faculty Profiles

Judy Robertson

Judy Robertson

Judy Robertson, Associate Director of the Interpreter Training Program, earned her bachelor's degree in business from TROY and her master's degree in interpreter pedagogy from Northeastern University. She holds National Interpreter Certification (NIC) with the Registry of Interpreters of the Deaf (RID). Before coming to TROY in 2012, she worked as an educational interpreter for the Montgomery Public Schools in Montgomery, AL.
Learn more about our faculty (334) 808-6331 jjones6026@troy.edu
Beverly Hanyzewski

Beverly Hanyzewski

Beverly Hanyzewski has been a lecturer in the TROY ASL interpreter program since 2015. She holds a bachelor's degree in early childhood education and teaching from Gallaudet University and a master's degree in deaf education K-12 from New York University. She is also the founder of Deaf Holistic Yoga, which she started in 2004.
334-635-0118 bhanyzewski@troy.edu

The ASL Minor

If you're majoring in another subject, such as nursing, education, social work, counseling or criminal justice, the ASL minor can provide you with skills you can use in any job. You'll learn basic sign language skills and build your knowledge of Deaf culture and interpreting. While you cannot be an official ASL interpreter with this minor, it does empower you to work with deaf individuals in your future career.
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Interpreter Training Program Scholarships

In addition to TROY's undergraduate scholarships, TROY partners with Alabama state agencies to help you fund your ASL interpreter degree. These include:

  • Alabama State Department of Education - Full tuition & books
  • Alabama Department of Mental Health - Full tuition/books, stipend for internships
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Related Programs

EnglishSocial WorkElementary Education

FAQ About the Interpreter Training Program

Learn more about the field of ASL/English interpretation and our program.
What is an ASL interpreter?
An ASL, or American Sign Language, interpreter facilitates communication between deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals and those who don't use sign language. They convey meaning accurately in various situations, like legal trials and medical appointments. Their fluency in both American Sign Language and spoken language bridges communication gaps, promoting inclusivity and accessibility. ASL interpreters are crucial for ensuring equal opportunities and complying with legal obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
What degree do you need to be an interpreter?
A bachelor's degree in ASL, linguistics or a related field can qualify you to become an interpreter but is not always required. Some interpreters draw from lived experience or non-degree-awarding interpreter training programs. However, an ASL interpreter degree offers formal training that enhances your interpretation skills and builds the expertise you need to better serve the Deaf community.
How much do ASL interpreters make?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for sign language interpreters in 2023 was $57,090.
How do I become an ASL interpreter?
There are numerous paths to becoming an ASL interpreter, including certification programs, lived experience and earning an ASL interpreter degree. The most effective way to become an ASL interpreter is to complete a bachelor's degree in ASL, which prepares you for National Interpreter Certification (NIC).
Are ASL interpreters in demand?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of interpreters and translators is projected to grow 4% through 2032. However, ASL interpreters are often needed on a part-time, contracted or as-needed basis, opening up further job opportunities.

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News

TROY's Interpreter Training program provides the knowledge, skills and experience to pursue a career in interpreting between users of English and ASL.

How to Become an ASL Interpreter

If you have a deep appreciation for American Sign Language (ASL) and are thinking about becoming an ASL/English interpreter, the best way is to pursue a degree through ASL interpreter programs like the one at Troy University, according to Judy Robertson, Director of the TROY Interpreter Training Program (ITP).

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