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Bachelor of Science in ASL & English Interpretation

Department of American Sign Language & Interpreter Education

College of Education & Applied Human Sciences

Bachelor of Science in ASL & English Interpretation

Department of American Sign Language & Interpreter Education

College of Education & Applied Human Sciences

On-Campus

Program

127 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Full-Time, In-State Tutition

$5,010 Per Semester

Free Books

for All Students

Prepare to Equitably and Effectively Serve the Deaf Community

Prepare to become a professional interpreter with Eastern Kentucky University’s nationally accredited ASL and English interpretation bachelor’s degree. Gain the skills and knowledge to serve as a vital communication link between ASL signers and English speakers.

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Career Outlook

Employment of interpreters and translators is projected to grow 2 percent from 2023 to 2033.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

  • ASL and English interpreter
  • Sign language interpreter

EKU ASL graduates work in a variety of settings.

Employers Include:

  • Internal Revenue Service
  • Kentucky School for the Deaf
  • Rochester Institute of Technology
    Gallaudet University
  • Fayette County Schools

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • 95% of all graduates are employed within three months
  • The only CCIE accredited interpreter training program in Kentucky, and one of only 15 nationwide
  • Statewide and nationwide internship placements prepare you for success
  • Teaching community balanced with both Deaf and hearing faculty and staff
  • Outstanding ASL Language Learning Lab and state-of-the-art interpretation studio

Minors & Certificates

Select from a wide range of minors, allowing you to explore interests or make use of prior credits. Suggested minors available for this program include:

  • Special Education
  • African American Studies
  • Spanish Studies

You can also choose from numerous undergraduate certificates in specialty areas that complement and enhance your major as you work toward your degree. Suggested certificates for this program include:

  • Autism Spectrum
  • Paralegal Science
  • Spanish

View the full list of certificates available for completion as you earn your degree.

Curriculum & Enrollment

Eastern Kentucky University provides a balanced degree program that integrates ASL and English interpretation principles with hands-on learning opportunities. EKU’s curriculum blends academic and professional preparation with a strong grounding to promote equality and respect of Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing people.

EKU’s ASL and English interpretation curriculum prepares professional interpreters who are competent, ethical, and life-long learners. Graduates of the program are well prepared to take on a variety of rewarding careers.

A minimum of 127 credits are required to graduate.

View the degree requirements:

EKU Academic Catalog

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Students may transfer up to 90 hours of credit from accredited institutions. Please note that a minimum of 30 credit hours in this degree program must be completed at Eastern Kentucky University.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admission to EKU for appropriate articulation.

Additionally, departmental credit by examination is offered for the following courses: ASL 101, 102, 201 and 202, and transfer credits do not apply for courses above the 300 level.

TermApplication
Deadline		Classes
Begin
FallAugust 1August
SpringDecember 1January
SummerMay 1May

ASLIE program deadlines:
Admission to the Pre-Interpretation major follows the above dates. Admission to the full Interpretation program occurs during the spring of the sophomore year (your 2nd or 3rd year depending on when start at EKU) and is competitive. Currently, approximately 20 students are accepted into the major on a two-year cycle. The next admission deadline is Spring 2026.

All students who are admitted to EKU and declare their major as ASL and English Interpretation are admitted as pre-ITP students and must apply to the full ITP major after completing the ITP admission prerequisites. Admission to the university does not guarantee admission to the ITP program. Students are eligible to be considered for admission to the ITP program only after having been admitted to the University.

Part I: Apply to EKU

Part II: Apply to the ASL and English Interpreter (ITP) Program

ITP Program Application Requirements:

  • Overall GPA of 2.5 or higher by the end of the semester preceding application
  • ASL 106 with a grade of “Satisfactory”
  • ASL 201 and 202 with a grade of “B” or higher
  • ITP 215W and 220 with a grade of “C” or higher
  • Complete the Degrees of Reading Power Language Test
    Provide Letters of Recommendation
  • Complete admission interview by the ITP interview committee.

Completion of eligibility criteria does not guarantee admission to the program. Admission is competitive and based upon review of the applicant’s academic history, letters of recommendation and interview.

EKU’s ASL and English Interpretation program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education (CCIE).

Enrolling & Advising Information

EKU’s College of Education and Applied Human Sciences is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to our college enrollment counselor today.

Professional photo of Stephen Howard

Stephen Howard

College Enrollment Counselor

859-622-2710
stephen.howard@eku.edu

CEAHS Advising Information for Current Students

Additional Contact Info

Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345

Student Stories & Features

EKU student Whitney Cox poses in white on a white background with her family

Whitney Cox

EKU Graduate, Elementary Education, Middle Grades, School Leadership
The degrees that I have been able to earn at EKU has helped me grow as an educator and future leader. I feel prepared and confident in my ability due to the instruction provided by the professors at EKU.
EKU student Tina G. Cornelius

Tina G. Cornelius

EKU MAEd School Librarian – Teacher Leader Student
I have been a middle school teacher for 19 years. I plan to finish my last 8 years in education as a librarian. I am so proud to have three degrees from EKU and the first person in my family to go to college. I came from a small eastern Kentucky town and I have my amazing career and degrees to be proud of. I am excited to work with kids and other teachers as a media specialist as I finish my practicum and begin my new path.
EKU graduate Taylor Newton poses in her cap and gown on the steps of Keen Johnson.

Taylor Newton

EKU MAEd School Librarian Student
I had never taken online courses, even during my undergraduate time at EKU. I was nervous to transition to this style of learning. However, I was surprised to find all of the advantages to being a part of an online program! I am able to fit the coursework into my weekly schedule and be an active, engaged student!

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Related Programs

B.S. in Deaf & Hard of Hearing Education

Common Job Titles: special education teacher

Modalities: on-campus

Credit Hours: 132-144

B.S. in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Common Job Titles: Speech-Language Pathologist

Modalities: on-campus

Credit Hours: 120

Contact Information

Department of American Sign Language & Interpreter Education

Wallace Building
Room 216

859-622-4966
Video Phone: 859-353-0068
aslie@eku.edu

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