Two focus areas of study are available related to sign language: 1) American Sign Language, which offers a solid foundation in American Sign Language (ASL) as well as exposure to the richness of Deaf culture in North America and 2) Interpreter Training, which prepares candidates who have a solid foundation in ASL for the profession of professional interpreting.
The two focus areas are available as both stand alone certificates and as minors, which can be added to most majors. For students wishing to prepare for the profession of interpreting and who desire a Bachelor's degree focusing exclusively on this content, the two focus areas may be taken sequentially and embedded within the Bachelor of General Studies degree or the Bachelor of Individualized Studies degree.
Minors can be pursued by any student in progress of a Bachelor's degree at MSU or any other institution of higher education. Students who have completed a Bachelor's degree from MSU or another institution may also choose to pursue a minor and have it transcripted. Students must first complete the ASL focus area (or demonstrate equivalent ASL skills) before being permitted to enter the Interpreter Training focus area.
Finally, students from any major may choose to pursue the 12 credit Deaf Studies concentration in order to enhance their knowledge of North American Deaf culture.
American Sign Language Studies
The American Sign Language Studies minor offers a solid foundation in American Sign Language (ASL) as well as exposure to the richness of Deaf culture in North America. All coursework is offered via distance formats and accessible to students in any location. SPED 113 and 115 are approved for general education coursework in the ND University System. Students enrolled in baccalaureate degrees at institutions of higher education other than Minot State University may also pursue this minor and have it added to their transcript.
Sign Language Interpreter Training
The Sign Language Interpreter Training minor provides students who possess strong skills in American Sign Language with a foundation in methods of professional sign language interpretation. Completion of the minor is intended to prepare students wishing to pursue a career as a professional sign language interpreter in both educational and community settings.
| SPED 116 | Intro to Sign Lang Interpreting | 3 |
| SPED 215 | Interpreting I | 3 |
| SPED 216 | Interpreting II | 3 |
| SPED 303 | American Sign Language Fingerspelling, Numbers, and Specialized Vocabulary | 3 |
| SPED 318 | Interpreting III | 3 |
| SPED 433 | Field Experience | 2 |
| Manually Coded English | |
| Intro to Ed of Children w/DHH | |
| Interpreter Certification Preparation | |
| Total Hours | 17 |
Certificate in American Sign Language
Certificate in Sign Language Interpreter Training
The Sign Language Interpreter Training certificate provides students who possess strong skills in American Sign Language with a foundation in methods of professional sign language interpretation. Completion of the certificate is intended to prepare students wishing to pursue a career as a professional sign language interpreter in both educational and community settings.
