Sign Language Interpreter
The OCC Sign Language Interpreter (SLI) program prepares you to interpret between American Sign Language (ASL) and English. You'll build your skills through classroom learning and hands-on experience in the community.
Request More Information
Program Overview
Our two-and-a-half-year SLI program gives you the skills and knowledge you need to earn important industry credentials. Our instructors and mentors help prepare you for the BEI (Board for Evaluation of Interpreters), EIPA (Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment), or NIC (National Interpreter Certification) exams. These certifications can help you meet state requirements and prepare you to work as a professional interpreter in a variety of settings.
After graduation, earning your first certification can help you start your career as an interpreter. Your education and experience can also prepare you for specialized roles that may require more work experience or additional certifications.
Why Choose the OCC SLI Program?
- Small Class Sizes: With an average of 12 students in interpreting courses and 15 in ASL courses, you’ll get personal feedback and support as you build your skills.
- Supportive Learning Community: Stay with the same group of classmates throughout the program. Build strong connections, support each other and grow your professional network.
- Experienced Faculty: Learn from instructors with real-world experience in the field. Our ASL courses are taught by Deaf, native signers, and our interpreting courses are taught by certified interpreters with professional experience.
- Specialized Training: Build skills in areas such as DeafBlind interpreting and theater interpreting. You can also take a course focused on preparing for certification exams.
Beyond the Classroom: Real-World Experience
Learning to interpret goes beyond the classroom. You’ll have opportunities to practice your skills, connect with the Deaf community and gain real-world experience.
- Mentoring: Work with Deaf mentors from the local community who can help you build your language and cultural skills.
- The OCC SIGN Club: Join this active student organization to meet others, practice your skills and connect with the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind and interpreting communities.
- Field Experience: Gain hands-on experience in a variety of settings. These opportunities help you build the skills and confidence you need for certification exams and a career in interpreting.
Career Pathways
- Community and Private Sector: Work as a freelance interpreter or in business and private industry.
- Educational Settings: Provide interpreting services in K–12 schools, colleges and other educational settings.
- Specialized Fields: With more experience and advanced credentials, you can pursue interpreting careers in medical, legal and government settings.
- Video Services: Work in Video Relay Services (VRS) or Video Remote Interpreting (VRI), which are growing areas of the field.
Degree Program
After completing the SLI degree, you’ll have a strong understanding of Deaf culture, community and language. The program prepares you for the certification exams needed to become a qualified sign language interpreter.
These outcomes are what you can expect to learn through engagement of this program.
Communicate Effectively - Oral
- Student will demonstrate appropriate forms of verbal and nonverbal expression.
Critical Thinking
- Applies knowledge, concepts, paradigms, or theories to the assigned task.
Global Understanding and Responsibility
- Considers social, economic, physical, and cultural diversity in the community.
Paving the Way to an Inclusive Community
The OCC Sign Language Interpreter program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education (CCIE).
Our associate degree program meets the same high national standards used to evaluate four-year bachelor’s programs. This means you’ll receive a strong education that prepares you for a career in interpreting, including:
- Evidence-Based Curriculum Design: Coursework that aligns with national interpreter education standards and current field practices.
- Academic Research Requirements: Developing the critical thinking and analytical skills necessary for complex interpreting assignments.
- Extensive Field Experience: Completion of more than 300 hours of mandated practicum experience, providing the hands-on immersion needed for entry-level proficiency.
Working with Deaf-Blind Community
OCC Sign Language Interpreter students recently partnered with the deaf-blind community on a field trip to Eastern Market. While navigating the market, students practiced tactile signing and haptics, fostering valuable connections and a deeper understanding of Deaf-Blind communication.
View event photos
Faculty Spotlight
Joanne Forbes, Sign Language Interpreter Faculty, co-authored the manuscript, “Perspectives of Perinatal Clinicians When Caring for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Patients” published in BMC (formerly BioMed Central) Pregnancy and Childbirth. This qualitative research study explores the experiences and perspectives of perinatal clinicians who have provided care for Deaf and hard of hearing patients to better understand barriers and facilitators to providing optimal pregnancy-related healthcare.
Partnership with Theatre
Sign Language Interpreter students have the opportunity to partner with our theatre department to sign during performances.
Get Started with These Next Steps
Ready to begin your studies? Get started now:
- Apply to OCC. If you’re not already an OCC student, create a profile and complete our online application.
- On the application select the degree program ‘Sign Language’.
- Existing OCC students can update their academic program using the Change of Program Form.
Interested in Sign Language?
Complete the form below to receive updates about the program, upcoming events, information sessions, and enrollment deadlines.
Transfer with Ease to Continue Your Education
After completing the OCC SLI program, you may choose to continue your education. Students can go on to earn a degree in:
- Communications
- Counseling
- Deaf Education
- Deaf Studies
- Interpreting
- Linguistics
- Psychology
- Social Work
We know transferring to another college can be stressful. Our articulation agreements with these colleges and universities can help make your transfer easier and save you money:
- MIWorkforce Pathway
- Oakland University - Integrative Studies
- Wayne State University - Public Health - Transfer Pathway
Our Mission Statement
The OCC Sign Language Interpreter (SLI) program recognizes that language is a human right; that American Sign Language is a true language; and that individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind have the right to use the language of their choice. The foundational principles of the program include respect for:
- Individuals
- Inter-Cultural Competency
- Academic and Ethical Integrity
- Critical Thinking
- Professional Conduct
- Effective Communication and Interpretation
Contact Information
Joanne Forbes
Faculty, CAH Department Chairperson
Orchard Ridge Campus
Phone: (248) 707-1380
More to Explore
Considering a Sign Language Interpreter degree? You might also be interested in these programs.
