The Current State of ASL-English Interpreting Education across the United States

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Bibliographic Details
Title: The Current State of ASL-English Interpreting Education across the United States
Language: English
Authors: Barbara D. Garrett, Emily G. Girardin, Whitney R. Weirick
Source: Sign Language Studies. 2025 25(2):227-256.
Availability: Gallaudet University Press. 800 Florida Avenue NE, Denison House, Washington, DC 20002-3695. Tel: 202-651-5488; Fax: 202-651-5489; Web site: https://gupress.gallaudet.edu/Journals/Sign-Language-Studies
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 30
Publication Date: 2025
Sponsoring Agency: Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) (ED/OSERS)
Contract Number: H325K210024
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: American Sign Language, Deaf Interpreting, Interpretive Skills, Majors (Students), Public Colleges, Private Colleges, Program Attitudes, Program Evaluation, Standards, Individualized Education Programs, Content Analysis, Web Sites, Second Language Learning, Second Language Instruction, Academic Degrees
DOI: 10.1353/sls.2025.a953722
ISSN: 0302-1475
1533-6263
Abstract: To better understand the current state of American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter education in the United States, the authors analyzed publicly available website data to document the number and type of active postsecondary interpreter education programs by state. This descriptive study aimed to address a significant gap in the literature by producing an accurate inventory of interpreting programs and concomitant degree or certificate offerings. Inclusion criteria included ASL-English interpreting programs at two- and four-year public and private institutions of higher education in the United States (and territories). Related fields, such as Deaf studies and ASL-only degree and certificate programs, were excluded. This investigation was part of a multiyear study examining American interpreter education. Frequencies were calculated for degree types, and preliminary results were reported at the 2022 Conference of Interpreter Trainers biannual conference. The authors identified 126 institutions of higher education that offer a total of 166 degrees. Changes between 2010 and 2022 were also determined. In that time, the number of bachelor's degree programs increased while associate's degree programs decreased--still, the majority of degrees offered at institutes of higher education were at the associate's level.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1462682
Database: ERIC
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Description
Abstract:To better understand the current state of American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter education in the United States, the authors analyzed publicly available website data to document the number and type of active postsecondary interpreter education programs by state. This descriptive study aimed to address a significant gap in the literature by producing an accurate inventory of interpreting programs and concomitant degree or certificate offerings. Inclusion criteria included ASL-English interpreting programs at two- and four-year public and private institutions of higher education in the United States (and territories). Related fields, such as Deaf studies and ASL-only degree and certificate programs, were excluded. This investigation was part of a multiyear study examining American interpreter education. Frequencies were calculated for degree types, and preliminary results were reported at the 2022 Conference of Interpreter Trainers biannual conference. The authors identified 126 institutions of higher education that offer a total of 166 degrees. Changes between 2010 and 2022 were also determined. In that time, the number of bachelor's degree programs increased while associate's degree programs decreased--still, the majority of degrees offered at institutes of higher education were at the associate's level.
ISSN:0302-1475
1533-6263
DOI:10.1353/sls.2025.a953722