American Sign Language - English Interpreting
https://www.maryvillecollege.edu/academics/programs-of-study/sign-langu… (https://www.maryvillecollege.edu/academics/programs-of-study/sign-language-interpreting/)

Maryville College developed the first bachelor’s degree program in interpreting for the languages of American Sign Language (ASL), spoken English and English-influenced forms of sign language in the United States. In this program, we have faculty members, adjuncts and staff that are actively associated with American Sign Language Teachers Association (ASLTA) and National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).

Our faculty members, adjuncts, and staff hold credentials and degrees in American Sign Language Interpreting and pedagogy, Deaf Education, and ASL/Deaf Studies. The ASL/AEI team combines decades worth of interpreting experience, mentoring expertise, and pedagogical practice with a passion for exemplary service to the Deaf, Deafblind and Hard of Hearing community.

ASL and interpreting staff include Deaf consultants in interpreting course sessions. The curriculum is student-centered with pedagogically sound practice sessions, and individual attention to skill development. Community resources include a vibrant Deaf community, our neighbors-Tennessee School for the Deaf-local interpreting service community centers, and other employers of interpreters. A related major that focuses on the language and Deaf culture is ASL & Deaf Studies (https://www.maryvillecollege.edu/academics/program-of-study/american-sign-language/).

Sign language interpreting opens communication when people who are Deaf or Deaf-blind interact with the hearing world to buy a home, adopt a child, take a cruise, take classes, book a flight, order sushi, or interview for a job. Interpret outside at an environmental camp, youth conservation corps, summer camp, or national park. Work at a video relay center in any region of the country or interpret through video remote. The national demand for sign language interpreters far exceeds the supply. Opportunities for interpreters allow for skilled professional interpreters to direct their own businesses or thrive as staff interpreters, interpret solo or as members of interpreter teams, and specialize in different settings, such as education, health care, or legal. The major also prepares students for advanced study in Interpreting and related fields.

American Sign Language and Deaf Studies  
(https://www.maryvillecollege.edu/academics/programs-of-study/american-s… (https://www.maryvillecollege.edu/academics/programs-of-study/american-sign-language-and-deaf-studies/))

Maryville College has a rich history of teaching American Sign Language (ASL) and partnering with the local Deaf Community. Language and community bind Deaf culture, and the major in ASL & Deaf Studies provides the knowledge and experiences to explore that connection. Our program allows students to explore ASL, Deaf Studies, and Psychology research and language advocacy for D/deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing communities. Students will build a foundation in the historical, sociological, and multicultural aspects of D/deaf and deafblind communities to prepare for careers in deaf education or applied contexts such as art history, linguistics, STEM, psychology, business, law, interpreting, or social work. Students will be prepared to pursue graduate-level study and jobs that serve and support D/deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing communities. If you are interested primarily in being an interpreter for the Deaf, Maryville College also has a major in ASL—English Interpreting (https://www.maryvillecollege.edu/academics/program-of-study/sign-language-interpreting/)

The Major in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies is intended for those desiring to pursue studies in the areas of linguistics or anthropology at the graduate level or communication skills/cultural knowledge for use in counseling, social work, teaching, working in schools for the Deaf, or other service fields. Audio-visual materials are accessible for individual study of a broad cross-section of communication methods. Interactions with D/deaf and hard-of-hearing persons and regular practice using videotaping equipment are principal means for the development of skills. Successful graduates of the ASL studies major will be able to comfortably communicate in ASL receptively and expressively and to interact comfortably and appropriately in the Deaf community at entry level. The Major in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies requires 46 hours. A double major in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies and American Sign Language-English Interpreting is not permitted.

Faculty:

Stephanie Proctor
Assistant Professor of American Sign Language
Phone (tel:865-981-8190) | Email (mailto:stephanie.proctor@maryvillecollege.edu) | Bio (https://www.maryvillecollege.edu/academics/faculty/stephanie-proctor)