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Silverfield College of Education and Human Services
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ASL/English Interpreting, Community Interpreting (B.S.)

Bridge communication and build community with a degree in ASL/English Interpreting. As a community interpreter, you’ll play a vital role in connecting Deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing individuals across essential settings like healthcare, housing, legal services, and the workplace. With strong skills in both American Sign Language and English, you’ll play a key role in ensuring clear understanding and effective communication for individuals, families, and communities.

Two women communicate using American Sign Language.

Program at a Glance

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Program Description

The Community Interpreting concentration within the ASL/English Interpreting program prepares students to facilitate effective communication between Deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing individuals in a wide range of community settings, including healthcare, housing, legal settings, the workplace, and more. This program is ideal for first-time-in-college students or those new to the interpreting field who are seeking a comprehensive pathway to a career in community-based interpreting. A new cohort of interpreting students is admitted each fall. The application deadline is March 31.

Students complete 120 credit hours of coursework, beginning with general education, language acquisition, and pre-interpreting courses during their freshman and sophomore years. Many classes are held in person once or twice a week on UNF’s Jacksonville campus, providing students with structured, face-to-face learning experiences and opportunities for hands-on skill development.

As students progress, they engage in specialized interpreting coursework focused on the development of advanced ASL and English proficiency, ethical decision-making, cognitive processing, and interpreting theory and practice. Clinically embedded learning experiences and lab-based instruction support the transition from foundational skills to applied interpreting in real-world scenarios.

Graduates of the Community Interpreting concentration are well prepared to pursue careers as professional interpreters in community-based settings and to support communication access for individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing. This degree provides a strong foundation for national certification and continued professional growth.

This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education.

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  • Osprey Map
    The Osprey Map provides a term-by-term sample schedule for each undergraduate academic program at the University of North Florida. It is designed to guide students in the selection of courses each term.
  • Course Sequence: Year 1 and 2

    First Two Years: General Education & Prerequisite and Core Requirements

    INT and ASL classes, during the first two years, are primarily delivered Face-to-Face

    Note:

    • Applications / Change of Major Requests are due March 31.
    • Admissions Screening occurs Mid-April through Mid-May.
    • Notifications of program admission are sent by May 15.
  • Course Sequence: Year 3 and 4

    Last Two Years (Junior and Senior Years): All Major Courses

    All INT and ASL courses during the second two years are taught primarily online with one face-to-face weekend per month in the Fall and Spring terms.

     

  • Practicum
    Becoming a skilled interpreter requires students to develop a comprehensive framework of knowledge, skills, dispositions, and understanding to inform their decision-making. Field experiences serve as the bridge between theory and practice, helping students build and apply these essential frameworks in real-world settings. The practicum placement process is student-driven, empowering students to take the lead in securing placements that align with program requirements. Learn more about the practicum here.

Career Outlook

There is a growing demand for qualified ASL/English interpreters in Florida and across the country. Graduates with a degree in community interpreting are prepared to work in a number of settings such as healthcare, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Many pursue careers as professional interpreters, communication access specialists or advocacy professionals supporting the Deaf and hard of hearing community.

Two Men Signing and smiling in a professional setting
  • Freshman

    Students may declare a major in ASL/English Interpreting upon entry to the university or during their undergraduate studies. However, full admission to continue in the major is contingent on meeting the following continuation criteria:

    • Successfully complete the required prerequisite and core coursework at UNF, as outlined in the Course Catalog and through Term 4 on the Osprey Map.
    • Earn a grade of ‘B’ or higher in the following courses:
      • ASL I
      • ASL II
      • Introduction to Interpreting
      • ENC 1101
    • Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75
    • Successfully pass the Program Admissions Screening (PAS), which evaluates proficiency in English, American Sign Language (ASL), and cognitive processing skills

    Students who do not meet these criteria may be advised to pursue a different academic path within the department or university. Current UNF students do not need to reapply but should contact Erica Hughes, Academic Advisor in OASIS, for guidance. 

    Ready to apply to UNF? Learn more about Freshman Admissions Requirements.

  • Transfer

    1. Complete the UNF Application Process

    Transfer applicants must meet all University of North Florida admission requirements and submit their application by March 31 for fall admission.

    2. Meet GPA and Coursework Requirements

    • A minimum GPA of 2.75 is required (3.0 or higher preferred)
    • A grade of 'B' or better is required in the following courses (or a higher-level equivalent):
      • ASL I
      • ASL II
      • Introduction to Interpreting
      • ENC 1101
      • Note: Students transferring with an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree from a recognized Florida institution who earned a 'C' in these courses are not required to repeat them. However, admission decisions are based on Program Admissions Screening results, and students may be required to take additional coursework after admission to demonstrate mastery.

    3. Demonstrate Background in Interpreting Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

    • Hold an associate-level degree in ASL/English Interpreting (A.A., A.S., or A.A.S.), or
    • Hold an associate-level degree in another field and possess a recognized national certification such as:
      • CDI, CSC, CI and CT, NIC, NAD IV–V, or COI (Canada)

    4. Complete General Education Core Requirements While not required, it is strongly recommended that applicants complete the general education core courses prior to enrolling. By Florida state law, students who transfer with an A.A. degree from a recognized Florida institution are exempt from taking additional general education courses at UNF.

    Students who hold only an A.S. or A.A.S. degree are strongly encouraged to also complete an A.A. degree to avoid additional general education requirements at UNF. In the absence of an official articulation agreement between UNF and the student’s previous institution, course equivalency and program placement will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

    Ready to apply to UNF? Learn more about Transfer Admissions Requirements.

  • International

    Ready to apply to UNF? Learn more about International Admissions Requirements


  • Additional Program Requirements

    1. Complete the Program Admissions Screening

    The ASL/English Interpreting program is a specialized admissions program, which means applicants must meet additional criteria beyond general UNF admission requirements. After the March 31 application deadline, program-specific admissions screenings will take place during April and May, with admission decisions released by May 15. The program admits a maximum of 30 students each fall. The Admissions Screening consists of:

    • Written exercises
    • ASL performance tasks
    • A live video interview

    These components collectively assess three core competencies:

    • English Competency – comprehension, writing, and speaking
    • ASL Competency – expressive, receptive, and comprehension skills
    • Cognitive Processing – critical thinking and foundational information processing

    Note: Deaf applicants are exempt from the spoken English evaluation.

    2. Meet GPA and Coursework Requirements

    To be eligible for admission, applicants must:

    • Have a minimum GPA of 2.75 (3.0 or higher preferred)
    • Earn a grade of ‘B’ or better in:
      • ASL I
      • ASL II
      • Introduction to Interpreting
      • ENC 1101 (or a more advanced equivalent course)
    • Note: Students transferring with an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree from a recognized Florida institution who earned a 'C' in these courses are not required to repeat them. However, admission decisions are based on Program Admissions Screening results, and students may be required to take additional coursework after admission to demonstrate mastery.

    Questions about general education core requirements?

    Contact Erica Hughes, Academic Advisor, in the Office of Academic Support and Information Services (OASIS).

Program Contacts

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Dr. Len Roberson
Program Director and Professor

View Faculty Bio

Email Dr. Roberson

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Erica Hughes
Academic Advisor

Email Erica Hughes

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Jade Yuen
Associate Director of Outreach, Recruitment and Retention

Email Jade Yuen 

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Resources

Explore our lab, FAQs and undergraduate handbook to help you succeed throughout your journey in the ASL/English Interpreting program.

UNF students in the ASL Lab

ASL Lab

The American Sign Language (ASL) lab is your one-stop place to enhance your language learning. The lab is staffed by native language users and offers a quiet place to study, practice, and complete video assignments for your ASL, Deaf Education and Interpreting classes.
Man signs to child in office.

FAQs

Whether you're wondering about admissions requirements, course sequencing, internships, or graduation pathways, our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section is here to help. Explore answers to common questions about the program and get the information you need to take your next step with confidence.
Women making an ok sign and smiling

Handbook

Visit the ASL/English Interpreting Undergraduate Student Handbook for essential information, resources, and policies to guide and support you throughout your journey in the interpreting program.
UNF students in the ASL Lab

ASL Lab

The American Sign Language (ASL) lab is your one-stop place to enhance your language learning. The lab is staffed by native language users and offers a quiet place to study, practice, and complete video assignments for your ASL, Deaf Education and Interpreting classes.
Man signs to child in office.

FAQs

Whether you're wondering about admissions requirements, course sequencing, internships, or graduation pathways, our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section is here to help. Explore answers to common questions about the program and get the information you need to take your next step with confidence.
Women making an ok sign and smiling

Handbook

Visit the ASL/English Interpreting Undergraduate Student Handbook for essential information, resources, and policies to guide and support you throughout your journey in the interpreting program.