Sign Language Interpretation Certificate

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好色先生

This is your sign.

Build new skills or help others through a career in Deaf Studies or Interpretation.

Moraine Valley offers two American Sign Language (ASL) programs: Deaf Studies and Interpretation. The Deaf Studies Program focuses on entry-level basics to communication in ASL and understanding of the Deaf community. This two-semester program is designed for individuals who have a need for these skills, but do not intend to become an interpreter. Classes are offered in-person, virtual and online.

Students interested in becoming an interpreter must begin with the Deaf Studies Program before applying to the Sign Language Interpretation Program, which has a selective admission process. This program provides students with knowledge, skills and practical experience to become successfully employed as interpreters. Classes are offered in-person, virtual and online.

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Turn Compassion into a Career in Deaf Studies and Interpretation

Become the support others need in overcoming barriers.

This program serves students who are pursuing employment working with the Deaf and DeafBlind communities and/or entering the American Sign Language Interpreting field. Specifically, this certificate will benefit students who are interested in learning American Sign Language to communicate with family, friends, colleagues and community members, and/or work with the Deaf/DeafBlind/hard-of-hearing communities as an interpreter in a wide variety of settings. As a two-year certificate program, this program also may benefit students who are interested in transferring to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor’s degree in sign language interpretation, Deaf studies or Deaf education.

The Sign Language Interpretation Certificate at Moraine Valley is designed to be completed in about one year.

This program serves students who are pursuing employment working with the Deaf and DeafBlind communities and/or entering the American Sign Language Interpreting field. Specifically, this certificate will benefit students who are interested in learning American Sign Language to communicate with family, friends, colleagues and community members, and/or working with the deaf/deafblind/hard-of-hearing community as an interpreter in a wide variety of settings. As a two-year certificate program, this program also may benefit students who are interested in transferring to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor’s degree in sign language interpretation, Deaf studies or Deaf education.

Applications will be accepted between March 16-27, 2026 only.

The ASL Interpretation Program has special admission requirements and requires a separate application. The application will be made available on March 16, 2026.

All applications will be reviewed after March 27, 2026. Applicants should receive a response from the program by April 10, 2026.  

To be eligible for acceptance, students must:

  • Have completed a  and the new student orientation.
  • Complete and submit the .
  • Fulfill English requirements by:
    • Successful completion (or currently enrolled in COM 101) with a grade of 鈥淐鈥 or better.
    • Having previous college-level English composition credit with a grade of 鈥淐鈥 or better.
  • Have completed the ASL Deaf Studies Certificate at Moraine Valley or been enrolled in a college-level American Sign Language program within the past 12 months. Applicants who have taken ASL coursework elsewhere or have ASL fluency and do not meet this requirement will need to be evaluated and approved for acceptance. Contact Shelley Engstrom-Kestel at engstrom-kestels@morainevalley.edu for more information. 
  • Have completed the ASL Deaf Studies Certificate or have completed the following courses with a grade of “C”:
    • If you are currently enrolled in any of these courses, you must submit your current grade from your instructor with your application.
      • ASL 100 – Visual Gestural Communication
      • ASL 101 – American Sign Language I
      • ASL 102 – American Sign Language II
      • ASL 103 – American Sign Language III
      • ASL 201 – American Sign Language IV
      • ASL 110 – Deaf Culture and History
      • ASL 111 – Career Exploration: Working in the Deaf Community
      • ASL 114 – Fingerspelling and Numbers
      • ASL 121 – Linguistics of ASL
      • ASL 122 – Classifiers in ASL
  • Have graduated from or have a high school equivalency. If you are a current HS student, you must list your projected graduation date. 
  • If you are a current student at Moraine Valley, please contact the Records Office at (708) 974-5730 to request a copy of your transcripts be shared with the ASL Interpretation Program coordinator. If you are attending or have attended any other college-level institutions and would like that information evaluated toward your admission to the program, please attach a copy of your unofficial transcripts for review by the program. Once accepted, you will need to contact the other attended institutions and request official transcripts. Official transcripts can be sent through Parchment electronically or mailed directly to:

好色先生, Attn: Records Office
9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills, IL 60465

  • All admitted students must complete an English Proficiency Assessment within six months of applying to the Sign Language Interpretation Program. (The score given will be used to determine if additional coursework is required prior to or while in the program.) The English Proficiency Assessment will be administered by the ASL Interpretation Department. Information about taking the Moraine Valley English Proficiency Assessment (scheduling, test information, etc.) will be sent to students accepted into the program with their acceptance letter.

Employment Outlook

Employment of interpreters and translators is projected to grow 20% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Demand for American Sign Language interpreters is expected to grow due to the increasing use of video relay services, which allow people to conduct online video calls and use a sign language interpreter.

$28.58

Median Hourly Pay

$59,440

Median Annual Salary

Source:

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ASL Interpretation Information Session
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Program Details

View the catalog to explore program requirements, a suggested course sequence and prerequisite information.

ProgramType of CredentialCurriculum CodeDepartment or Division
Certificate1369Communications, Foreign Languages and Literature

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