Sign Language Programs at Bethel in Mishawaka, Indiana.

You'll experience personal attention, tutoring sessions, interpreting opportunities and practicum coursework in our sign language program.

Do you talk with your hands? So do we! Sign Language interpreters are in demand. A degree in this field can lead to exciting work in educational settings, at video relay services and in public settings, such as theatre performances or political events (one of our students interpreted for former President Barack Obama).

Apply today!

American Sign Language and Interpreting (ASLI) 

Department Mission

The mission of the American Sign Language Department is to graduate students who excel in effective communication, seek to participate in a vibrant community of interpreters, and are prepared to provide culturally and linguistically competent and sensitive translation and interpreting for their consumers.

The department challenges students to develop competency in American Sign Language and English and to possess decision-making, problem-solving and interpersonal skills. We seek to encourage students’ exploration of professional and personal ethics, social justice, and their role and responsibilities as an interpreter within the human service sector.

Department Distinctives

ASL majors are required to take the national written exam by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. prior to receiving their degree. They are required to participate in a 15-week internship course (300 hours) during their senior year, spring semester. Arrangements for this course are made between the Interpreting instructor, student and internship site. A student must have his/her own transportation, locate housing, and have full-time availability for the 15 weeks. Any expenses incurred during the internship process are the sole responsibility of the student and cannot be refunded. This includes the tuition for the course, INT 450, any testing taken related to placement, dropping courses and change of graduation application, or other incidental expenses typical of preparation for internship. Department Chair approval is required for internship sites.

Due to the content and instructional format of the major, students taking any level of the American Sign Language courses at Bethel University must maintain “significant progress” in their study of an individual course. “Significant progress” means a student must receive a "C" or better at one level of course work within a reasonable time. The reasonable time is limited to two semesters. Failing to do so will result in the prohibition of registering and retaking the same course level of ASL.

Academic Program Details