BSc in American Sign Language/English Interpreting (Manchester) in Manchester United States | University of New Hampshire

The ASL/English Interpreting program at UNH Manchester offers a nationally recognized, rigorous curriculum. In 1999, it achieved the distinction of being the first interpreter training program in the U.S. to meet the Conference of Interpreter Trainers' National Interpreter Education Standards. The program made history again in 2007 as the first to earn accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education (CCIE), maintaining this status through reaccreditation in 2017. UNH Manchester also boasts northern New England's most extensive ASL/English Interpreting library and media collection.

This program operates on the principle that Deaf individuals form a distinct linguistic community with unique cultural heritage, historical traditions, and social norms. Effective interpretation demands fluency in both American Sign Language and spoken English, along with cultural competency. The curriculum equips students with comprehensive theoretical knowledge as ASL/English interpretation generalists, preparing them for state-level interpreter assessments or national certification through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), based on individual proficiency.

Graduates earning a Bachelor of Science in ASL/English Interpreting develop adaptable academic expertise. The profession demands exceptional concentration abilities, adaptability across diverse situations and subject areas, quick thinking, and outstanding bilingual communication skills. The program provides foundational training in ASL, Deaf culture, and interpretation techniques, with opportunities to explore specialized fields like medical interpreting or artistic translation through elective courses. Students additionally complete a well-rounded liberal arts education via the University's Discovery program.