Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Augustana College ASL Program

Here are a few facts about the sign language interpreting program at Augustana College, a private liberal arts college located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The program began in 2006 when the Communication Services for the Deaf in Sioux Falls made a grant to help start up the program at the school.
  • There are currently 36 total sign language interpreting students in the program and four professors.
  • Four of the 7 graduating sign language interpreting majors from this year's program already have job offers.
  • The seniors were required to complete a 400-hour advanced interpreting practicum, shadowing a professional interpreter.
  • Augustana's program has a 100% pass rate on national certification (the national average is only 44%).
  • Students start with classes in American Sign Language during their first year and then advance into translation and specialized interpreting courses their sophomore year.