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Bachelor of Science in ASL & English Interpretation

Department of American Sign Language & Interpreter Education

College of Education & Applied Human Sciences

Bachelor of Science in ASL & English Interpretation

Department of American Sign Language & Interpreter Education

College of Education & Applied Human Sciences

On-Campus

Program

127 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Full-Time, In-State Tuition

$5,010 Per Semester

Free Books

for All Students

Prepare to Equitably and Effectively Serve the Deaf Community

Prepare to become a professional interpreter with Eastern Kentucky University’s nationally accredited ASL and English interpretation bachelor’s degree. Gain the skills and knowledge to serve as a vital communication link between ASL signers and English speakers.

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Career Outlook

Employment of interpreters and translators is projected to grow 2 percent from 2023 to 2033.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

  • ASL and English interpreter
  • Sign language interpreter

EKU ASL graduates work in a variety of settings.

Employers Include:

  • Internal Revenue Service
  • Kentucky School for the Deaf
  • Rochester Institute of Technology
    Gallaudet University
  • Fayette County Schools

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • 95% of all graduates are employed within three months
  • The only CCIE accredited interpreter training program in Kentucky, and one of only 15 nationwide
  • Statewide and nationwide internship placements prepare you for success
  • Teaching community balanced with both Deaf and hearing faculty and staff
  • Outstanding ASL Language Learning Lab and state-of-the-art interpretation studio

Minors & Certificates

Select from a wide range of minors, allowing you to explore interests or make use of prior credits. Suggested minors available for this program include:

  • Special Education
  • African American Studies
  • Spanish Studies

You can also choose from numerous undergraduate certificates in specialty areas that complement and enhance your major as you work toward your degree. Suggested certificates for this program include:

  • Autism Spectrum
  • Paralegal Science
  • Spanish

View the full list of certificates available for completion as you earn your degree.

Curriculum & Admission

Eastern Kentucky University provides a balanced degree program that integrates ASL and English interpretation principles with hands-on learning opportunities. EKU’s curriculum blends academic and professional preparation with a strong grounding to promote equality and respect of Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing people.

EKU’s ASL and English interpretation curriculum prepares professional interpreters who are competent, ethical, and life-long learners. Graduates of the program are well prepared to take on a variety of rewarding careers.

A minimum of 127 credits are required to graduate.

View the degree requirements:

EKU Academic Catalog

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Students may transfer up to 90 hours of credit from accredited institutions. Please note that a minimum of 30 credit hours in this degree program must be completed at Eastern Kentucky University.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admission to EKU for appropriate articulation.

Additionally, departmental credit by examination is offered for the following courses: ASL 101, 102, 201 and 202, and transfer credits do not apply for courses above the 300 level.

TermApplication
Deadline		Classes
Begin
FallAugust 1August
SpringDecember 1January
SummerMay 1May

ASLIE program deadlines:
Admission to the Pre-Interpretation major follows the above dates. Admission to the full Interpretation program occurs during the spring of the sophomore year (your 2nd or 3rd year depending on when start at EKU) and is competitive. Currently, approximately 20 students are accepted into the major on a two-year cycle. The next admission deadline is Spring 2026.

All students who are admitted to EKU and declare their major as ASL and English Interpretation are admitted as pre-ITP students and must apply to the full ITP major after completing the ITP admission prerequisites. Admission to the university does not guarantee admission to the ITP program. Students are eligible to be considered for admission to the ITP program only after having been admitted to the University.

Part I: Apply to EKU

Part II: Apply to the ASL and English Interpreter (ITP) Program

ITP Program Application Requirements:

  • Overall GPA of 2.5 or higher by the end of the semester preceding application
  • ASL 106 with a grade of “Satisfactory”
  • ASL 201 and 202 with a grade of “B” or higher
  • ITP 215W and 220 with a grade of “C” or higher
  • Complete the Degrees of Reading Power Language Test
    Provide Letters of Recommendation
  • Complete admission interview by the ITP interview committee.

Completion of eligibility criteria does not guarantee admission to the program. Admission is competitive and based upon review of the applicant’s academic history, letters of recommendation and interview.

EKU’s ASL and English Interpretation program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education (CCIE).

Enrolling & Advising Information

EKU’s College of Education and Applied Human Sciences is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to your enrollment advisor.

Photo of Jeff Durham

Jeff Durham

College Enrollment Counselor

Call: 859-622-2638
Text: 859-511-7891
ceahs.recruitment@eku.edu

Schedule an Appointment

John Hepner

Enrollment Counselor

859-622-8610
John.Hepner@eku.edu

Schedule an Appointment

Additional Contact Info

Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345

Student Stories & Features

photo of Emma Moffett

Emma Moffett

EKU Family and Consumer Sciences Education Student
The faculty at EKU has played a large role in my experience at EKU. I have learned so much from the professors teaching my classes. The labs that EKU has on campus allowing students to sew, cook, teach preschoolers, and observe students in the classroom is a great plus to EKU. The professors are so knowledgeable about what they are teaching their students; and with the smaller class sizes building relationships within the classroom with my peers as well as professors is something I cherish.
photo of Alex Bowman

Alex Bowman

EKU Family and Consumer Sciences Education Graduate
What I found surprising about the FCS education program at EKU was the variety of course work you get to take. As a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher you are required to be knowledgeable in many topics including child development, foods and nutrition, hospitality and tourism, and fashion and interior design. I was worried that I would not have a solid understanding of each area. However, through the program at EKU I became very well rounded. Earning a bachelors degree in family and consumer sciences has allowed me to work at my dream job. I love getting to do what…
Crickett Ravizee

Crickett Ravizee

EKU Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student
Connecting with my cohort has been my favorite experience. Its nice working with people who also have a drive to help others and want to better the world.

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News & Updates

EKU hosts inaugural School Partners Summit

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has long been at the forefront of educator preparation. To continue providing exceptional learning experiences, and further the teaching profession, EKU’s College of Education and Applied Human Sciences (CEAHS) will be leading the School Partners Summit, a new initiative that brings together EKU faculty and staff, school partners, co-op leaders, and […]

Student Spotlight: Outstanding Applied Human Sciences Graduate Earns Statewide Recognition

Hannah Dunagan, a spring 2025 graduate of EKU’s Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition with a concentration in dietetics, has received recognition for academic excellence at both the state and local level. Dunagan was awarded the Kentucky Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (KAND) Outstanding Dietetic Student award at the organization’s annual conference in Bowling […]

EKU Continues Addressing Teacher Shortage With Option 9 Competency-Based Education Courses for Elementary Education Certification

With the state’s on-going teacher shortage, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) offers innovative approaches to place educators in classrooms across the state. The Kentucky Department of Education’s School Report Card notes a nearly 25% teacher turnover rate for the 2022-23 school year. To help address the shortage, EKU became the first public university in the state to announce […]

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Contact Information

Department of American Sign Language & Interpreter Education

Wallace Building
Room 216

4366 Kit Carson Drive
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-4966
Video Phone: 859-353-0068
aslie@eku.edu

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