Bachelor of Arts in American Sign Language Interpreting
Become a qualified interpreter through a top ASL program with Christian roots.
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Connect Families and Communities Through ASL
The Bachelor of Arts in American Sign Language Interpreting at North Central University leads the way in training culturally competent professionals in the only fully self-contained interpreter training degree program among Assemblies of God colleges. You’ll gain knowledge and experience in interpreting, Deaf culture, and ASL, preparing you to succeed in a variety of careers.
Our program is led by expert faculty who share professional skills and experience as well as a passion for intercultural connection and perspectives. This brings the curriculum and coursework to life as students apply this knowledge in their communities, through ministry, and in diverse callings and career paths. Graduate ready to use your linguistic and cultural skills and Christian worldview to facilitate communication and understanding between Deaf and non-Deaf people.
- On Campus: Complete this 124-credit program on campus as part of our Christian community.
- Affordable Tuition: Explore generous financial aid options available to all residential traditional undergraduate students.
- Christ-Centered Curriculum: Define and refine your faith at NCU, where classes and student life are rooted in Scripture and nurtured in community.
We have many opportunities to interact with members of the Deaf community and we are encouraged to pursue professional development that can be found out in the community.”
Nathan, ’24
Why Study American Sign Language Interpreting at NCU?
The Carlstrom American Sign Language Interpreting department trains students to serve and lead ethically and facilitate communication between Deaf and non-Deaf individuals and communities. Through in-depth language education and extensive practice in real-world communication settings, you will be prepared to provide ASL interpreting services about several topics and in business and non-business settings. We refer to the standards of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) and prepare students to have a working knowledge of its Code of Professional Conduct and ethical decision-making.
The bachelor’s ASL program at NCU has a strong connection with the community. Community members seek out our program for interpreters they can trust, for both official functions and family gatherings and events. We are proud of our students and graduates for providing interpreting services that people trust during their most important life moment. Our students also graduate with a background in religious interpreting, which is rare in our field and in high demand among ministry organizations across the country.
Students may choose to minor in Deaf Culture Studies, a similar program, paired with another major.
View the Academic Catalog for a full list of admission requirements and course listings.
Program Highlights
Learn From Mentors Who Care
Gain Real-World Experience
Connect With the ASL Honor Society
Learn From Mentors Who Care
American Sign Language degree students receive career mentoring from faculty advisors who help you feel ready for a career after graduation.
Gain Real-World Experience
Our network offers students exciting opportunities to enhance skills, build connections, and prepare for servant leadership through internships and ministry opportunities.
Connect With the ASL Honor Society
The American Sign Language Honor Society recognizes outstanding students whose academic achievements encourage language proficiency, establish Deaf cultural connections and promote exceptional moral character that contributes to life-long learning and Deaf community advocacy.
Career Outcomes
While the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not differentiate among interpreter and translator roles by language, these career paths are projected to grow by 2% between 2024 and 2034. Although degrees and certifications are not required in all settings, they are generally expected as they provide training not just in language but also in the professional skills required to interpret accurately and ethically.1
According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, more than 50 million people in the U.S. experience some degree of hearing loss.2 However, only 10,000 certified ASL interpreters hold memberships with the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).3 While not all hearing loss requires interpreter services, this shows significant opportunity for career growth and service.
Where Our Alumni Work and Intern
- Interpreting Referral Agencies
- Harvest Prep Invest Academy
Learn From Industry Experts
Seasoned, credentialed faculty share their expansive interpreting and intercultural experience and a commitment to support students as you pursue your calling.
Explore Related Programs
Not sure how your calling translates into a degree? These programs may interest you:
B.S. in Social Work
B.S. in Education: Elementary (K-6)/Communication Arts & Literature (5-8)
B.S. in Education: Communication Arts & Literature (5-12)
FAQs
Does the ASL bachelor’s program require an internship?
Yes, all students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in American Sign Language Interpreting program at NCU must complete an internship ahead of graduation. Internships in the Twin Cities provide hands-on training at a wide range of organizations, from schools and community centers to national nonprofits and healthcare facilities. Our experienced faculty can help guide you in finding and applying for internship opportunities. The program also includes fields of practice, which provide foundational experience and instruction to help you start your career with confidence.
How does NCU integrate faith with ASL interpreting?
In every industry or career, Christians live our faith and model Christ’s love to everyone around us. That’s why at NCU, we integrate spiritual formation and biblically informed practices in every course, including ASL interpreting. Our program offers religious interpreting skills so you can more directly support faith-focused discussions and organizations with accurate, nuanced services.
All students take core classes in general education and Christian studies to ensure you have a strong foundation on which to build your major and career. You’ll learn with Christian faculty who want to see you succeed as a responsible, ethical leader. They’ll encourage you to grow in your faith and build skills that mirror Jesus’s respect and kindness toward others as well as the excellence we’re called to pursue for God’s glory.
Does an American Sign Language Degree prepare me for a career in interpreting?
Yes! The ASL bachelor’s program at NCU provides excellent training and preparation for a career as an interpreter. Our students and graduates are sought out by employers and community members on a regular basis. We train all students to have a working knowledge of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Code of Professional Conduct and ethical decision making. RID is a respected national certifying body, and earning your certification through RID can make you a more competitive candidate.
Citations
Sources: 1Bureau of Labor Statistics, Interpreters and Translators, on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/interpreters-and-translators.htm#tab-1 (viewed Nov. 25, 2025).
2Hearing Loss Association of America, Hearing Loss by the Numbers, on the internet, at https://www.hearingloss.org/understanding-hearing-loss/hearing-loss-101/hearing-loss-by-the-numbers/ (viewed Feb. 12, 2026).
3Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc., Frequently Asked Questions, on the internet, at https://rid.org/faqs/ (viewed Feb. 12, 2026).