Utah Tech University

American Sign Language Interpreting

Faculty & Staff

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Degrees Offered

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ASL Club Media

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WHAT IS AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETING?

American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual language used predominately in the United Sates and Canada. Rather than sounds, ASL uses shape, placement, and movement of the hands, as well as facial expressions and body movements to convey information.

An ASL interpreter uses his or her knowledge of American Sign Language, English and the differences between Deaf and hearing culture to mediate communication between Deaf and hearing individuals. In order to interpret in Utah, candidates must pass a state or national certification test.

The demand for qualified interpreters exists in many settings: educational interpreting, such as K-12 or higher education interpreting; community interpreting, such as for doctor’s visits, court appearances, and business meetings; and for the provision of video relay services (VRS) and video remote interpreting (VRI) services.

ASL Certification

Bachelor of Arts in ASL/English Interpreting

Utah Tech University’s American Sign Language Interpreting program is unique in southern Utah. In addition to language acquisition classes, students take classes in Deaf Culture and Interpreting. Students learn crucial communication skills such as cultural awareness and sensitivity, register and code switching, and the ability to be lifelong learners. Furthermore, they develop cultural and linguistic knowledge to navigate various social, professional and educational environments as cultural and linguistic liaisons. This program aims to prepare graduates to pass the Utah Novice Interpreting Interpreting Exam.

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Associate of Arts - ASL

The Associate of Arts in American Sign Language (ASL) is stacked within the BA in ASL/English Interpreting and is designed for students that have an interest in learning and improving their conversational skills in ASL. Courses are designed to develop vocabulary and communication ability. While all students will gain foundational knowledge in ASL, some may decide to continue on to complete the BA in ASL/English Interpreting and others who select a different major may also find value in the ability to communicate in ASL in a variety of other career options.

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Minoring in ASL

For those students who are interested in studying ASL, but do not want to become interpreters, there is an option to receive a minor in ASL. Students take language and culture classes, preparing then to interact with Deaf community members. However, the minor does not include any of the interpreting classes and will not prepare students to become interpreters.

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Lilly Briscoe

Student Testimonial

“The American Sign Language Interpreters program at Utah Tech University is amazing! The professors and student body are filled with passion and love for the language, culture, and becoming the best possible interpreters as individuals and a community. I am so grateful to those who support the program here at Utah Tech. It is helping to fulfill personal desires, along with raising awareness of the need for interpreters and the Deaf Community. I am only two semesters in, and can already see the increase in my understanding of the language, Deaf culture, what it looks like to be an interpreter, and my personal growth as an individual inside and outside the classroom. Thank you for creating such an incredible atmosphere around such a beautiful language and career path!”

Lilly Briscoe

In the News

SUN NEWS (4/23/2025) – Take a look into Utah Tech’s ASL Club.

Click here to access news report.

ST. GEORGE, Utah (2/14/2023) – “Utah Tech University’s American Sign Language program has grown dramatically over the past decade, now offering a bachelor’s degree in interpretation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for interpreters and translators is growing much faster than the average for all other occupations. Sign language and interpretation is imperative for the deaf culture in giving them equal opportunities to communicate and learn trades in the future. Those who choose to help them get their degrees are grateful to be doing so.”

Contact

John Wolfe, PhD

Department Chair - History, Humanities, and Modern Languages

Email: John.Wolfe@utahtech.edu

Phone: 435-879-4623

Office: GCB 461

Tiffany Harding

Instructor of the Practice of ASL
ASL Interpreting Program Head

Email: Tiffany.Harding@utahtech.edu

Phone: 435-879-4684

Office: GCB 476

Kassidy Price

Administrative Assistant for Humanities Department

Email: Kass.Price@utahtech.edu

Phone: 435-652-7822

Office: GCB 487

Kevin Sanchez-Colocho

Academic Advisor

Email: Kevin.Sanchez-Colocho@utahtech.edu

Phone: 435-879-4279

Office: GCB 112