Academics
Interpreter Preparation
Interpreting happens whenever people do not share a common language, but need or want to communicate with each other, share information or conduct business. Sign language interpreters facilitate communication between people who are Deaf or hard of hearing and people who can hear.
“Good interpreters understand the weight of responsibility they carry with them everyday.” – Tammy J. Arvin, former ICC student
The Illinois Central College Interpreter Preparation Program has been preparing students to become American Sign Language interpreters since 1993. Associate professor and current coordinator of the program, Sue Sanders, was in the first graduating class.
“During my career I have interpreted in a variety of settings; education, human services, employment, medical, and mental health. From emergency calls in the night to formal situations or staff trainings, professional interpreters can be called to interpret almost anywhere. It has been a humbling experience to interpret at many life events, including birth and death. I love the diverse opportunities that being a sign langauge interpreter has allowed me to experience.” – Susan Sanders, ICC Associate Professor and Interpret Preparation Program Coordinator
If you are the type of person who is fascinated with language, wants to work in a dynamic and diverse career or just wants to improve your ability to communicate with the hard of hearing then the ICC Interpreter Preparation Program might be right for you.
“The instruction was absolutely wonderful! I could not have imagined the instruction to be any different. I was able to walk into a job and completely blow them away with the knowledge I left the program with as a first year grad.” – Emily Mings, former ICC student.
Learn, Participate, Grow
At ICC we know that there is so much more to learning than just sitting in a classroom and that’s why we give you the help and tools you need to grow outside of class. Students are encouraged to join SIGN Club, which provides opportunities every year for networking – meeting both interpreters and deaf people. Learning a language like ASL requires continuous growth.
“Good interpreters are life-long learners and commit themselves to ongoing professional development. In particular, I felt that the program did an excellent job of preparing us for this aspect.” – Tammy J. Arvin
Growing Job Market
Our world is becoming smaller everyday with the growth of technology and as it becomes smaller our communication needs grow larger. There are over 70 million deaf people in the world today and employment of interpreters and translators is projected to grow 46 percent from 2012 to 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Those pursuing a career as an interpreter will find no shortage of work.
I was able to walk into a job and completely blow them away.
If you are seeking a career in a growing field, contact your academic advisor today and take the first steps to achieving a degree or certificate in our Interpreter Preparation Program!
Illinois Central College’s Interpreter Preparation Program also includes:
- Interpreter Preparation – Certificate — Certificate (Certificate Program)
Frequently Asked Questions
Thinking about enrolling in the Interpreter Preparation Program? Here are some questions that prospective student frequently ask!
Degree
Associate in Applied Science (Career Program)
Total Credit Hours: 64
Program Requirements
Select a course number below to see a course description.
Required General Education Courses
| Course | Name | Credit Hours |
| ENGL 110 | COMPOSITION I | 3 |
| COMM 110 | INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION: PRESENTATION AND THEORY | 3 |
| SOCIAL SCIENCE * | 3 | |
| LABORATORY SCIENCE/MATHEMATICS * | 7 | |
| HUMANITIES * | 3 |
Required Program Courses
| Course | Name | Credit Hours |
| IPP 110 | AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE I | 4 |
| IPP 111 | AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE II | 4 |
| IPP 112 | AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE III | 3 |
| IPP 115 | DEAF CULTURE I | 3 |
| IPP 118 | AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE: FINGERSPELLING AND NUMBERING I | 2 |
| IPP 120 | INTRODUCTION TO INTERPRETING | 2 |
| IPP 121 | PRACTICAL AND ETHICAL APPLICATIONS OF INTERPRETING | 3 |
| IPP 210 | AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE IV | 3 |
| IPP 211 | AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE V | 3 |
| IPP 216 | OCCUPATIONAL INTERPRETING | 3 |
| IPP 220 | INTERPRETING I | 3 |
| IPP 221 | INTERPRETING II | 3 |
| IPP 230 | VOICE INTERPRETING I | 3 |
| IPP 231 | VOICE INTERPRETING II | 3 |
| IPP 260 | INTERPRETING INTERNSHIP | 3 |
* See specific requirements for Associate in Applied Science Degree.
Recommended Course Sequence
| Semester | Courses |
| Fall Semester 1 | IPP 110; IPP 115; IPP 120; ENGL 110; COMM 110 |
| Spring Semester 1 | IPP 111; IPP 118; IPP 121; Social Science; Mathematics/Science |
| Summer Semester | IPP 112 |
| Fall Semester 2 | IPP 210; IPP 216; IPP 220; IPP 230; Mathematics/Science |
| Spring Semester 2 | IPP 211; IPP 221; IPP 231; IPP 260; Humanities |
Program Contact Information
Humanities Department
Room 315B
(309) 694-5342