Sign Language Interpreter

Paving the way to an inclusive community

The OCC Sign Language Interpreter program is proudly accredited by the The Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education (CCIE).

While we offer an associate degree, our program is evaluated under the same rigorous national standards as four-year bachelor’s programs. This ensures our students receive an elite education focused on:

• Evidence-Based Curriculum Design: Coursework that aligns with national interpreter education standards and current field practices.
• Academic Research Requirements: Developing the critical thinking and analytical skills necessary for complex interpreting assignments.
• Extensive Field Experience: Completion of more than 300 hours of mandated practicum experience, providing the hands-on immersion needed for entry-level proficiency.

Our Mission Statement

The OCC Sign Language Interpreter (SLI) program recognizes that language is a human right; that American Sign Language is a true language; and that individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind have the right to use the language of their choice. The foundational principles of the program include respect for:

• Individuals
• Inter-cultural competency
• Academic and ethical integrity
• Critical thinking
• Professional Conduct
• Effective communication and interpretation

 

Program Overview

Our two-and-a-half-year SLI program provides the comprehensive foundation needed to earn key industry credentials. Our instructors and mentors prepare students for the rigorous standards of the BEI (Board for Evaluation of Interpreters), EIPA (Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment), or NIC (National Interpreter Certification) exams, ensuring you meet state requirements to practice as a certified professional in diverse interpreting environments.

Upon obtaining your initial certification after graduation, you gain the professional traction needed to enter the field. This foundation serves as a vital pathway to specialized roles that require additional years of field experience or specific endorsements.

Professional Opportunities Include:

• Community & Private Sector: Thrive in freelance community interpreting, business environments, and private industry.
• Video Services: Enter the high-demand fields of Video Relay Services (VRS) and Video Remote Interpreting (VRI).
• Educational Settings: Facilitate communication in K–12 or Post-Secondary academic environments.
• Specialized Fields: Build toward careers in Medical, Legal, and Governmental interpreting as you gain experience and advanced credentials.

A supportive learning environment with you in mind

Your success is our top priority. We offer a community-driven program that combines rigorous academic standards with personalized support.

Why Choose the OCC SLI Program?

• Small Class Sizes: With an average of 12 students for interpreting and 15 for ASL, you receive the personalized, 1-on-1 feedback essential for language mastery.
• Supportive Cohorts: Progress through all four semesters with the same group of peers, building a lifelong professional network and a built-in support system.
• Community-Rooted Faculty: Learn from professionals who bring lived experience to the classroom. Our ASL courses are taught exclusively by Deaf, native signers, while interpreting courses are led by certified interpreters with field experience.
• Specialized Training: Gain a competitive edge with unique coursework in DeafBlind Interpreting, Theater Interpreting, and dedicated Certification Prep course. 

Beyond the Classroom: Real-World Experience

We provide immersive opportunities that allow you to build relationships and refine your skills in Deaf Community settings.

• In-House Mentoring: Benefit from our unique mentoring program featuring Deaf mentors from the local community, providing direct linguistic and cultural feedback.
• The OCC SIGN Club: Join our active student organization to network, practice, and engage with the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind and Interpreting community.
• Field Experience: Gain hands-on experience through diverse opportunities that provide the practical foundation needed for credential exams and professional practice. 

 

 

Transfer to a university and continue your education 

After completion of the OCC SLI program, you may aspire to obtain further education. Students can go on to acquire a degree in: 

• Interpreting
• Deaf Education
• Social Work
• Counseling
• Psychology
• Deaf studies
• Linguistics
• Communications

Transferring with ease:

We know transferring can be stressful. We have articulation agreements with the following colleges and universities to make your transfer experience straightforward and save you money:

• MIWorkforce Pathway 
• Oakland University - Integrative Studies
• Wayne State University - Public Health - Transfer Pathway

Degree program 

After completing the Sign Language Interpreter (SLI) degree, you will have a deep understanding of Deaf community, culture, and language. This comprehensive foundation is designed to prepare you for the credentialing exams required to become a qualified sign language interpreter.

• Sign Language Interpreter (SLI.AAS)

Let’s Go! 

Ready to begin your studies? Get started now:  

• Apply to OCC. If you’re not already an OCC student, create a profile and complete our online application.
• On the application select the degree program ‘Sign Language’.
• Existing OCC students can update their academic program using the Change of Program Form.

Prepare to Transfer – Even if You Are Not Planning to Today! 

Maximize your OCC-applicable credits upon transfer. Plan early and work with an OCC counselor or advisor throughout your OCC experience. If you pursue an associate in applied science, you may satisfy the Michigan Transfer Agreement by taking as few as four additional courses. Save time, money and aggravation!

Whatever your program of study, OCC has many Transfer Credit Agreements with colleges and universities to help you navigate your way to a bachelor's degree. View the College Transfer Success Guide for more information.