Interpreting between two languages is a richly fulfilling and creative profession, requiring keen intelligence and a sensitivity to the smallest nuances in communication. American Sign Language (ASL) is no different. It is a language of complex linguistic structures, and it has a rich history, just like French, English, or any other spoken language.
The Department of ASL-English Interpretation at Columbia College Chicago is home to the only nationally accredited, BA-granting ASL-English Interpretation program in the Chicago Metropolitan area. We strive to educate students who will serve as leaders in the field of interpretation, role models within the interpreting community, and advocates of the Deaf and Hard of hearing community.
In the first two years of the degree program, students focus on language development and culture while they are introduced to the field of interpretation. Students spend their junior and senior years focusing on practical, hands-on interpretation and theoretical courses.
The curriculum involves two full semesters of practicum, which gives students an opportunity to undertake real-life interpreting assignments, always supervised by professional mentor interpreters. Students experience many different interpreting settings before graduation, including medical, theatrical, educational, and freelance settings. Additionally, students can take a variety of different department electives, including “Creativity and ASL” and “2-D Interpreting: VRS and VRI.”
Our renowned faculty includes internationally known performers, distinguished researchers, nationally certified interpreters, and native Deaf signers. Each faculty member has a strong connection to different facets of the professional world—from the local Deaf community to the international stage of interpreter education—and our faculty members take great strides to welcome students into this exciting world.
The vast majority of graduates from the Department of ASL-English Interpretation are currently working as professionals in the field. Alumni work as freelancers or hold staff positions interpreting in settings such as corporate/business offices, mental health facilities, classrooms, museums, theatres, hospitals, cruises, and courtrooms, among many other fields. Alumni also hold local, state, and national positions with interpreting organizations, helping to shape the future of this dynamic profession.
If you are considering becoming a sign language interpreter, I encourage you to contact the Department of ASL-English Interpretation for more information, for a tour, or to find out about our current events and activities. We are passionate about the fields of interpretation, Deaf Studies, and ASL, and look forward to sharing our commitment to excellent interpreter education with you.
Columbia College Chicago is the largest and most diverse private non-profit arts and media college in the nation with more than 120 academic programs and nearly 12,500 students. Because of our size, we offer an unparalleled array of courses with exceptional technological resources in the heart of one of America's greatest cities.
Located in downtown Chicago's vibrant South Loop neighborhood, Columbia is a non profit creative academic community that takes a practical approach to arts education. Our programs in the visual, performing, and media arts are firmly rooted in a rigorous liberal arts and sciences curriculum, which provides students with the essential context in which to practice their craft, develop their voice, and launch a sustainable career.
Columbia is an eclectic, urban community located in the city’s Education Corridor. Close by are several other colleges and universities, the Art Institute, Navy Pier, the Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum, the Chicago Symphony, the main branch of the Chicago Public Library, Lake Michigan, and the Goodman Theatre. Convenient public transportation allows Columbia’s faculty and students to use the entire city as a social, cultural, educational, and professional resource, effectively turning all of Chicago into our campus.
Just about every corner of Chicago speaks of our involvement in the community. Competitions, awards, and professional forums are sponsored by Columbia College Chicago. Current students, faculty, and alumni broadcast over the local television and radio airwaves, perform in our city venues, and publish writing available in our city bookstores. Every student at Columbia is a part of Chicago’s vibrant and inspiring urban life—as well as a critical player in the burgeoning growth of its world-class social and cultural scene.
Columbia College Chicago believes in the power of your creativity. Join our community of outstanding faculty and alumni by applying to become a fellow Columbia student today.
We pioneered the concept of developing a faculty of working professionals, believing that no one can teach better than those who have been there and done that and are still doing it. As a result, our programs stress the career outcomes of a higher education, and our staff of award-winning professionals produces alumni who, in turn, become award-winning professionals themselves.
The vast majority of alumni from the ASL-English Interpretation Department are currently working as professionals in the field. Alumni may work freelance or hold staff positions interpreting in settings such as corporate/business offices, mental health facilities, theatres, classrooms, museums, hospitals, video relay services, and courtrooms. Alumni also hold local, state, and national positions with interpreting organizations, helping to shape the future of this dynamic profession.
Scholarships can be an excellent way to help pay for college because scholarship award dollars do not need to be repaid. These awards are mainly intended to be used towards tuition and fee expenses and, on occasion, extend to cover living expenses associated with attending college.
Columbia College Chicago is very proud to offer a variety of scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate students. In 2012, nearly 45% of incoming students received scholarship support from the College. Awards averaged $5,000-$11,000 per student and were based on a variety of criteria including academic record, demonstrated financial need through a completed FAFSA, area of study, creative samples, and non-academic accomplishments.
To help guide you through the scholarship process, Columbia has created a Scholarship Finder which enables students to enter his/her profile to see which Columbia College scholarship he/she may qualify for in the upcoming year.
ASL – English Interpretation offers an extensive Language Laboratory/Resource Center supplied with state-of-the-art digital recording equipment, as well as a library of books, tapes, DVDs, and CD-ROMs related to interpretation, ASL, and deafness. Study groups and tutoring are also available in the Language Lab. Working community interpreters and alumni are always welcome to use our facilities to continue their own professional development and to prepare for accrediting exams.
Kate McAuliff, ASL Major, shares her experiences in exploring Deaf culture in a video created by Interdisciplinary Major (Interactive Arts and Media/Journalism) Blair Mishleau for his "The Art of ASL" project. This one-of-a-kind website is a collection of video profiles of active members of the ASL and Deaf/Hard of Hearing communities, with subtitles and transcripts available.
Read more about Blair and this project in his interview, found in Interactive Arts and Media within the Our Students section.
"You chose your major because you had to. It was your passion: a strong and genuine desire to make the arts and media your life's work. That passion will serve you well." - Warrick L. Carter, President of Columbia College Chicago
Our students come from all walks of life, from a variety of backgrounds and from a multitude of experiences, but however different they may appear, a common ground exists: our students are passionate.
Columbia College Chicago offers an academically rigorous creative learning environment for students eager to study the visual, performing, media, and communication arts. At Columbia we wed theory and practice. Throughout their studies, students are firmly rooted in coursework in the Liberal Arts and Sciences, as well as the fundamental theories and histories that shape their chosen disciplines. Equally important, they get their hands dirty by creating work of their own, collaborating with students from other disciplines, making industry contacts, and working alongside faculty who provide the context and expertise to guide their work.
By their final year Columbia students have developed a Body of Work that gives voice to their talent and personal vision. The countless hours logged at consoles, the late hours spent in practice rooms, the miles ran across stages, and the dog-eared pages of their notebooks demonstrate a unique passion not found on any other campus in the nation.
Katie Donati American Sign Language–English Interpretation Graduation Year 2013 Imperial, PA
What made Columbia College Chicago the school for you?
One of the biggest factors in me choosing Columbia was the fact that the faculty and staff are active in the field that they are teaching. They are passionate about what they are teaching, because it is still their passion.
Also, when I visited at open house, I really felt that I would be joining a great big family. It was a very welcoming experience.
Lastly, I would say was the variety of majors represented at Columbia. It is very had to find a school that has an excellent dance and writing program (which is what I was originally looking into), let alone one that has a distinguished American Sign Language program.
What's the best thing about being a Columbia student?
Having access to so many creative outlets, and having some of the best and most motivating instructors.
Tell us about your first semester here.
I was a little nervous going into my first semester. There was about a six year gap between when I graduated high school and then started college, but I found that I re-adjusted to homework very well. I was also pleasantly surprised to find that I wasn't overwhelmed with living smack in the middle of the South Loop. I found that I fit in very well with all of the bustle of down town. Living in the dorms my first year made the all the difference in the world! Being able to room with upperclassmen who not only new the city, but the school as well really aided in me being able to absorb all I could from the Columbia community.
What was the biggest surprise about being a Columbia student?
The fact that everyone here is so open, even though we are an extremely diverse campus.
Tell us about someone here at Columbia who has really helped push you and your work.
My Intro to Lit teacher from my spring 2010 semester, Renee Hansen. From one very short comment I made about writing children's books, she self initiated this research into publishing children's books. She called me into her office and handed me information about the Publishing Lab on campus, she actually called them to let them know about me and they pulled some books for me, she gave me one of her giant self publication information books, and also some other internet research. It was so incredible to have someone so invested in my passions with such little to initiate it. She was an incredible teacher!
What's the first thing new students should do when they get here?
Meet every single person who lives in their residence hall. And if they are commuting, make sure to connect with people in all of their classes—especially the ones outside of their major.
What are three things every Columbia student needs in their dorm room?
It is a very intense and rigorous program, but we have a lot of fun. And we house some of the most well know Deaf entertainers, lecturers, and ASL researchers in our faculty.
Why did you choose your major?
I have always been drawn to the language from when I was in fifth grade. I had my mom buy me a book and have been teaching myself a little bit since then. It is an incredibly beautiful and powerful language. And I think that the culture it comes out of is very misunderstood and looked over. I feel very captivated by Deaf culture and am really excited to sink deeper into it.
With nearly 100 student organizations, Columbia College Chicago offers students myriad opportunities to independently organize events, clubs, and initiatives that give voice to their passions, politics, and creative interests. Whether you have a passion for writing (Fictionary Magazine) or anime (Japanese Anime and Manga) or softball (Columbia Renegades), each one of the clubs, groups, and organizations on our campus is proudly student-created, student-run, and student-promoted. We happily give you the venues and the resources you need to organize and execute.
Official student organizations relevant to this program
Columbia’s urban campus is home to some of the most innovative student housing available. Our four residence centers are centrally located on campus, each with their own unique vibe, and provide ideal settings for creative students. Each building features its own unique set of amenities (from music practice rooms, fitness centers, bicycle storage, to a graffiti room), and each uniquely embodies the innovative mindset of the College. Columbia’s residence centers are a hub of social activity—actively building strong communities by providing the events, social support, and resources that truly make it their home-away-from-home.
Of note, Columbia’s on-campus housing is situated in the heart of the “South Loop Education Corridor” of Chicago, among the safest neighborhoods in the third largest city in the United States with steps-away access to mass transit. The adventurous will appreciate the numerous cultural, career and social opportunities awaiting them at the nearby clubs, theatre companies, and media agencies; the homesick will take comfort in experiencing that a short walk or brief ride will take them to a meal as good as mom made, be it a classic American diner in the Loop or a beloved pho restaurant in Little Vietnam.
How to Apply for Housing
Students who apply for Admission using Columbia’s Online Application should complete the On-Campus Housing section of the application. Students who apply for Admission using the Common Application will be asked to complete an On-Campus Housing application separately.
Important Note: Housing is assigned on a first-come first-served basis, and we do our best to match students with the “room-type” and/or roommate preference they indicate on the application. Housing assignments are made exclusively by room-type, and not by building. More information about residence life and housing are available here.
Thank you for your interest in applying to Columbia College Chicago. We welcome applications from all students interested in becoming part of our diverse and uniquely creative community. We look forward to reviewing your application!
For all domestic students, there are three key parts to Columbia’s application:
1 of 3
Application, including housing portion, essay and application fee
2 of 3
Letter of recommendation
3 of 3
Official transcript(s)
Regarding test scores: If you have taken the ACT or SAT, and your scores are not on your transcript, please arrange to have your test results forwarded separately to the Admissions Office. Although the ACT or SAT is not required for admission to Columbia College Chicago, these tests are valuable tools for advising new students. In many cases ACT scores may be used as an alternative to the college's assessment test. All students are strongly urged to complete one of these tests while they are in high school.
Previous experience with American Sign Language is not required to be admitted to the college. All students who have previous course work in American Sign Language from another institution or significant experience with ASL will have the opportunity during orientation to participate in a short assessment session to determine course placement with ASL faculty before they register for classes.
Columbia’s Admissions Review Committee evaluates all completed applications for admission to the College. Students will be notified of their admissions decisions by mail or email within three to four weeks of the completion of their admissions file.
Admission to Columbia College Chicago is offered for a specified term of entry. Students who are offered admission to Columbia but are unable to enroll in the specified term of entry may request to defer their admission for one year by contacting the Undergraduate Admissions Office in writing. Application materials for students who are granted deferred admission are retained for one year.
