Academic Program Proposal

Date Proposal Activated	Institution and Proposal	Degree Awarded	Academic Program Name	Objection Deadline	MHEC Final Action	Final Decision Date
9/7/2016	Frederick Community College Proposal	AAS/LDC	Sign Language Interpreter Preparatory Program	11/6/2016	Approved	2/22/2017
Sign Language Interpreter Preparatory Program Program Description
The Sign Language Interpreter Program prepares students to work as entry-level sign language interpreters to facilitate and mediate communication between Deaf/hard of hearing and hearing people.  Students will develop both receptive and expressive American Sign Language (ASL) skills and experience a variety of learning environments, including classroom work, laboratory practice, and field placement.  The program requires that students have both in-class and out-of-class experience with members of the Deaf community to further develop ASL fluency and cultural competency.  Upon graduation, students will be prepared to sit for the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) written exam.