Program Description

The Sign Language Interpreting in Education Associate Degree program is for learners who are passionate about working with Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deafblind students in the K-12 academic setting. This program is for learners who are curious lifelong learners, have a love for languages, are comfortable working before large and small audiences, enjoy social interaction and have the ability to store knowledge in short and long term memory. The Sign Language Interpreting in Education program has articulation agreements with various 4-year institutions. Faculty will bring real world experiences into the classroom and learners will have the opportunity to observe working sign language interpreters and work in the field under supervision. This program will have a practicum or internship which will provide real world working experience in a variety of educational settings with highly skilled licensed/certified interpreters to supervise work. Upon completion of the Sign Language Interpreting in Education Associate Degree program graduates are required to take and pass a national written and performance evaluation in order to meet the State of Wisconsin's Department of Public Instruction (DPI) License O020.

Approximate Program Cost

$11,755
Tuition & Fees: $10,924
Books & Supplies: $831

Starting Salary

$34,632–$38,366
Average, based on the NTC Graduate Outcomes Report

Financial Aid

Available
Total financial aid offered may not exceed the estimated Cost of Attendance (COA).
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The application takes just a few minutes to complete.

A Closer Look

Detailed Program Information

Take a deeper dive into the details of this program. This section offers information to help you evaluate whether the program fits your goals, interests, and timeline. Use it as a tool to guide your decision-making process.

Availability

Courses for this program may be available at a variety of campus locations through multiple modes of delivery if you meet the admission requirements and prerequisites.

100%
at Wausau
20-30%
at Antigo
20-30%
at Medford
20-30%
at Phillips
20-30%
at Spencer
10-20%
at Wittenberg
20-30%
at Online

* Campus and online availability of courses and programs may be subject to change.

Outcomes

Graduates will be able to…

  • Apply RID Code of Professional Conduct to the educational setting
  • Recognize need for continued professional development
  • Function as part of an educational team
  • Demonstrate knowledge of hearing loss and its implications to education
  • Function as a tutor/support service provider in an educational setting
  • Function as an educational sign language interpreter/transliterator in an educational setting
  • Apply NAIE code of ethic to the educational setting

Careers

Some of the potential careers graduates can pursue are:

  • Interpreter/Tutor
  • Educational Sign Language Interpreter

Courses

The Sign Language Interpreting in Education Associate Degree is a 64 Credit program. The following is a typical semester breakdown of the courses within the program.

Credit for Prior Learning Available

View All Detailed Course Information

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

This program reflects the College’s commitment to innovation by thoughtfully incorporating emerging technologies to enhance student learning, strengthen industry alignment and support competency development. Grounded in real-world application, students engage in dynamic and interactive learning experiences that allow them to actively practice and refine their interpreting skills. Through video simulations and structured interpreting practice, learners participate in self-assessment and reflection, working with their instructors and peers as they gain fluency in ASL to learn interpreting, transliterating, oral interpreting and other skills in demand in the educational interpreting field.

The program remains closely connected to evolving industry expectations, preparing students to work effectively in modern K-12 educational environments. Learners explore how technology is shaping accessibility services and supporting Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deafblind students. By examining real-world scenarios and communication techniques used in educational settings, students develop he manifold skills needed to navigate the interpreting environment with a strong sense of ethics and Deaf heart.

In addition, the program emphasizes competency-based learning by helping students track their growth across key outcomes, including ethical practice, professional communication and collaboration within educational teams. Personalized feedback and targeted practice opportunities build confidence and precision as students prepare for licensure and entry into the field.

Through this approach, the program empowers students to become reflective practitioners, adaptable professionals and strong advocates for accessible communication — ready to make a meaningful impact in the communities they serve.

Learn more about Our Commitment to AI Integration

Transfer Information

You can continue your education to earn a four-year degree in a variety of ways.

Program Transfer

The following transfer guides, executed in partnership with post-secondary institutions, are based on agreements that allow you to continue your program at another college.

Siena Heights University

General Transfer

All associate degrees transfer to a variety of programs at other partner colleges to give you the opportunity to continue your education in other areas of study.

View all transfer guides

Cost of Attendance

2026–2027 Estimated Academic Year Budgeted Cost of Attendance

The estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) is a budget that includes categories of expenses that a student may incur while attending NTC. The COA does not reflect actual charges. It is an average based on the estimated living costs typical of our region. In determining the cost of attendance, Northcentral Technical College takes into consideration the budget established by the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Financial Aid Budget Work Group. This budget is used to determine financial need for all students who apply for financial aid. A student’s cost of attendance is composed of all educational expenses that can be included for financial aid purposes that a student may accrue while pursuing their education for the year (or semester, if enrolled less than a year). A student’s financial aid cannot exceed their cost of attendance. Schools are required to provide a fuller picture of what it may cost students to pursue their degree, not just what they will owe in tuition/fees and books/supplies. The costs displayed below are estimates based on a 16-week semester or term enrollment. Expenses such as food and housing, personal or transportation may be less based on the weeks you are enrolled.

  • Full Time: 12 or more credits
  • 3/4 Time: 9 to 11 credits
  • 1/2 Time: 6 to 8 credits
  • Less Than 1/2 Time: 1 to 5 credits
Associate Degree or Technical Diploma — Student Living Away From Home. Please note: these estimates are based on one 16-week semester or term of enrollment, not the full academic year.
Expense Category Full Time 3/4 Time 1/2 Time Less Than 1/2 Time
Tuition and Fees* $2,620 $1,965 $1,310 $655
Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment $732 $549 $366 $183
Living Expenses (Housing & Food) $5,455 $5,455 $5,455 $0
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $1,542 $1,542 $1,542 $0
Transportation $1,950 $1,950 $1,950 $1,950
Federal Loan Fees $43 $43 $43 Not applicable
Total Estimated Cost of Attendance $12,342 $11,504 $10,666 $2,788
Associate Degree or Technical Diploma — Student Living With Parent(s). Please note: these estimates are based on one 16-week semester or term of enrollment, not the full academic year.
Expense Category Full Time 3/4 Time 1/2 Time Less Than 1/2 Time
Tuition and Fees* $2,620 $1,965 $1,310 $655
Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment $732 $549 $366 $183
Living Expenses (Housing & Food) $1,612 $1,612 $1,612 $0
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $1,542 $1,542 $1,542 $0
Transportation $1,950 $1,950 $1,950 $1,950
Federal Loan Fees $43 $43 $43 Not applicable
Total Estimated Cost of Attendance $8,499 $7,661 $6,823 $2,788

* Tuition listed is based on approved rates for the 2026–2027 academic year. Rates are approved each March by the Wisconsin Technical College System Board. Your tuition cost is based on your enrollment level. These will appear on your bill and account.

For more information regarding billed tuition and fees, visit our Tuition & Fees page.

Students awarded Federal Direct Loan(s) also have an average of the mandatory loan fees automatically added to their COA.

Students with disability-related expenses may contact the Financial Aid Office to have their additional expenses considered. Disability-related expenses include but are not limited to: personal assistance, equipment, and supplies. The Financial Aid Office may potentially include disability expenses in the COA that are not provided by other assisting agencies.

NTC also offers a Net Price Calculator to help estimate costs.

We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about how the financial aid process works. Please feel free to reach out for more information.

NTC Financial Aid Office

715.803.1647
financialaid@ntc.edu

Additional Information

Licensure/Certification Information

This program is designed to meet the State of Wisconsin's licensing criteria. However, NTC has not made a determination whether this program meets licensure requirements in states other than Wisconsin. Students who may be seeking professional licensure or certification in states other than Wisconsin should contact the appropriate licensing board in that state to verify that the NTC program meets licensure or certification requirements.

Admissions Process

Our application process takes just a few minutes to complete, but we want to make sure you have the things you’ll need on hand to complete the application. We’re here to help if you have any questions while submitting your application.

Before you apply, you should know

This program may require a Criminal Background Check and/or Health Record. Acceptance to Northcentral Technical College will not be denied based on a criminal background or health record, however, a check may be required for placement at clinical sites or field experiences.

Fill out our application

The application can be submitted online and takes just a few minutes to complete. There is no fee to apply.

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What’s Next?

We’ll review your application and let you know if we need anything else. If you’re all set, your acceptance letter will be emailed to you.