Program Details

  • Program Code: C302
  • Credential:
    Honours Bachelor's Degree
  • Duration:
    4 years (8 semesters) + 420-hour internship experience (equivalent to a 14-week term) (unpaid)
  • Method of Study:
    Full-time
  • Starting Months: September
  • Domestic Tuition:
    $8,655.00 *+
  • International Tuition:
    $21,800.00 **+
  • Spring 2026 Delivery:
    Semester 7: On Campus

Program Availability

SemesterDomesticInternational
Fall 2025
Closed
Closed
Winter 2026
Not Available
Not Available
Spring 2026
Not Available
Not Available
  • Work-Integrated Learning:

    Internship Experience (unpaid)

  • PGWP Eligible: Yes
  • CIP Code: N/A
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Program Description

Leadership Claims

The first and only degree of its kind in Canada. Faculty is comprised of dual-professionals, Deaf interpreters, two nationally certified interpreters (COI) and published authors.

Innovative pedagogy encompassing opportunities for work integrated learning through community partnerships and use of research-based curriculum.

Team-taught interpreting courses with both Deaf and non-Deaf professors.

Program Overview

This program is eligible for an entrance scholarship.

The Honours Bachelor of Interpretation (American Sign Language – English) program combines classroom theory, research, hands-on practice and professional field experience to prepare graduates to work as qualified interpreters.

Full Description

The Honours Bachelor of Interpretation (American Sign Language – English) (C302) program was developed to address the growing demand for qualified American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters. This field is considered a high-demand sector and is currently facing a labour shortage. This degree prepares graduates for work in this dynamic field.

An interpreter is a fluent bilingual-bicultural professional who facilitates communication between those who do not share the same language or culture.

To be a sign language interpreter requires manual dexterity, critical thinking skills, visual-spatial recognition, excellent short- and long-term memory and superior cognitive processing abilities in order to process information instantaneously at a level of bilingual and bicultural expertise beyond conversational fluency. For non-Deaf interpreters, this will also include auditory-processing capabilities.

Over the course of four years, students will continue to improve and hone both their English and American Sign Language proficiencies while studying to become interpreters.

This ASL-English Interpretation program focuses on seven areas of learning:

  1. language and culture
  2. field fundamentals
  3. interpreting skills
  4. research methods/trends
  5. ethics and professionalism
  6. breadth electives
  7. field and community experience

For applicants with a diploma or advanced diploma in American Sign Language – English interpretation, an advanced entry option is available. For details on how to apply, see the Admission Requirements tab.

Program Philosophy

 

The Honours Bachelor of Interpretation (American Sign Language – English) degree program aims to cultivate learners to become interpreters who are critical thinkers with unbiased communicative language and interpreting practices and an understanding of how intersectionality shapes interactions.

The program is committed to an anti-oppressive framework situated through Deaf-centric foundations of the program. This program utilizes a critical studies approach to anti-racism, anti-audism, and anti-ableism.

What does it take to be an American Sign Language – English Interpreter?

Is this program right for you?

Interpreting is a very rewarding but demanding field of work. Successful interpreters typically possess the following attributes:

  • a strong command of both English and American Sign Language
  • an excellent memory
  • the ability to concentrate and focus easily and for long periods of time
  • the ability to process and analyze information quickly under time constraints (cognitive processing skills)
  • the ability to multitask
  • versatility in different contexts
  • willingness to be flexible
  • strong communication skills
  • excellent interpersonal skills

In preparation for field placement, students will be required to work in multiple small and large groups, both in classes and community settings. Attendance and participation are key elements of program success.

Download the C302 Applicant Questionnaire

Your Field Education Options

420-Hour Internship Experience (unpaid)

Students in George Brown's Honours Bachelor of Interpretation (ASL – English) program wishing to become successful in the field of interpreting should expect to dedicate a significant amount of time to developing their craft outside the classroom.

To help students transition their skills from a controlled classroom environment to the real world, students are required to complete an internship program. This senior internship, offered in the fall semester of fourth year, is approximately 420 hours (equivalent to 14 weeks). During this time students will apply their skills, abilities, and knowledge in a variety of environments.

Students will work under the close supervision of a professional interpreter, develop a greater understanding of community agencies and partnership opportunities for sign language interpreters and engage in research.

As most interpreters in Ontario are self-employed independent contractors, these opportunities are not typically paid positions. These intensive field opportunities are meant to provide a rich learning experience and the chance to strengthen interpreting skills.

VOLUNTEER STUDENT INTERPRETING SERVICES (GBC-VSIS)

In addition to field placement and internship, the fourth-year students provide limited Pro Bono interpreting services in authentic settings within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) by offering Volunteer Student Interpreting Services.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GBC-VSIS PROGRAM

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Career Options

If you are interested in a dynamic career providing meaningful and varied work, becoming an American Sign Language – English interpreter or Deaf interpreter may be the career for you. Graduates of this program will find interpreting opportunities in a variety of sectors and venues as demand for interpreters is increasing in response to national and provincial legislation, including mandated implementation of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and the Government of Canada's Bill C-81, the Accessible Canada Act.

Graduates will be prepared to work as ASL-English interpreters or Deaf interpreters in a number of private and public environments, such as:

  • educational settings
  • medical settings
  • legal contexts
  • business interactions
  • social service agencies

A wide range of employment opportunities exist for interpreters. Established interpreters may hold such job titles as:

  • Deaf interpreter
  • ASL-English interpreter
  • designated interpreter
  • ASL consultant
  • conference interpreter
  • community interpreter
  • translator

This degree can serve as a pathway toward postgraduate studies.

Alumni Impact

We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.

From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.

Latest Alumni Stories

Ministry Consent

George Brown Polytechnic has been granted consent by the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security to offer this applied degree. In conformity with the Minister’s criteria and requirements, George Brown Polytechnic will apply for the renewal of the consent for this program 12 months prior to the expiration of the consent. The college shall ensure that all students admitted to the above-named program will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable time frame.

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"My professors are passionate about their work and support us tremendously. They not only teach us the skills we need to succeed in this program, but to be successful in life and in our careers as professional interpreters."

Nahed Dajjani
Honours Bachelor's Degree

"This program didn't just build my language and interpreting skills, it also provide in depth knowledge that focuses on the localized Canadian Deaf communities, along with interactive activities and real world simulations that prepared me for any potential workplace encounters.

The instructors were incredibly supportive and encouraged me to persevere through challenges. The phrase “trust the process” has stayed with me ever since, continuing to guide me through difficulties in both my work and personal life."

Liu Qing Yang
Honours Bachelor's Degree

"My experience in the program was truly transformative. The professors are passionate and deeply committed to their students’ success, challenging you to reach your full potential while supporting you every step of the way. The small class sizes foster close relationships and create an environment where you are constantly learning and growing. Throughout the four years, I developed in ways that felt remarkable compared to where I began, and when I look back, I am truly amazed at how far I have come".

Megan McCarthy
Honours Bachelor's Degree

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