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This article details typical program requirements and coursework areas in foreign language programs at the associate's and bachelor's degree levels. You can also find out about employment options and continuing education information for foreign language students by reading on.

Some online foreign language degree programs are available at the associate's and bachelor's degree levels, although they aren't very common. Master's degree programs in a foreign language are rarer. Programs may require students to attend campus for certain components of the curriculum or for testing. Potential students need to make sure they can meet the online platform technological requirements.

Bachelor's degree programs in a foreign language may offer a teaching certification track. Students aspiring to become teachers would have additional requirements, including a student teaching internship that requires in-person presence. Prospective foreign language teachers should check with their program to find out if it pairs them with an internship and prepares them for the state certification examination.

Students in online foreign language programs learn to speak a new language, a skill that's beneficial in many industries and occupations. A large majority of online foreign language degree programs focus on a particular language, such as German, French, Korean, Spanish or Chinese. These Associate of Arts degree programs also offer foundational coursework for students planning to pursue a bachelor's degree in a foreign language or a teaching degree.

The number of credit hours needed to earn an associate's degree in a foreign language is usually around 60 and full-time students could complete one of these programs in two years. Because of the interactive nature of learning a foreign language, a limited number of fully online associate's degree programs exist; some online programs require some in-person instruction or testing. Class lectures and the dissemination of assignments typically occur through podcasts, chat rooms and discussion boards that a student can access with a computer and an Internet connection. Some courses may require a student to purchase textbooks, and this can be accomplished online or at the campus bookstore.

Students pursuing an online associate's degree in a foreign language typically need to complete general education requirements as a part of their degree program. English, the arts, history, math and humanities are some of the courses that may be necessary to fulfill the degree requirements. Foreign language courses include instruction in speaking, reading and writing the selected language. Common course topics include:

Through progressive levels of courses, students become proficient in speaking and understanding others who speak the foreign language of their choice. Skills in expression and proper pronunciation are emphasized.

Class work focuses on grammar, spelling and sentence structure in the writing process. Students also analyze fiction and non-fiction literature and gain insights about the culture.

Students gain professional interaction skills in their foreign language. Language and cultural issues in the industries of business, education, health and legal environments are discussed.

Online Bachelor of Arts degree programs in a foreign language provide students with bilingual skills that can be utilized in many occupations in business and in the public sector. Some programs can also be combined with teaching certification programs if that is the career path a student wants to follow. As with the associate's degrees, students typically focus their studies on a particular foreign language. For example, programs are available in French or Spanish. Many bachelor's degree programs require or recommend that a student be proficient in the language, and this can be accomplished by earning a foreign language associate's degree or taking several years of a foreign language in high school.

Students can earn bachelor's degrees in a foreign language by completing about 120 credit hours, and about a quarter of those involve the foreign language chosen. Students may log onto an online portal and participate in class discussions, take exams and turn in assignments. A computer with Internet access and word processing software are basic requirements. If a proctored exam is required, students may find a testing location in their area.

General education requirements are similar to those in the associate's degree program, but additional electives are usually required. While some curriculum in the major includes speaking and writing skills, extra instruction in understanding cultural and historical details of the country of origin is often offered as well. Course topics may include:

Students read and analyze the works of authors well known in the country of study. The use of the language in expressing ideas and emotions in these pieces of literature are examined.

The techniques of translating are taught and students learn how to use these skills in business and public sector environments. Both written and spoken translations are covered in the curriculum.

Students learn about the way of life and cultural traditions of people who speak the language of study. Coursework includes the study of the influence of the arts, history, cinema, written works and geography.

A graduate of an online foreign language degree program may qualify for a job as an interpreter or translator. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for interpreters and translators was predicted to grow by 42% from 2010-2020 (www.bls.gov). Based on May 2011 data from the BLS, the 47,950 translators and interpreters employed in the U.S. earned an average annual salary of $50,610.

Some foreign language graduates pursue a secondary teaching degree and become high school foreign language teachers. The BLS projected a 7% increase in the employment of high school teachers from 20010-2020. In May 2011, the BLS reported 1,004,850 secondary teachers working in the U.S., and the average yearly wage earned by these teachers was $56,760.

All teachers who work in public schools are required to be licensed, including foreign language teachers. Licensure, which is referred to as certification in some states, typically requires one to complete at least a bachelor's degree and teacher training programs, participate in a student teaching experience and pass an exam, according to the BLS.

After obtaining an undergraduate degree in a foreign language, professionals may desire to obtain advanced skills and pursue a master's degree in foreign language studies or foreign language teaching. Some institutions offer these programs online in addition to on-campus programs.

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This article tells you what to expect in online associate's and bachelor's degree programs in sign language interpretation. Get information about online courses, program requirements, career prospects and salary to make an informed decision about your education.

Sign language interpreters work with the hearing impaired to translate sign language into spoken or written language and vice versa. Online degree programs in sign language interpretation are available at the associate's and bachelor's degree levels. Students may be able to earn both types of degrees completely online, although some bachelor's degree programs call for a few on-campus classes.

A graduate with either of these degrees is equipped for employment as an interpreter. Bachelor's degree students, due to their more extensive training, may have more employment options. Some states require that interpreters be licensed and hold certification from a professional association. This certification requires passing a written and performance test. One major certification organization, Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), does not require a degree in ASL interpretation, but does mandate a bachelor's degree in any subject or equivalent training. Certified interpreters must complete a required amount of continuing education training in order to maintain their credentials.

In many of the states that require licensing, certification is the main qualification, but some states also mandate at least an associate's degree or a certificate in sign language interpretation.

Students pursuing an online sign language interpreter associate's degree will acquire communication skills in American Sign Language (ASL) and are prepared to begin a career as an interpreter for the deaf and hearing-impaired community. Some programs focus on interpretation careers in educational environments.

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees are among the most common offered online and some schools may require students to demonstrate proficiency in ASL before acceptance. This requirement can be satisfied by taking courses in ASL in high school or at the college level.

An online associate's degree in sign language interpretation can usually be completed in four or five semesters of full-time study. Students log onto an Internet portal and access lectures, assignments and exams. Most of these associate's programs can be earned entirely online and no in-person contact is necessary.

Communication with instructors and other students occurs through interactive audio and video technology. Students are required to have access to a computer with a high-speed Internet service, word processing software and webcam.

Associate's degree programs in sign language interpretation require the completion of general education coursework that includes math, science, English and general psychology. Degree-related courses focus on studying and perfecting ASL communication skills.

Students learn how to receive a message visually or verbally and convert it into the proper format. Emphasis is placed on methods of relaying accurate emotions and inflections in the delivery.

An analysis of the many world languages and how ALS fits in will be discussed. Students study the grammatical similarities and differences between English and ASL and how to apply theories of language to ASL communication.

Students explore the legal issues, history, conflicts and attitudes of the deaf community. Classes taken while learning basic ASL provide an introduction into topics covered in this course.

Graduates of an online bachelor's degree program in sign language interpretation are prepared to work as highly-skilled interpreters with knowledge of new research in the field of communicating with the deaf. Applicants must be high school graduates or hold a GED certificate. Students usually need prior ASL experience or take additional basic ASL courses while enrolled in the degree program. Some programs may also require students to complete an associate's degree program before applying. Students who only want to learn ASL and not study interpretation can find online courses in ASL or study ASL in a foreign language program.

An online bachelor's degree in sign language interpretation is a 4-year program, but could take longer if ASL basic courses are needed or if the student is not enrolled full-time. Students log into a virtual classroom, watch lectures and take exams. Some schools provide interaction technology such as instant messaging and chat rooms to communicate live with instructors and other students. Depending on the school, on-campus class work may be required.

General education requirements in English, math, science and humanities must be completed in order to earn the degree. Additionally, ASL proficiency courses may need to be completed before a student can take courses in the major.

Students move beyond basic ASL skills and become more fluent in the hand motions and emotive expression. Application of spatial use, non-manual behaviors and register variations are taught in the lab component of this course.

Coursework includes the study of communication events and the intent of the message. Students gain an understanding of the filters, signals and devices used in conversations.

Students are introduced to the vocabulary and skills necessary to interpret in special settings. Course material covers adaptation techniques when interpreting in legal, health, religious, artistic and conference environments.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the hiring rate of all interpreters and translators is predicted to increase by 22% during the 2008-2018 decade (www.bls.gov). In May of 2010, a total of 44,200 interpreters and translators were employed in the U.S. and earned an average annual salary of $49,790.

Based on research from the BLS, interpreters can obtain general professional certification through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) and the National Association of the Deaf. RID also offers certification exams in speech reading, deaf-to-deaf interpreting and legal interpretation. Although not required for all interpreter positions, many employers prefer applicants who hold a certificate.

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