Division of Deaf Studies & Professional Studies
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Become a professional interpreter with our Bachelor’s to Master’s pathway
Our 4+1 Interpreting Studies pathway prepares skilled interpreters to serve the Deaf community. In this program, you’ll complete 5 years of study that culminate in a master’s degree.
Applications due February 15th each year.
Make an impact serving Deaf citizens in Oregon and across the nation
Bachelor’s to Master’s pathway gives you the theoretical knowledge and practical skills you need to be a quality interpreter
4+1 (B.S.+M.A.) program gives you the theoretical knowledge and practical skills you need to be a quality interpreter
Coursework
Our program’s undergraduate coursework builds a strong academic foundation in ethical reasoning, cultural intelligence, and interpreting theory, and prepares students to enter the M.A. in Interpreting Studies.
The subsequent graduate coursework emphasizes observation, practice, supervision, and reflective practice, and prepares students to enter the workforce as certified interpreters.
Year 1
In your first year, you’ll build a strong liberal arts foundation along with early classes in interpreter education and language learning.
Years 2 & 3
Coursework during your second and third years will focus on learning the technical and adaptive aspects of ASL, Deaf culture and history, and linguistics.
Year 4
In your fourth year, you’ll take courses in interpreting theory and practice to prepare you for entry to the M.A. in Interpreting Studies program.
Year 5 (M.A.)
The focus of the fifth year is structured practice, interpreter development, and research.
While students can choose to exit after completing the B.S., those who want to be professional interpreters are strongly encouraged to continue and complete the M.A.
Seamless
Pathway
Complete your interpreting studies bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in as little as five years
Flexible Coursework
All classes can be taken on online
ASL, Spanish, and English Concentrations available
Choose a language focus based on your native or primary language
Where this degree can take you
Universities and Community Colleges
Government
School Districts
Interpreting Agencies
%
Expected rise in interpreter jobs over the next ten years (compared to a 5% increase expected for all occupations)
Our faculty
AMANDA SMITH
Program Co-Coordinator, Professor, Deaf Studies & Professional Studies
503-838-8650 | smithar@wou.edu | RWEC 143
ERIN TRINE
Instructor, Deaf Studies & Professional Studies
503-838-8730 | trinee@wou.edu | RWEC 142
SARAH HEWLETT
Instructor, Deaf Studies & Professional Studies
503-838-9124 | hewletts@wou.edu | RWEC 145
ELISA MARONEY
Program Co-Coordinator, Professor, Deaf Studies & Professional Studies
503-838-8735 | maronee@wou.edu | RWEC 144
