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Division of Deaf Studies & Professional Studies

Home » Programs and Degrees » Interpreting Studies: Theory

Skip Navigation
  • Programs and Degrees
      • Majors
      • American Sign Language Studies
      • Interpreting Studies: Theory
      • Minors
      • American Sign Language Minor
      • Graduate
      • M.A. in Interpreting Studies
      • M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling
  • Highlights
  • Research & Resource Center with Deaf* communities
  • Faculty & Staff

Interpreting Studies: Theory

  • Programs and Degrees
    • American Sign Language Studies
    • Interpreting Studies: Theory
    • American Sign Language Minor
    • M.A. in Interpreting Studies
    • M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling

Contact Us

Interpreting Studies

Dr. Elisa Maroney

Interpreting Studies Programs Co-Coordinator

Office: RWEC 144

Phone: (503) 838-8735

Email: maronee@wou.edu

Amanda R. Smith

Interpreting Studies Programs Co-Coordinator

Office: RWEC 143

Phone: (503) 838-8650

Email: smithar@wou.edu

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.

Apply to the 400 level coursework in the Interpreting Studies: Theory program

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.

View Courses in WOU Catalog
View Advising Guide (PDF)
View Transfer Advising Guide (PDF)

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)

woman standing inside building signing
Marissa Foley, WOU alum and ASL Interpreter at an interpreting agency in Washington.
man signing outdoors next to fire engines
Deaf Interpreter and Director of WOU’s Research & Resource Center with Deaf* Communities Chad A. Ludwig interpreting at a press conference with Portland Fire and Rescue.
woman signing near podium
Freelance Deaf Interpreter and WOU alum Colleen Thayer interpreting at Oregon press conference amid the COVID-19 crisis.

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

This public directory does not include employees who have requested confidentiality. Please use the WOU internal directory to view all employees.

College of Education

Richard Woodcock Education Center

Phone: (503) 838-8471

Email: education@wou.edu

ACADEMIC DIVISIONS

  • Deaf Studies & Professional Studies
  • Education & Leadership
  • Health & Exercise Science

OFFICES AND CENTERS

  • Dean’s Office
  • Office of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
  • Office of Clinical Practice & Licensure
  • Office of Assessment & Data Management
  • Center for the Advancement of Paraprofessionals
  • Research and Resource Center with Deaf* Communities

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Monmouth OR 97361

503-838-8000 | 1-877-877-1593

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Western Oregon University in Monmouth, OR is located within the traditional homelands of the Luckiamute Band of Kalapuya. Following the Willamette Valley Treaty of 1855 (Kalapuya etc. Treaty), Kalapuya people were forcibly removed to reservations in Western Oregon. Today, living descendants of these people are a part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians.

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