M.A. in Interpretation

Gallaudet University is the only university in the world that offers both an undergraduate and a graduate degree in ASL-English Interpretation, centered around the department's award-winning interactive interpretation laboratory. Gallaudet provides a unique opportunity for interpretation majors to live, study, and interact with Deaf people from the United States and around the world.

The M.A. in Interpretation program is designed to prepare and educate Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing persons in working as interpreters in Deaf and hearing communities. The program provides a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach to interpretation instruction. This program is recognized by the Conference of Interpreter Trainers for meeting interpreter graduate education standards. The M.A. in Interpretation program consists of a comprehensive, sequenced, and integrated series of courses and experiences in five core areas: education, business and government, medical, mental health, and legal settings. These courses and experiences are intended to provide students with the necessary mastery of knowledge, techniques, and skills required for entry to professional work in the field of interpretation or advanced graduate study

Close interaction among students, mentors, and faculty is provided in a setting that offers a wide array of academic and interpreting experiences. This includes an interpreting practicum and rotation, along with an internship, which is developed on an individual basis for each student. The M.A. interpreter preparation program follows is in a two-year format, consisting of four semesters followed by a summer internship. The program requires the completion of 51 credit hours of course work. An accelerated program is also available for students with a Gallaudet B.A. in Interpretation degree, requiring the completion of 33 credit hours of course work. The program also is available in a three-year format for students who need an additional year of advanced language classes. Part-time study is also available.

Admissions Procedures

Applicants for the M.A. in Interpretation must complete the application procedures and meet the requirements for graduate study at Gallaudet University. Visit the Graduate Admissions web site for more information and a checklist of application requirements. Detailed program information and course descriptions are also available in the Graduate Catalog.

*For applications for Fall 2012, the application deadline will be January 15, 2012. However, while review of applications began on January 15th, applications are still being accepted.

Program Specific Requirements

GRE or MAT
Three Letters of Reference - one letter should cite ASL
DVD of ASL and English samples - contact the department at gradinterpretation@gallaudet.edu for information and procedures
On-Campus Interview
Sign Language Evaluation
English Evaluation

Recommended Undergraduate Major

ASL Studies
Deaf Studies
Interpretation
Linguistics
Social Science
English