The department offers undergraduate and graduate programs in interpretation to prepare hearing, deaf, and hard of hearing students for entry-level interpreting work in a variety of settings. Settings include medical, educational, business, mental health, and legal interactions where there may be also direct, relay, and/or DeafBlind interpretation. The department prepares graduates to interact and communicate fluently with deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing people, with an appreciation of diversity in deaf and hearing communities.

The BA in Interpretation (BAI) and MA in Interpretation (MAI) programs provide an interdisciplinary approach to interpretation, accompanied by a state-of-the-art interpreting laboratory and extensive fieldwork. The BA program focuses on face-to-face, interactive, community interpreting, and thus a dialogic approach to interpreting. The MA program focuses on both interactive and monologic approaches to interpreting with an increased emphasis on theory and research. Seven experienced full-time faculty members with national and international reputations teach and advise students in the program. The MA program offers two concentrations. The department also offers a Ph.D in Interpretation as well.

Our Mission

The multi-faceted mission of the Department of Interpretation & Translation is to:

• Prepare undergraduate and graduate students to work as professional interpreters who exemplify quality interpreting in a variety of settings with diverse individuals;
• Provide undergraduate students with coursework and other experiences to translate, interpret consecutively and simultaneously, form ethical decisions, apply research findings, and assess interpreting skills;
• Prepare graduate students in the same manner with a more intense engagement with theory, research and practice;
• Conduct research on interpreting or a language-related study to inform practice and advance the field of interpreting studies;
• Participate in department and university wide administration and governance in a way that encourages collegiality and supports students;
• Participate in our profession, through work as a practitioner, involvement with professional organizations, service grants, and professional journals and presentations.