The American Sign Language/English Interpreting program goes beyond teaching students about language, culture and how to facilitate conversations. The program develops well-rounded interpreters who value and consider others’ perspectives, and who are culturally sensitive and empathetic practitioners.

Interpreting is an exciting and in-demand career. In general, the interpreting and translation field is growing much faster than other occupations, and ASL interpreters are especially sought-after. Our Interpreting program is aligned with both state licenses, which offers graduates more options upon graduation in terms of employment.

Requirements

General Education Requirements (GERs)

UW-Milwaukee has General Education Requirements that must be met in order to earn a bachelor’s degree. Some of the requirements of your program may fulfill the campus GERs. Please review the requirements and consult with your academic advisor.  

Program Core

American Sign Language I-VI courses in the Department of Exceptional Education satisfy University foreign language requirements. For all programs that require American Sign Language, students with previous experience in American Sign Language can take the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) to determine appropriate placement level. If a B or better is received on the ASLPI, credit will be received for courses up through ASL 4. Any individual who would like to take the ASLPI will be responsible for the cost of the assessment. Please call (414) 229-5251 for more information.

Admission to Program 

Professional Requirements

ASL/English Interpreting Major Completion Requirements

• Completion of all admission requirements, granted admission to the ITP, and completion of ITP professional course sequence;
• Completion of university GER requirements;
• At least 30 program credits must be earned in residence at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, following admission to the program;
• Completion of a minimum 120 degree credits; and
• Professional coursework minimum GPA of 2.75.

Interpreter License Requirements

• Individuals must hold a license from the Department of Public Instruction or the Department of Safety and Professional Services in order to enter the interpreting profession in Wisconsin. Successful completion of proficiency exams is required for these licenses. Consult with your advisor for details.

Advance to Major

Program Admission Requirements

• EXCEDUC 348, Introduction to the Profession of Interpreting, with a grade of C or better;
• EXCEDUC 330, Deaf History (GER-SS), with a grade of C or better;
• EXCEDUC 352, American Deaf Culture, with a grade of C or better;
• EXCEDUC 301, EXCEDUC 302, EXCEDUC 303, EXCEDUC 304, EXCEDUC 305, and EXCEDUC 306, American Sign Language I-VI. ASL I-II with a grade of C or better; ASL III-VI with a grade of B- or better;
• EXCEDUC 320, Intro to Interpreting Skills: English to American Sign Language with a grade of B- or better;
• EXCEDUC 321, Intro to Interpreting Skills: American Sign Language to English with a grade of B- or better;
• 58 credits complete;
• Cumulative GPA of 2.5; and
• Completion of Screening Interview, which occurs after application is submitted.

Undergraduate Advising

Our purpose is to provide collaborative, mentoring relationships which promote educational, career, and professional development. We value a student-centered, holistic, and ethical approach to advising based on strong partnerships with students, faculty and staff, and the larger campus community. We are committed to creating a respectful and supportive environment. We encourage students to be self-reliant through informed decisions and choices based upon dissemination of accurate information. We value our own continuous professional development to enhance the quality of the advising experience.

How to Prepare for an Advising Meeting

• Review your Advisement Report in PAWS.
• Come prepared with questions or topics for discussion.
• Make a list of courses you think you should take.
• Investigate opportunities to prepare for the job you want.
• Keep a record of your academic progress.
• Understand you are ultimately responsible for creating your educational, life, and career plans.
• Maintain honest and open communication with your advisor.
• Take responsibility for choices you make as a student and member of the UW-Milwaukee community.

Scheduling an Appointment

Office of Student Services
Enderis Hall, Room 209
(414) 229-4721
soeinfo@uwm.edu

Graduate Advising

If you are a School of Education graduate student, you may schedule an appointment with your faculty advisor by contacting your faculty advisor directly. Faculty contact information can be found in the Directory. Your faculty advisor will be listed in your PAWS account. 

Honors in the Department of Teaching and Learning

Departmental Honors are granted to students who have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or above, based on a minimum of 40 graded UWM credits earned prior to the final semester.

College of Community Engagement and Professions Dean's Honor List

GPA of 3.750 or above, earned on a full-time student's GPA on 12 or more graded credits in a given semester.

Honors College Degree and Honors College Degree with Distinction

Granted to graduating seniors who complete Honors College requirements, as listed in the Honors College section of this site.

Commencement Honors

Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or above, based on a minimum of 40 graded UWM credits earned prior to the final semester, will receive all-university commencement honors and be awarded the traditional gold cord at the December or May Honors Convocation. Please note that for honors calculation, the GPA is not rounded and is truncated at the third decimal (e.g., 3.499).

Final Honors

Earned on a minimum of 60 graded UWM credits: Cum Laude - 3.500 or above; Magna Cum Laude - 3.650 or above; Summa Cum Laude - 3.800 or above.