The Program

Interpreting Studies is an inter-disciplinary field that focuses on interpreting research and practice. It draws on a number of inter-related disciplines including linguistics, sociology, anthropology and other related disciplines in the humanities and social sciences. 

The Interpreting Studies program welcomes students who are proficient in two or more languages, including English, and who have fulfilled certain other prerequisites. To obtain the Interpreting Studies Certificate, students must also successfully complete two Interpreting Studies courses. (See below) The two required courses in interpreting focus on the history of interpreting, examine current research in the field and introduce students to a range of skills relevant to the specific contexts in which interpreters' services are required (e.g. community, diplomatic, legal, conference) and to different modes of interpreting (consecutive and simultaneous, sight reading).   

Students who successfully complete all the requirements of the program earn a Certificate in Interpreting Studies. Together with a BA, BS, or MA in any field, this Certificate can help expand opportunities for employment in social service and governmental agencies as well as in the media, business and industry. Completion of the requirements for the Certificate also serves to prepare potential candidates for graduate work in Interpreting Studies.

Certificate requirements: six courses or 18 credits are required for the certificate. Two courses are taken in each of the following three areas: interpreting, languages, and relevant courses in the social sciences, humanities, business or legal studies (or a related discipline approved by the Director of Interpreting Studies, Dr. Moira Inghilleri).

The requirements are:

A. Interpreting Research and Practice 481 and  482;

B. Two 300 level or above courses in one (or two) languages other than English. These should be advanced foreign language courses in, for example, translation, composition, business, literature or communication.

C. Two 300 level or above courses from selected disciplines(s).

Residency abroad for at least one semester, though optional, is highly recommended and can replace one of the two courses required in languages other than English.

Information on programs for study around the world is available at International Programs, 467 Hills South, tel. (413) 545-2710.

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