Special Education Program

Educational Interpreting

The College of Education introduces an area of emphasis under the Deaf Studies Concentration in the Special Education, Rehabilitation and School Psychology Department:

Undergraduate studies in Educational Interpreting for deaf and hard of hearing children in educational settings

Currently, a shortage of interpreters for deaf and hard of hearing individuals exists in Arizona and the United States. The shortage affects elementary and secondary schools most severely. The Educational Interpreting emphasis at the University of Arizona is designed to address this problem.

Students in Educational Interpreting receive education and experience to become interpreters for deaf and hard of hearing children in educational settings. Students are required to become fluent in American Sign Language, gain a cultural appreciation and respect of deaf culture, utilize current theories/models of interpreting and gain practical experience through school-based internships.

Students will receive a bachelor's degree in Special Education and Rehabilitation (SERP) upon successful completion of the program. Educational Interpreting is an area of emphasis within the Deaf Studies concentration.

Educational Interpreting graduates will work with deaf and hard of hearing children in educational settings, providing cross cultural mediation and language facilitation in classrooms.

Stipends are available to full-time students attaining upper division status (56 credit hours). Some tuition waivers are available for part-time students. Qualified applicants may request an application from Dr. Cindy Volk. Before choosing the education interpreting emphasis, students must complete an interview for ASL proficiency with a faculty member from the program

Additional Information

For more information, including course work in this program,
visit the Educational Interpreting web site, and contact