Apply to the B.A. in Interpretation Program!

We are the only university in the world that offers both an undergraduate and a graduate degree in American Sign Language (ASL) – English Interpretation.

Our BAI Program provides a unique opportunity for interpretation majors to fully immerse themselves in deaf culture and community as they live, study, and interact with deaf people from the United States and around the world!

Gallaudet’s B.A. in Interpretation (BAI) program consists of a comprehensive, sequenced, and integrated series of courses and experiences that are intended to provide students with:

• knowledge
• fieldwork
• techniques
• interactive interpreting skills

You’ll be able to apply these skills to national certification testing, and work confidently as a sign language interpreter in education, medical, business, and government settings.

Our BAI program is in a four-year format and consists of 36 credits in the major, which includes coursework, fieldwork, and field internship.

Students will take supporting courses in ASL and deaf studies, biology, business, communication studies, linguistics, and psychology. In either a full or part-time program structure.

Prospective deaf and hard of hearing students must first be accepted through Undergraduate Admissions in order to apply for the CDI/BAI program. The BAI program will prepare deaf and hard of hearing students with the skills necessary to become a Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI).

Bachelor’s of Art In Interpreting (BAI) Admission Requirements

Phase 1:

• Submit an online application by June 1 (deadline extended due to COVID-19)
• $50 application fee (waived if you submit by December 1, attend an Open House event or campus visit-virtual or in-person, attend a virtual Gallaudet event, or have ever participated in any of our Gallaudet University Youth Programs)
• One written essay and one video essay in ASL (the essay questions can be found in the online application)
• A letter of recommendation from an academic teacher who teaches core subjects such as English, mathematics, or social studies
• Unofficial high school and college transcripts (if applicable)*
• ACT or SAT scores

*Official transcript(s) will be required following acceptance to the University. We accept both paper and electronic transcripts. Electronic transcripts should be sent via email.

Please note that the BAI program requires that you have a 2.75 or higher cumulative grade point average in your high school or previous college coursework.

Phase 2:

• After you submit your application, an admissions counselor will review Phase 1 documents. If you are eligible for Phase 2, you will be sent a link for the BAI Language Performance evaluation (BAI LP) from the Department of Interpretation and Translation.
• Applicants are also required to schedule an American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI), a video-recorded evaluation that will determine your overall ASL proficiency. The BAI program requires an ASLPI score of 3 or higher. The ASLPI can be taken on campus at Gallaudet or via video phone from an approved location. The ASLPI evaluation system is housed in ASL Diagnostic and Evaluation Services (ASL-DES) at Gallaudet University. Visit the ASL-DES web site for fee and evaluation information.

Prospective hearing BAI applicants need to contact a BAI/HUG Admissions Counselor. Current HUG students interested in applying for the BAI program, reach out to Pamela Collins, Co-Program Coordinator and Anita Harding, Co-Program Coordinator at contact.

For current Deaf students, please download and print the BAI application form. Send the completed application form with the required documents to Pamela Collins, Co-Program Coordinator and Anita Harding, Co-Program Coordinator.

You’ve Got Options

Whether you want to complete your degree in two, three or four years we’ve got you covered.

• Two-Year Target Goals
• Three-Year Target Goals
• Four-Year Target Goals

At Gallaudet we have articulation agreements with other colleges, and some interpretation courses are transferable to the Gallaudet BAI program.

We have this agreement with the following colleges:

• Central Piedmont Community College, Charlotte, North Carolina
• Austin Community College, Austin, Texas
• Front Range Community College, Westminster, Colorado
• Ohlone College, Fremont, California
• John A. Logan College, Carterville, Illinois
• Northern Virginia Community College, Springfield, Virginia
• Western Piedmont Community College, Morganton, North Carolina

BAI Resources

• B.A. in Interpretation
• Department Courses
• Graduate Interpreting Program

TRANSFER CREDIT EVALUATION

If you are a transfer student, please visit the Transfer Credits website for more information about transferring your credits to Gallaudet, course equivalencies, and more. If you wish to contact our Transfer Specialist, please email.

APPLYING FOR FINANCIAL AID

The financial aid process is separate from the process of applying for admission. Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible when it is made available on October 1. The priority filing date is June 1. Once we have your FAFSA on file, we will send you a Financial Aid award letter that provides detailed information about your eligible financial aid and your estimated remaining cost. Please note that hearing applicants are not eligible for merit-based scholarships.

• Contact Your Admissions Counselor
• Request Information
• Visit