Skip to Main Content
College of Education and Human Services
twoColumn twoLeft

Educational Interpreter Preparation Program

The Educational Interpreter Preparation Program, or EIPP as we call it, is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).  The EIPP will support the preparation of educational interpreters by offering financial support for students in either the undergraduate (Bachelor of Science) or the graduate (Master of Science) program in Educational Interpreting.  A limited number of scholarships are available to support tuition, books and materials, ASL (American Sign Language) language mentoring is provided as well.

Note:  All scholarships for the Fall 2023 Cohorts have been awarded.

Learn More and Apply to the Programs

A young girl sitting in an elementary school setting using sign language

Undergraduate Educational Interpreting Program

Students will earn a Bachelor of Science degree in ASL/English Interpreting with a Concentration in Educational Interpreting. Applicants need to have a prior degree in ASL/English Interpreting or take pre-requisite and core requirement courses prior to consideration for admission. Follow this link to learn more including about program admissions and courses.

Learn more about the Undergraduate Program

An elderly women using sign language in a business setting

Graduate Educational Interpreting Program

Students will earn a Master of Science degree in ASL/English Interpreting with a Concentration in Educational Interpreting.  Applicants need to have a prior degree in ASL/English Interpreting or hold national certification as an interpreter.  This program is fully online. Follow this link to learn more including about program admissions and courses.

Learn more about the Graduate Program

  • Who is EIPP for?

    EIPP is for anyone who desires to earn a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in ASL/English Interpreting with a specialty concentration in educational interpreting, working within K-12 settings. 

  • How are the degree programs delivered?

    The undergraduate program is delivered in a blended format with face-to-face meetings at UNF one weekend per month each semester as well as online learning to support specialization as an educational interpreter.  The graduate program is offered entirely online, can be completed in just 5 semesters, and has a reduced out-of-state tuition. 

  • When can I begin?

    The graduate program admits each Fall semester, with applications due by August 1.  The undergraduate program also admits each Fall semester with applications due March 31.  You can learn more about each program by selecting "Undergraduate Educational Interpreting Program" or "Graduate Educational Interpreting Program" below.  

  • Is there a Service Obligation?

    Yes, in accordance with Federal Service Obligation Regulations, after graduating from the educational interpreting program, you will need to maintain eligible employment (i.e., as an educational interpreter in a K-12 setting) on a full-time basis for at least two years for every academic year for which scholarship assistance was received. 

  • Who Can Participate in the Educational Interpreter Preparation Project?
    EIPP is for anyone who desires to earn a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in ASL/English Interpreting with a specialty concentration in educational interpreting, working within K-12 settings. You could already be working as an educational interpreter in a K-12 setting, or you could be working in a different setting and be interested in K-12 interpreting.
  • I understand there is financial support available. What kind of support does the EIPP provide?

    The EIPP is supported by the Special Education Personnel Development Grants (CFDA 84.325K) of the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), U.S. Department of Education. The grant will provide funding for a limited number of students towards tuition, and stipends for books, resources and some travel expenses. The amount students receive depends upon how many students are enrolled but we anticipate it will cover up 70% of the costs over the two years you would be a scholar here. In addition to travel, we encourage students to connect with their cohort in order to share lodging and local transportation as this is not available on our end.

    As of June 15, 2022, all scholarships for the Fall 2022 cohort have been awarded and additional scholarships are not available at this time.

     

    In accordance with Federal Service Obligation Regulations, after graduating from the educational interpreting program, you will need to maintain eligible employment (i.e., as an educational interpreter in a K-12 setting) on a full-time basis for at least two years for every academic year for which scholarship assistance was received.

  • What is the service obligation requirement?

    Since 1999, individuals who receive scholarship assistance from projects funded under the Special Education Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities program (e.g., our Educational Interpreter Preparation Project) are required to complete a service obligation, or repay all or part of the cost of such assistance, in accordance with section 662(h) of the Act and the regulations of this part. This is a common requirement for grant scholarships and means that you will need to work in the field you have prepared for (i.e., interpreting in K-12 settings) as a way of paying back the scholarship and stipend support your received.  It’s well worth it if you consider you will have 70% or more of your degree paid for by the federal government.  The service obligation is 2 years of full-time employment for each academic year you receive support.  Assuming you accept scholarship support for both years of the program, you would commit to working full-time as an educational interpreter in a K-12 setting for 4 years. 

  • How are the Courses in the Programs Delivered?
    Courses in our program are delivered via a hybrid or flipped classroom model. Most readings, lectures, and learning content is housed in an online classroom with assignments/activities due each week. While the online part is asynchronous you will follow a regular weekly schedule throughout the semester. You won't typically have required meetings online, but your faculty may have office hours or other meetings using video conferencing. The once per month on-campus visit is focused on authentic engagement where you will practice interpreting skills (ethics, consecutive interpreting, simultaneous interpreting, working with specific areas such as interpreting for DeafBlind persons, Diversity and Inclusion, K-12 work, etc.).
  • I see there is an internship requirement for this program. Can I intern where I currently work?
    Yes, it is possible for you to intern in your current place of employment if your position is as an educational interpreter and you satisfy other internship requirements such as having a certified mentor/supervising interpreter on site or in the district and are able to fulfill the hours required. A decision to allow your current employment to count for your internship is made on an individual basis.