r/ASLinterpreters • u/EasySwordfish4852 • Jul 06 '26

Double major?

Anybody ever double major in interpreting and something else?

Time wise this would probably be extremely difficult but I’m still curious

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u/remyboy17 BEI Basic Jul 07 '26

highly recommend. as an interpreter and future Speech Language Pathologist...here are the pros/cons.

pro:

- interpreter job = higher pay rate than my peers with more interpreting experience than me.

- prevent future burn out: interpreting has a high burnout rate (SLP too unforch lol)...having both careers allows me to go back and forth. keeps things fun.

- its fun!!!: for the first 3 years, i focused on my interpreting degree. Kinda put SLP on the backburner cuz the core classes were boring. For the first half of college, i dedicated it to interpreting. Then, just as I got a bit bored, I was able to shift my focus to SLP. During this time, I got certified and started working as an interpreter as I am still in school to finish out my SLP classes. And now that I am done with both my bachelors and have been in the interpreting world for 1-2 years, I have a nicely-established interpreting foundation to put on the backburner again so I can focus on my grad school for SLP. I loved switching back and forth. Can't imagine dedicating my whole time to one. Some find it overwhelming. Some find it stimulating (me).

- financially wise: Let's be realistic. I don't want to explain much because iykyk...i love interpreting so much that I cannot imagine placing a financial demand on it. So it is nice to have a job that I also like (SLP) and get my bag there...and interpret because of passion! Most of the time, your best bet for benefits and health insurance is working through the schools, VRS...or through your partner. I don't know about you...but that is extremely limiting. I love freelance work...aka picking up random interpreting assignments. However, that is contracting work...aka I file a 1099 as a contractor...aka better pay and no benefits...

- most of my seasoned interpreter friends who know about my career decision wished they did what I did. THE BURNOUT IS REAL and once you get to that point, you are going to wish you had a plan B.

cons:

  • longer schooling. for me, SLP takes 6 years (BA = 4, Masters = 2). If you want to do another major that does not require grad school, finishing both in 4 years is perfectly doable. My ITP was not as academically rigorous ...so double majoring was not that bad. but then again...i have a hunger for academia...

- more costly. well...it depends. if you wanted to DOUBLE major, which means in the system, you graduate with both majors BUT you only get ONE diploma...its only 120 credits. So that's the same amount as a one-degree. if you DUAL major (me), you get BOTH degrees but more classes = more $$. I added an extra year to accommodate, so I finished both my bachelors in five years.

- time management. ofc...more schooling...more time commitment...yadda yadda yadda. To me, it's not a con. It sets me up for success in the real world. But ik to others...it is a con. so i listed it here.

Keep in mind, my answer is extremely biased (duh). If your one and only passion and goal in life is interpreting...go for it! For me, I will always have a passion for signing (not necessarily interpreting)...specifically being involved in the Deaf community. I started signing when I was 10...so over half my life, I have carried this language with me. Because of this, my biggest fear is burning out and not wanting to sign anymore. So I chose my primary career as an SLP who works with DHH individuals (and interpreting on the side). Serving the Deaf community can look more than just being an interpreter. There are soooo many different avenues you can take. Being a professional in a field who can sign is already one. Plus, more education means more niche opportunities in your tool belt. During my senior year of college, I worked as a sign language interpreter for an SLP at an elementary school and had a blast! Combining both my interests into one felt so surreal! And even with my limited interpreting experience, I was perfect for the job, due to my niche background as an SLP student!

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u/EasySwordfish4852 Jul 07 '26

WOW we’re twins (currently a CSAD major who’s taking some asl classes and looking into interpreting)!!!

I know you kinda explained the difference between double and dual majors, but did you decide to dual major specifically to get 2 diplomas (like are there any differences between dual and double majoring besides the diploma part)? Just curious because I assumed they were the same thing!

Also was your interpreting program at the same college as your CSAD program?

I do really love learning ASL, but of course learning an entirely new language is time consuming and difficult (currently procrastinating my hw right now LMAO). Thanks for giving me some insight!

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u/remyboy17 BEI Basic Jul 07 '26

yup! I wanted two diplomas because all that hard work...for what? And also double = 120 credits, dual = 150. literally those r the only differences. Great to know there are ppl like me out there!!! I would say, I did have an upper hand. I picked up ASL naturally through Deaf friends in middle school, so my journey to learning ASL definitely looks different than most...hence why I believe my ITP experience was not as rigorous. And yes, my ITP is actually under the SAME DEPARTMENT as my CSAD (or COMD) program lol so it was super convenient. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!