Undergraduate Admission Application

Welcome to the application process for the American Sign Language/English Interpretation Program (AITP) at the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee. This process is designed to ensure that students have the foundational skill set to be successful in the program. The components of this process will evaluate your eligibility, along with your level of proficiency in both English and American Sign Language. Applications for the fall 2024 cohort must be submitted by Friday, May 3, 2024.

  1. Meet with your academic advisor

    Review your academic plan with your advisor and discuss your eligibility to apply for admission to the professional program sequence.

    (Last names A – L) – Tyree Bolden, boldentc@uwm.edu
    (Last names M – Z) – Nikki Claas, nclaas@uwm.edu

  2. Submit a Criminal Background Check (CBC)

    The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) requires that all applicants to an educator preparation program to submit a Criminal Background Check (CBC) prior to admission. CBCs previously completed for employment or other purposes cannot be used to satisfy this requirement. The CBC must be completed via the below process within six months of an admissions decision; the cost is $60.00. You cannot be admitted or enroll in professional education courses until your CBC has cleared.

    Failure to fully disclose criminal background information and/or submission of false information may constitute grounds for denial of admission or removal from the program. Your criminal history may disqualify you from field placements.

    If you seek to complete your field work with your current employer, we may be required to disclose CBC results to that employer. Our process for flagged admission CBCs can be found here: Process for Notification of Flagged CBC During the Admission Process for DPI-Approved Programs

    UWM uses CastleBranch to process our admission CBCs. To proceed with the CastleBranch CBC, please follow the link to the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee – School of Education portal: https://portal.castlebranch.com/IQ15

    • Directions for completing the background check can be found here
    • Be sure to select the program for which you are applying. Please contact us if you are not sure which program to select.
    • If you have questions about this process, contact the CastleBranch Service Desk at (888) 914-7279 or email servicedesk.cu@castlebranch.com

  3. Prepare Statement of Interest video

    Video Guidelines

    • Introduce yourself and describe your experience with ASL and the Deaf Community.
    • Explain why you want to become an ASL/English Interpreter-highlight your strengths, how you have prepared for this program and overall, explain why you should be selected for the program.
    • Videos must be recorded in American Sign Language.
    • Video Time Limit: 3 minutes.

  4. Complete application form below