Qualification for entrance into either program is based on achievements on an appropriate proficiency examination. Candidates for the program in translation must pass a written examination in English and in the language of specialization. Candidates for the program in interpretation must pass written and oral examinations in both the source and target languages. Candidates who are not considered admissible because of insufficient knowledge of the proposed working language or deficiencies in their general backgrounds will be advised to consider preparatory courses in the Department of World Languages and Cultures or in another department. The entrance examination is offered at regular intervals each year for entrance in the fall semester. However, the course sequence in Translation or Interpretation cannot be initiated unless there is a sufficient enrollment. Thus, there is no guarantee that the Translation and Interpretation programs in French, German, and Spanish can be offered routinely every year. In some cases there will be a delay in initiating a sequence until a critical mass of qualified students is available. In addition to demonstrating proficiency by means of the admission examination(s), candidates must demonstrate an appropriate educational background. Normally, applicants will be expected to have an American undergraduate degree or the equivalent. Candidates without a baccalaureate degree must provide evidence of educational and professional activities and accomplishments indicating that they have the prior experience needed to be successful in translation or interpretation. Students accepted into the program will not be permitted to enroll in graduate courses taught outside the Program in Translation and Interpretation unless they have applied and been admitted to the M. A. program in the Department of World Languages and Cultures. Students with a baccalaureate degree (or the equivalent) from an accredited institution are eligible to take undergraduate courses.