About the Community Interpreting Certificate

The Community Interpreter Certificate at Viterbo University trains bilingual professionals to become qualified interpreters. Our goal is to provide Limited English Proficient individuals language access for effective communication with the providers of private and public organizations, thereby facilitating full and equal access to legal, health, educational, government, commercial and social services.

Who can apply?

The community interpreting certificate has been structured to meet the needs of working people in the Midwest as well as online students from other regions of the country or the globe. Both international students and Dreamers are encouraged and welcome to apply. Acceptance is based on a successful application/interview/entrance exam. The following are eligible to apply for the certificate:

• Graduates of language programs
• Individuals working in the field with no previous training in interpreting
• Bilingual professionals working in fields not related to interpreting
• Individuals of any immigration status are eligible for the program
• Juniors and seniors attending high school in Wisconsin with high proficiency levels in two languages may also be eligible to participate through the Early College Credit program of Wisconsin

How does it work?

This certificate program is a total of 13 credits and takes one academic year to complete (August–May). The four required courses are taught in an online format, with a face-to-face option for local students. There is also a one-credit internship to be completed in spring semester.

Who will receive a certificate?

Students will be eligible to receive the certificate after completing the following requirements:

• Apply to the certificate online
• Entrance exam
• Successful completion of the four required courses in the certificate
• Internship/practicum

What is the timeline?

Fall semester (August–December): 
INTP 301 Interpreting Principles (3 credits)
INTP 456 Seminar on Interpreting in Medical and Social Settings (3 credits)

Spring semester (January–May): 
INTP 444 Intercultural Competence and Ethics in Interpreting (3 credits)
INTP 452 Seminar on Interpreting in Business and Legal Settings (3 credits)
NTP 481 Internship Practicum (1 credit)

Useful Links

The following links may provide more information about the important professional associations in the United States that regulate, guide and educate in the field of interpreting. Our program is affiliated with and works closely with all of these organizations with the objective of maintaining the highest of standards and training qualified interpreters to abide by the codes of ethics and standards of practice of the profession.

• American Translators Association
• Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters
• Midwest Association of Translators and Interpreters
• National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators
• National Council on Interpreting in Health Care
• The Upper Midwest Translators and Interpreters Association
• Wisconsin Supreme Court Information

Questions?

Contact Michelle Pinzl, associate professor and coordinator at 608-796-3492 or mmpinzl@viterbo.edu.

About Spanish

Build fluency, cultural insight, and career-ready communication skills.

Whether you plan to teach, interpret and/or translate, work in health care, or travel the globe, our Spanish program will equip you with the language proficiency, cultural competence, and professional skills to thrive in any career field. 

Program Highlights:

• 100% Job Placement within six months of graduation
• Small class sizes with a low 10:1 student-faculty ratio
• Four-week Spanish immersion experience in Spanish-speaking country
• Engage in community projects to apply language skills in real settings
• Gain publishing experience through Viterbo's student-led Spanish newpaper El Sol

About English

Develop, practice, and perfect your writing and research skills in small, vibrant classes with talented faculty.

We prepare students to succeed in careers that value critical thinking, writing, artistry, researching, teaching, and a variety of other skills. Additionally, we offer students valuable research and creative opportunities, and invite them to participate in student-led university publications. As faculty and mentors, we value building dedicated relationships with students in the hopes of not only enriching their academic experiences, but providing crucial aspects of a liberal arts education that prepare students for life beyond the university.

Program Highlights:

• Small class sizes
• Talented faculty scholars and writers
• Three built-in practicum experiences in publishing and journalism
• Contribute to multiple student-run publications

About Computer Science

Develop skills in data science, software engineering, robotics, and web development, while building a professional portfolio to showcase your work. 

Through team-based projects and career-focused coursework, you’ll gain the tools to solve complex problems and communicate technical ideas as an innovative leader. 

Program Highlights:

• Internship or co-op pathway
• Experiential learning with integrated course projects
• Embedded systems fundamentals

About Psychology

Understand the science behind how people think, feel, and act.

Students will explore topics such as development, emotions, social influences, the brain, cognition, and mental health while building strong communication, critical thinking, and research skills. Graduates pursue careers in areas like counseling, research, business, and nonprofit organizations.

Program Highlights:

• Internship and research opportunities
• 4+2 bachelor's to master's option
• Hands-on learning in counseling lab
• Expert faculty

About Social Work

Prepare to support and empower individuals, families, and communities. 

In our social work program, you’ll develop skills in ethical decision making and explore issues around social justice and diversity. Both the BA and BS degrees include a 450-hour practicum in a social service setting, where you’ll work closely with a trained practicum instructor to apply what you’ve learned. Nationally accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, these programs prepare you to make a meaningful impact in your community. 

Program Highlights:

• 100% job placement rate
• 100% grad school acceptance rate
• 40+ Certified agencies for field placement
• Gain hands-on experience through a 450-hour senior practicum with a community organization
• Qualify for the national social work exam
• Learn from expert faculty with extensive practice in the field

About Criminal and Community Justice

Build a career focused on safer communities, justice, and real-world impact.

Our program explores how community agencies work together to promote public safety and support both offenders and crime victims. Using research-backed methods, you’ll learn best practices while building strong ethical leadership skills and connecting with local justice agencies. 

Program Highlights:

• 100% Job placement rate
• 100% grad school acceptance rate 
• Law Enforcement Academy partnership
• Develop hands-on experience through an internship with a local agency
• Learn from community and criminal justice professionals

About Applied Mathematics

Drive smarter decisions for complex, real-world challenges using mathematical techniques.

Whether you're analyzing data, building predictive models, or solving complex problems, you'll gain hands-on experience that blends programming, critical thinking, and collaboration—essential tools for today's data-driven world.

Program Highlights:

• Embedded internships and external projects
• Year-long capstone project
• Research opportunities with passionate faculty

About the Engineering Program

Shape Your Future with Industry-Aligned Engineering Curriculum

Viterbo’s engineering program combines rigorous, industry-relevant coursework with hands-on, project-based learning that builds creativity and communication skills. Small classes, close faculty support, and program-embedded internships give you practical experience and a clear path from classroom to career. 

Program Highlights:

• ABET-accredited
• Graduate in 4 years with supportive advising and intentional course design
• 100% of graduates are employed or in graduate school within 6 months
• Engage in engineering design from the start of your first semester
• Industry-relevant project-based learning
• Flexible program structure

About Pre-Health

Develop the expertise and skills needed to pursue in-demand careers or continue your education in various graduate programs. 

You’ll work closely with faculty advisors who guide you through course planning, research opportunities, and the professional school application process. Whether your goal is medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or another health profession, Viterbo prepares you to move forward with purpose and a competitive edge.

Program Highlights:

• 94% acceptance rate into professional and graduate schools
• Challenging, immersive learning for a competitive edge
• Faculty-guided research experiences
• Course-embedded tutoring
• 1:1 personalized advising from a faculty mentor all four years
• Opportunities to connect with leading health care systems like Emplify Health and Mayo Clinic Health System for internships, job shadowing, and employment.