Graduate
Certificate Programs
Translation Studies
Globalization of business, law and trade relations and the changing US demographics have increased demand for translation skills in many fields especially: educational, medical, legal and technical. The current demand for skilled translators far outweighs the supply available.
The Graduate Certificate in Translation Studies builds on a set of successfully implemented undergraduate translation courses by a cadre of faculty experts in the field in a context of increased demand for higher credentialed professionals and academic specialists.
The Graduate Certificate in Translation Studies offers coursework leading to a Graduate Certificate in Translation Studies. Additional coursework in Interpreting is also offered.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students completing the Translation Studies certificate will:
- Know the basic premises of translation and work within a framework that assists them in effectively conveying a written text from one language into another.
- Know the basic theoretical concepts supporting translation studies and be able to apply those theories to the practice of translation.
- Understand the complexities of the task of translation, as well as the role it plays in the dissemination of ideas and cultures.
- Understand the differences between translation and interpretation and the different skill sets required for.
- Understand the ethical responsibilities that go along with the profession and practice of translation.
- Be able to effectively translate a variety of texts into both Spanish and English, taking into consideration the specific circumstances related to both the source and target languages and cultures.
- Be able to demonstrate the necessary skills to effectively translate a variety of discourse typologies such as commercial, legal, technical, medical and literary.
- Be able to appropriately use the fundamental tools for translation such as dictionaries (monolingual, bilingual, terminology specific, glossaries and Internet resources) and Computer Assisted Translation programs.
- Be able to demonstrate superior proofreading and editing skills for crafting and evaluating translations.
- Be able to discuss translation and interpretation in a professional and academic manner.
- Be able to continue to graduate work for those who intend to pursue research in translation studies.
Completion Requirements
This is an, 18 credit-hour graduate certificate program, or a total of six courses, distributed among two core courses in the history and theory of translation, and the application of computer-assisted translation technologies, followed by two
language-specific translation courses in Spanish, French or German, a linguistics course and a final internship or individual project. Courses are offered on a rotational basis, so students in the program need to make an advising appointment as soon as possible to plan their coursework to assure they are progressing towards completion of the degree. Twelve credit hours of coursework must be completed at IU Indianapolis.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the program requires:
- Fall admission only
• Undergraduate degree requirement: baccalaureate degree in second language (Spanish, French, German) from an accredited institution; or B. A. degree in English with native proficiency in a second language; or B.A. or B.S. degree related to intended field of translation with native proficiency in a second language.
(GPA requirement: 3.0 or higher; 3.3 in major)
• Standardized Test Scores: official GRE scores are required if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0; non-native English speakers must provide evidence of English proficiency from either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examinations, unless they have completed their undergraduate degree in the US. (Minimum score on the TOEFLL iBT is 79 and minimum score on the IELTS is 6.5.)
• Narrative statement: Applicants will submit a narrative statement of 400-500 words in both English and Spanish, French or German outlining relevant background and their reasons for pursuing a graduate certificate in Translation Studies
• Three letters of recommendation, one which can attest to the applicant’s oral and written language proficiency in both English and the second language.
• Sample translation:, Applicants will be asked to write a sample translation into their primary language to submit with their application.
Applicants who have not completed any formal educational language training at the undergraduate level may be granted provisional admission based on completion of undergraduate coursework in English or the second language as deemed necessary by the admission committee.
- Not for students on international student visas.
Student Consumer Information for the Graduate Certificate in Translation Studies. For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website.
Instructions for applying to the Graduate Certificate in Translation Studies can be found on the Department of World Languages and Cultures’s website.
Curriculum Requirements
list of Translation courses
Core courses (6 credits):
- WLAC-F 550: Introduction to Translation Studies (3 cr. hrs).
- WLAC-F 560: Computer-Assisted Translation and Localization (3 cr. hrs)
Language-specific courses (9 credits):
- FREN-F 575: Introduction to French Linguistics or ENG G500 (3 cr.)
- GER-G 551: The Structure of German (3 cr.) or ENG G500 (3 cr.)
- SPAN-S 511: Spanish Syntactic Analysis (3 cr.) or SPAN S513 Introduction to Hispanic Sociolinguistics (3 cr.)
- SPAN-S 528/FREN-F 528/GER-G 528: Comparative Stylistics and Translation (3 cr. hrs)
- SPAN-S 529/FREN-F 529/GER-G 529: Specialized Translation I: Business/Legal/Governmental(3 cr. hrs)
- SPAN-S 530/FREN-F 530/GER-G 530: Specialized Translation II: Scientific/Technical/Medical (3 cr. hrs)
Applied course and fieldwork (3cr):
- WLAC-F 693: Internship in Translation (3 cr. hr.)
- WLAC-F 694: Final Translation Project (3 cr. hr.)
- WLAC-F 696: Final Interpretation Project (3 cr. hrs)
Additional courses:
- SPAN-S 502: Introduction To Medical Interpreting
- SPAN-S 602: Advanced Medical Interpreting
- SPAN-S 501: Introduction To Legal Interpreting
- SPAN-S 601: Advanced Legal Interpreting
