TRIP Graduate Certificate

Translation Graduate Certificate

Most students in the program are matriculated in one of the University degree programs; however, the translation study courses listed below may be taken as a separate track. For degree programs identified as especially suitable for the integration of translator training, see the appropriate sections of the Bulletin: Comparative Literature MA with Translation Studies track and Romance Languages MA. Whether a portion of credits earned toward an advanced degree will be accepted toward the TRIP graduate certificate is determined by TRIP.

Guidelines & Checklists For Current Students

  • Admission

    Students pursuing the certificate as a separate track must follow the standard Graduate School matriculation procedures. Basic prerequisites include the following:

    • A demonstrable ability to write graduate-level texts in English;
    • Near-native command of a second language, from which students will generally be translating;
    • Residence in the country of the second language is recommended, either prior to or during a student's Graduate Certificate studies;
    • Students who have not had any experience with translation are advised to take one semester of the translation workshop course before formally applying to the program. After the first semester, the TRIP director will evaluate their performance and advise them either to apply or to improve their language skills before proceeding with their training.

    Note: The Translation Studies Graduate Certificate is part of the Translation Research
    and Instruction Program (TRIP) and is not managed by the Department of
    Comparative Literature. Graduate Students in Comparative Literature, as well as
    other Departments, may apply to TRIP for the Graduate Certificate. Please direct any
    questions to TRIP.

    To apply, you must submit the following materials. For general guidelines for these materials, see the .

    • Online graduate degree application with graduate degree application fee
    • Transcripts from each college or university that you have attended
      • Transcripts demonstrating a completed Bachelor’s Degree and a 3.0 or higher GPA (or its equivalent)
    • Personal Statement
      • Describe your qualifications, your interest in the program, and your language proficiency in a 1-2 page personal statement. 
    • Résumé or curriculum vitae
    • One letter of recommendation
    • Writing sample
      • Two Writing Samples, one in each language, one of which can be non-academic (minimum of 2 pages each in 12 point font, one-inch margins)
    • Note: Applicants lacking previous graduate coursework in languages should be prepared for a diagnostic examination during the application process.
  • Learning Outcomes

    Students completing the Translation Research and Instruction Program (TRIP) certificate in Translation will obtain the following abilities:

    1. Demonstrate an understanding of major translation studies theories and their relevance to translation practice;
    2. Meet standards for translator proficiency equivalent to those of the American Translators Association (ATA); 
    3. Deepen knowledge of the source language context, such as in history, culture, or literature, or deepen knowledge of one or more areas relevant to non-literary translation;
    4. Demonstrate an understanding of copyright law and the translator’s responsibilities in regard to publication.  
  • Certificate Requirements

    A. Program of Courses: Literary Track

    • TRIP 572. Translation Workshop: Literary (two semesters) - 8 Credits
    • TRIP 560. Introduction to Translation Studies - 4 Credits
    • One graduate course in source literature - 4 Credits

    Total = 16 Credits

    B. Program of Courses: Non-Literary Track

    • TRIP 573. Translation Workshop: Non-Literary (two semesters) - 8 Credits
    • TRIP 560. Introduction to Translation Studies - 4 Credits
    • One graduate course in area of specialization - 4 Credits

    Total = 16 Credits

    Note: Students interested in certification must obtain a B grade or higher in all the required courses.

    Those interested in more than one language combination, i.e., Spanish>English and Korean>English, must take at least one more four-credit Translation Workshop course, to practice translating from the second source language of their choice, and a graduate course involving the literature, history or culture of this same language.

    Students who elect to work in a second language pair therefore take two additional classes plus at least one additional translation practice exam (more are optional). 

  • Examination

    After successfully completing the required credits, students may request to take the examination, typically offered at the end of the fall and spring semesters. In consultation with appropriate faculty, the TRIP director establishes each student's examination committee. The examination includes sections on both theory and practice.

    For the translation practice examination, students choose the genre (literary or non-literary), and the language combination involved. To pass this in-person, proctored examination (or two translation practice exams if the student has selected more than one language combination), students are expected to show that they can translate at a professional level, in line with the American Translators Association standards for translator certification, which means they can produce publishable translations without faculty supervision. Consideration is primarily given to accuracy (faithfulness to the source text; precision; no omissions or mistranslations) and secondarily to fluency (readability; coherence; raising no questions for the reader). 

    The theory examination is a 72-hour take-home examination. Students answer a question on translation theory, as well as a question on copyright issues pertaining to translation.

    To pass, students must obtain a grade of B+ or higher on the theory and copyright exams, and a grade of A- or higher on the translation practice exam. Each section of the examination may be taken twice.

  • Certification

    When students have fulfilled the course requirements and successfully passed the examinations, they are eligible to receive a certificate of translator proficiency, specifying the language combination(s) and subject area(s). 

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