Graduate Certificate in Translation and Interpreting Studies

Basic Certificate Information

The Certificate in Translation and Interpreting Studies is a 15-hour option in Spanish graduate studies with its primary focus on the language skills necessary to perform translation. Translation is defined as the rendering of a written text from a source language into another, while interpretation is the rendering of spoken language from a source language into another. Although this program will focus on the former rather than on the latter, both draw on the same type of general linguistic skills as those gained by studies in literature, language, and culture. This certificate focuses more closely on their practical applications in modern day life than the more comprehensive M.A. in Spanish does, with a total of 36 hours. In addition to meeting university-wide admission requirements, either as a special graduate student or a degree-seeking student in a graduate program, all prospective students must pass a written entrance exam in both languages to determine linguistic competence and general cultural preparation. The Department will administer the exams and will inform applicants as to the date and time of their administration.

Admission Requirements and Prerequisites

Admission requirements and prerequisites: May require leveling courses to be determined by department. Please consult advisor for the program.

Specific Degree Requirements: In addition to meeting University-Wide admissions requirements either as a special graduate student or a degree-seeking student in a graduate program, all prospective students must pass a written entrance examination in Spanish and English to determine linguistic competence and general cultural preparation. Applicants must take the exam before their application can be sent to the department for review. In order to take the exam, students should contact Derhonda Casanova (210-458-5226 or derhonda.casanova@utsa.edu), at the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures office. Applicants have two hours to complete the exam. It is recommended that applicants use their personal computers, as dictionaries can be used during the exam.

Other Degree Requirements: Entrance- and exit-level skills in both languages will be no lower than Level 3 and Level 4, respectively, according to the U.S. Government's Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) Skill Level Descriptions for Translation Performance.

Transcripts: Official transcripts from all institutions attended. All international transcripts must be recorded in English or officially translated to English.

Evaluation of Foreign Credentials: All applicants including non-U.S. citizens (International), U.S. citizens (Domestic), or permanent residents who have earned university-level credit from foreign institutions are required to submit an evaluation from an approved Foreign Credential Agency of transcripts from all foreign institutions attended. If official transcripts are used in the foreign credential evaluation, the official transcript requirement will be considered met. However, if unofficial documents are used in the foreign credential evaluation, final official transcripts must be sent to UTSA.

• An approved evaluation requires a detailed course-by-course evaluation. Summaries will not be accepted.

• The Foreign Credentials Service of America (FCSA) is a private corporation that provides evaluations of foreign school credentials. The application is available at: Application for Credentials Evaluation.

International Applicants:

• IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5.
• TOEFL: Minimum scores of 79 or 60 for Internet or paper versions, respectively.

Additional Requirements: A degree seeking applicant must meet international graduate student admission requirements.