Translation (Certificate)
Our globalized world has an increasing need for translators in both the private and government sectors. A certificate in translation can pave the way to a career in several fields.
Program Description
The translation certificate program focuses on Spanish and English.
The curriculum provides competence in translation, awareness of the different approaches, an introduction into the main professional areas, and an overview of the requirements for further certification in the desired area or areas of translation expertise: legal, medical, business and technical.
ASU is no longer accepting new students to this program. Please explore Degree Search for similar program options.
Career Opportunities
Students who combine the certificate in translation with their major program of study may become more marketable to employers.
Students who complete this undergraduate certificate along with their major often decide to pursue employment in education, the legal field, medical field, tourism and hospitality or marketing.
Contact Information
School of International Letters and Cultures | LL 440
silcadvising@asu.edu | 480-965-6281
At a Glance: program details
- Location: Tempe campus
- Additional Program Fee: No
- Second Language Requirement: No
Program Requirements
Since entry into the field of professional translation is gained through work, cultural experience and examination, the entrance requirements to this certificate program include a written proficiency examination in both the source and receptor languages at the level of completion of an advanced composition course in Spanish (SPA 412) and English (ENG 301).
Extensive work experience using Spanish and English or demonstrated bilingual writing competence in English and Spanish is also required.
Requests to declare this certificate are reviewed by the academic advisor in the academic unit offering the certificate. Students may be contacted to discuss the certificate prior to the addition of the certificate to the student record.
A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded prior to the award of an undergraduate degree. A student already holding an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.
Enrollment Requirements
The certificate program requires a minimum of 15 credit hours. At least 12 credit hours must be completed at the upper-division level. A grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or higher is required in all courses.
Students are expected to have taken prerequisite courses ENG 301 and SPA 412. However, ENG 301 and SPA 412 may be completed in the first semester after admission to the program.
Required Translation Theory Course -- 3 credit hours
Required Applied Translation Courses -- 9 credit hours
Students should consult with an academic advisor in the School of International Letters and Cultures and plan their studies accordingly.
- SLC 481 / SPA 441: Technical and Scientific Translation (3)
- SLC 482 / SPA 442: Business and Financial Translation (3)
- SLC 485 / SPA 443: Translation of Legal Texts or SLC 486 / SPA 444: Medical Translation (3)
Internship Requirement -- 3 credit hours
Students must complete all required courses before enrolling for an internship. Students must complete 135 on-site internship hours to earn three credit hours in SLC 484.
Depending on a student's undergraduate program of study, prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.