Does studying translation and interpreting translate into an actual working degree? The answer is a resounding YES. Several well accredited universities and specialty schools offer foreign language degrees up to the Master’s level. With more and more translation specialists being needed in the business and academic world, and a steadily rising shortage of qualified interpreters affecting the field, a degree in foreign language specialties is not only in demand, but also very lucrative, providing competitive wages in an ever growing industry.

Interpreters and Translators

Median annual wages, May 2012

• Media and communication workers

           $50,930

• Interpreters and translators

           $45,430

• Total, all occupations

           $34,750

Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ,Occupational Employment Statistics

Degrees in the Translation and Interpreting Industry

A Master’s degree or PhD in translations, or translation studies, encompasses a comprehensive interdisciplinary program. These programs involve historical, literary, and scientific academics while at the same time establishing general multi-lingual translation skills.

Translation field graduates are generally qualified to work with the expanding corporate translation industry, government agencies, and even with software developers who commonly distribute their products worldwide. Graduates who pursue PhDs often stay in the academic fields, teaching linguistics or translating. Like many humanities degrees, a Master’s or PhD in translation studies allows the student to customize his/her program to their own preferences and specialties.

Top 5 Universities with graduate programs:

• Kent State University, Kent, Ohio

Offers a two year Master of Arts in Translation and a PhD in Translation Studies.

• Monterey Institute, Monterey, California
  

The Monterey Institute offers an M.A. in Translation, an M.A. in Translation & Localization Management, an M.A. in Translation & Interpretation, and an M.A. in Conference Interpretation.

• SUNY Binghamton, New York State University, Binghamton
  

The school focuses on the PhD level in Translation Studies – the university also offers a Graduate Certificate in Translation Research and Instruction, and an undergraduate Minor in Translation – The institution does not offer an MA program though.

• The Center for Translation Studies, University of Texas, Dallas
  

Degree plans are specifically designed for translation studies that supply broad general backgrounds in one or more of three areas: Literary Studies, History of Ideas, and Aesthetic Studies.

• Gallaudet University, Washington, D.C.
  

Programs and services at this university are specifically designed to accommodate the deaf and hard of hearing, Gallaudet is a prominent leader in the field of ASL and Deaf Studies. Instead of a degree in Translation Studies, Gallaudet offers a Masters of Arts in Interpretation, specifically American Sign Language interpretation.

Translating opportunities at the Certificate level

Many opportunities in the translation industry can be achieved at the certificate level as well. Jobs within the court system, medical fields, and in translating multilingual conferences, are all reachable with a certificate in translation services at the professional level.

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Translation services are a growing necessity in all forms of modern professional business establishments, teaching and academic fields, medical, hospital, and transcription services, and global trade industries in the new millennium. Making sure that a company or institution has the right translation services is also paramount to successfully enter or dominate the world market. Let the professionals at Translation Central provide your present or future translating needs. Start now by Contacting Us for further information.