The Graduate Program in Spanish-English Translation/Interpreting trains Master of Arts students at an advanced level in aspects of interlingual and intercultural communication for various settings. In providing training, the graduate program keeps in mind expectations and standards as outlined by professional organizations that sponsor relevant certification examinations, such as the American Translators' Association (ATA). Students may emphasize translation (written) or interpreting (oral) work; special attention is paid to the areas of legal and medical translation/ interpreting.
Learning Goal 1 for Students: Attain mastery of the essential aspects of theory and practice in the field of translation/interpreting
Assessment of student achievement of Goal 1:
- Grades in graduate courses
- Review by faculty of student progress with close advising and mentoring
- Frequent written and/or oral assignments as well as graded written and/or oral examinations assessing depth and breadth of knowledge and skills. A final comprehensive examination and a capstone practicum or thesis project.
- Assessment of student’s performance in comprehensive examination and thesis option by committee of graduate faculty members.
- Placement in an appropriate outside internship if candidate is not already a practicing translator or interpreter.
Roles of the program in helping students to achieve Goal 1:
- Close advising to assure that students are being prepared in a coherent and academically rigorous way
- Effective monitoring of student progress
- Careful selection of qualified instructors in courses that comprise the Master's degree and periodic evaluations of teaching effectiveness
- Periodic review of curricular offerings, degree requirements and assessment tools
- By program faculty
- In consultation with others in the translation/interpreting profession and T&I scholars and researchers.
Learning Goal 2 for Students: Engage actively in the field of translation/ interpreting. Conduct appropriate research for practicum or Master’s thesis
Assessment of graduate student achievement of Goal 2:
- Assessment of quality of practicum project
Review by supervising member of graduate faculty
Review by outside cooperating supervisor
- Assessment of quality of Master’s thesis
- Public defense of translation thesis
- Critical reading of translation thesis by committee of graduate faculty members
- When appropriate, submission and acceptance of peer-reviewed articles and conference papers
- Achievement of students as evidenced by professional placement
Role of the program in helping graduate students to achieve Goal 2:
- Provide early introduction to theory and practice in the field and relevant research methods
- Provide opportunities to present on-going projects and receive feedback
- Provide comprehensive advising and assist in the identification of mentors
Learning Goal 3 for Students: Prepare to be professionals in translation/ interpreting
Assessment of graduate student achievement of Goal 3:
- Participation in internships and other work tailored to career goals, assessed accordingly
- Collection of data on professional placement data or continuation of graduate studies
- Review by external advisors, both inside of and external to the academy
Role of the program in helping students achieve Goal 3:
- Host professional development and career exploration activities
- Develop internship and practicum opportunities
- Maintain liaisons with external advisors in the field
- Promote the professional translation and interpreting certification of students.
The leadership of the graduate program in Spanish Translation/Interpreting will regularly review the structure and content of the program and the feedback received from assessments and surveys. These reviews will be used to provide the best possible education to students that meet current needs for professionals in these fields.