Why Pursue a Graduate Certificate in Translation and Interpreting
Translation is the rendering of written text from one source language into another, while interpretation is the rendering of spoken language from a source language into another. Although this program focuses 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. Offerings in this certificate include training in translation and interpreting studies theory, cultural competency, ethics, the practice of language mediation, and best practices.
In addition to meeting university-wide admission requirements, prospective students must pass a written entrance exam in both languages to determine linguistic competence and general cultural preparation. This exam is administered by the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures.
Admission & Application Requirements
Applications are submitted through the UT San Antonio Graduate Application. Please upload all required documents (listed below) on your UT San Antonio Graduate Application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure completion and submission of the application, a nonrefundable application fee, and all required supporting documents are on file with UT San Antonio by the appropriate application deadline.
For international students, please note that student visas are not issued at UT San Antonio for non-degree-seeking students, including certificate programs. For more information, visit our international students admission page.
| Translation and Interpreting Studies (Certificate) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Required Degree | Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in the United States or have proof of equivalent training at a foreign institution. | |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) Departments may consider GPA of last 60 semester credit hours | |
| Transcripts* | Required from all institutions attended; international transcripts must be recorded/translated to English | |
| Credential Evaluation | Required if you have earned university-level credit from foreign institutions. Submit an evaluation of your transcripts from FCSA or any NACES-approved credential evaluation agency. | |
| English Language Proficiency | 79 TOEFL iBT / 6.5 IELTS / Duolingo 100 For exams taken on or after January 21, 2026: We require a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 4.0. |
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| Purpose Statement | Required | |
| Letters of Recommendation | 1 academic or professional reference(s) demonstrating your attributes for successful completion of this program (you will request these through the Graduate Admissions Application; let your recommenders know of your deadline to ensure submissions are on time) | |
| Entrance Exam | Required for all prospective students who are not already admitted to the MA in Spanish | |
| *Unofficial transcripts will be taken into consideration for admissions; however, if admitted into the program, you must submit official transcripts to the University. | ||
Application Deadlines
Applicants are encouraged to have their admission file completed as early as possible. All applications, required documents and letters of recommendation, if applicable, must be submitted by 5:00 PM U.S. Central Time on the day of the deadline. Deadlines are subject to change.
| Translation and Interpreting Studies (Certificate) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Timing on Admission Decision: Completed applications will be reviewed for admission on a rolling basis. Decisions generally will be made and sent to applicants within 4 to 6 weeks of receiving the application. | |||
| Application Deadlines for: | Priority | International | Domestic |
| Spring 2026 | October 1 | October 1 | |
| Summer 2026 | March 1 | March 1 | |
| Fall 2026 | June 1 | August 1 | |
| Spring 2027 | October 1 | October 1 | |
| Summer 2027 | March 1 | March 1 | |
Funding Opportunities
ResourcesCareer Options
UT San Antonio prepares you for future careers that are in demand. The possible careers below are based on data pulled by a third-party tool called Emsi, which pulls information from sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, online job postings, other government databases and more to give you regional and national career outlook related to this academic program.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Graduate Certificate in Translation and Interpreting Studies is a 15-hour option in Spanish graduate studies which introduces students to the theory and practice of translation (written) and interpreting (oral) between Spanish and English. Offerings include training in translation and interpreting studies theory, cultural competency, ethics, the practice of language mediation in various settings and current best practices.
Students and professionals who want to develop or formalize advanced skills in Spanish-English translation and interpreting would benefit from this certificate. The TIS certificate allows students to enhance their language mediation abilities for careers in legal, medical, community or cross-cultural settings as well as to support further graduate study in language- or communication-related fields.
The curriculum covers foundational and advanced topics in both translation and interpreting, including principles and theory of translation and interpreting, specialized practice in settings like legal and medical contexts, cultural competency and ethics and opportunities to take electives in Spanish linguistics, plus an optional practicum that reinforces real-world translation skills.
This certificate can advance your career by strengthening your professional credentials in translation and interpreting and equipping you with specialized, in-demand skills applicable to legal, medical, community and institutional settings. It can also serve as a career enhancement for professionals working with multilingual populations or as preparation for further graduate study.
Students who are also enrolled in a master’s degree program at the same time can qualify for financial aid.
