Translation and Interpreting Diploma

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Total Credits: 45

Major Number: 5920
CIP Code: 16.0103

Program Description

The Diploma in Translation and Interpreting prepares students to provide professional-level translation and interpreting services in community and public service settings, including healthcare, educational settings, and legal settings. Students will increase their knowledge of language, communication, and culture as they relate to translation and interpreting; develop their understanding of ethical professional practice and decision-making; and acquire translation, consecutive interpreting, sight translation, and simultaneous interpreting skills. As part of our commitment to increasing the availability of high-quality, professional interpreting services throughout our communities, the program accepts students with any spoken language in combination with English and is made available via remote access for distance learning students.

Program Prerequisites

Course placement into college-level English and Reading OR completion of  with a grade of C or higher OR completion of  with a grade of C or higher and qualifying English Placement Exam OR completion of  with a grade of C or higher and  with a grade of C or higher OR completion of  with a grade of C or higher and  with a grade of C or higher.

High-level fluency in speaking and writing at least two languages before enrolling in the program. In rare cases, and with the consent of the program director, students who speak two or more languages fluently but only write fluently in English may be granted permission to enroll. This exception is reserved for primarily oral languages for which there is a high demand for interpreters.

Prospective students must submit a student information form and language screening to trin@century.edu before registering for the program. Registration for , , and  requires consent from Program Director, after review of student information form and an informal language screening.

Advanced High or Superior rating on the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) in the weaker language,  as determined by Program Director, or equivalent, prior to enrolling in  is required. Students complete this assessment in ; a course fee is attached to  to cover the cost. Scores of Advanced Mid are considered on a case-by-case basis; students who are rated Advanced Mid and continue in the program are expected to commit to further language study. Students who score below the cut-offs described in the preceding sentences may retake the Oral Proficiency Interview at their own cost and after consulting with the Program Director. At least six months must pass between the initial test and the re-test.

Special Instructions

Minnesota Department of Human Services background study without restrictions may be required for the internship, service learning, and field experience requirements.