Academics FAQ

  1. How do I enroll as an undergraduate student?
  2. What are the requirements for the Interpreter Studies Certificate?
  3. What is the Interpreter Studies Certificate?
  4. How do I enroll as a graduate student?
  5. What is the tuition at UMass?
  6. Can I take courses as a non-degree student?
  7. Are there scholarships available for translation students?

  1. How do I enroll as an undergraduate student?

    Follow the normal admissions procedures for undergraduate application. Requirements include the complete application form, your high school transcript, SAT-I or ACT scores, essay, application fee, English language proficiency. The normal deadline for fall admission is January 15; for spring admission is October 1.

    Please see http://www.umass.edu/admissions/application_process/Requirements/ for more information.

  2. What are the requirements for the Interpreter Studies Certificate?

    To receive the certificate program in Interpreter Studies, students must complete the following courses:

    • Interpreting I (minimum grade: B) - taught in the Fall
    • Interpreting II (minimum grade: B) - taught in the Spring
    • Two 300+ level language courses
    • Two 300+ level courses focusing on non-American culture, politics, economics and/or business

    More information can be found on the Interpreter Studies Certificate page, or by contacting Elena Langdon.

  3. What is the Interpreter Studies Certificate?

    The Interpreter Studies Certificate is an introduction to the theory and practice of language interpreting, and open to any language pair. Students will learn about the history of interpreting, modes and theoretical models, ethics and standards, as well as skills & techniques to work as interpreters in a variety of settings. This program is not a certification (no such thing exists in the United States except for court interpreters in a few languages and ASL interpreters), but serves as basic preparation for future studies and work in the field.

    More information can be found on the Interpreter Studies Certificate page or by contacting Elena Langdon.

  4. How do I enroll as a graduate student?

    Apply to the MA in Translation Studies Program by filling out a normal graduate school application, which can be downloaded at http://webapp.spire.umass.edu/admissions/cgi-bin/inquiry/gradinq_display.pl. Requirements include a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, a minimum GPA of 2.75, a minimum GRE of 550, two official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, proficiency in English and one non-English language, sample translation or critical essay, and an application fee. The deadline for fall admission is Feb. 1. For more information, please see http://www.umass.edu/gradschool/prospective_students_application_information_domestic.htm.

  5. What is the tuition at UMass?

    For updated information on tuition and fees, please see the graduate school website at http://www.umass.edu/grad_catalog/tuition.html.

  6. Can I take courses as a non-degree student?

    Yes. If you have a bachelor’s degree, you may take up to six graduate credits as a non-degree student, providing you are qualified and space is available. For an application, see http://www.umass.edu/gradschool/files/nondegreeapp.pdf (Adobe PDF reader required) . It is sometimes cheaper to register for university scheduled classes through Continuing Education and Professional Education. Please see https://www.umassulearn.net/Registration-Info/Registration-for-university-scheduled-(non-CPE)-classes for more information.

  7. Are there scholarships available for translation students?

    The Translation Center has a few scholarships available, but be advised it is very competitive, with many applications and just a few slots. Some students work teaching languages, and others receive tuition waivers. There is a box to check on the first page of the application if you need financial aid. In addition, many students work at the Translation Center on paid per project basis to supplement their income.