Foreign Languages & International Studies
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Graduate Program

Certificate in Translation

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Use your language abilities in a practical way, and add a skill set that increases your marketability. This certificate offers fully online delivery, year-round entry points, experienced faculty with real-world translation expertise, and one-on-one academic advising and support.

Our 100% online graduate certificate in translation is designed for graduates or senior undergraduate language majors who have strong skills in a second language and want to add value to their careers. Our 18-hour certificate is offered from a Christ-centered point of view and is a flexible and affordable option for those who want to add credibility to their language abilities. Our certificate can be completed in one year, but many students will take one course per semester and complete the certificate in two years. The program includes an emphasis on skills, ethics, written communication, creativity and technological skills needed for translators.

Our certificate is in French- or Spanish-to-English translation and is designed to help students learn and practice skills necessary for translation in the workplace, as a freelance operator, or in service to the community. It does not include a certification exam but is a first step towards a translation career, further specialization or higher education in translation. Courses include an overview of translation and specific specializations, theory, ethics, technology and business for translators, plus electives that include medical, literary, and legal translation, and interpreting. Courses are currently offered for French-English and Spanish-English language pairs.

For more information about this graduate certificate, contact the department of foreign languages and international studies at forlang@harding.edu.

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Application Requirements

  • Complete and submit the online application
  • Upload a written personal statement in both languages of your language pair
  • Upload a current resume/CV
  • Request official transcripts
    • Not required of Harding University alumni or current Harding University students.
    • Electronic transcripts should be sent directly to: Michelle Holland (mcoizman@harding.edu).
    • Paper transcripts should be mailed to:
      Harding University
      The Center for Translation
      915 E. Market Ave.
      HU 12263
      Searcy, AR 72149-5615

When to Apply

The Certificate in Translation can be started during the fall, spring or summer semesters. To begin the program, please submit your application by the following dates:

  • Fall application deadline: April 1 (extended to July 31 for Fall 2023)
  • Spring application deadline: Sept. 1
  • Summer application deadline: March 1
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Admissions Requirements

Admission to the Certificate in Translation program is determined on an individual basis. Requirements include:

  • An undergraduate degree in a foreign language or an advanced-mid rating on the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview in your non-native language or consent of the chair of the department of foreign languages and international studies.
  • Provisional standing due to academic reasons.

Not all candidates may meet the criteria for regular admission but may demonstrate the ability to succeed in our program. Students not meeting admissions requirements may be granted provisional admission with the condition of leveling work in the foreign language.

Cost and Financial Aid

Learn more about the cost and financial aid for graduate programs at Harding.

Curriculum Plan (Academic Catalog)

Coming soon

Course Schedule

Fall

  • TRNL 5000 — Introduction to Translation (link to catalog)
  • TRNL 5100 — Ethics in Translation (to be offered Fall 2024)

Spring

  • TRNL 6000 — Advanced Translation
  • TRNL 6500 — Translation Theory

Summer odd years:

  • TRNL 5030 — Business and Technology for Translation
  • TRNL 5090 — Literary Translation

Summer even years:

  • TRNL 5050 — Medical Translation
  • TRNL 5200 — Introduction to Interpreting
  • TRNL 5070 — Legal Translation

Contact Us

The Center for Translation is part of the Department of Foreign Languages and International Studies which is part of the College of Arts and Humanities.

The Center for Translation will be located in the new Holland-Waller Center.

Harding University Center for Translation
915 E. Market Ave.
Box 12263
Searcy, AR 72149

translation@harding.edu

501-279-4284