Earn your BA in Translation

The Bachelor of Arts in Translation requires a minimum of 120 semester hours, including 33 semester hours of work for the major. A minimum of 21 semester hours for the major must be earned at the University of Iowa. Coursework in the major may not be taken pass/nonpass. Students must maintain a grade-point average (GPA) of at least 2.00 in all courses for the major and in all UI courses for the major. They also must complete the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences GE CLAS Core.

Students are encouraged to declare the major as early as possible, especially if they intend to pursue an additional major or minors. Active proficiency in a second language is required for the major; most students who successfully complete the major will need at least 6 semester hours of additional coursework beyond fourth-level proficiency in language study.

Students may count a maximum of 9 semester hours of coursework from another major, minor, or certificate toward the translation major. Students who earn a BA in Translation may not earn a Minor in Translation for Global Literacy.

The major in translation prepares students to translate from another language into English or vice versa in a variety of fields such as literary, legal, medical, or technical translation. All students should tailor their plan of study to their experience and objectives. Students interested in the major should meet with a faculty member associated with the major program as soon as possible to develop an individualized plan of study.