Why translation at Iowa?

Explore the world through translation—language, culture, and connection in every class.

Enrich your academic journey

Studying translation at University of Iowa combines language, creative writing, and cultural exploration to enhance your academic journey. You’ll apply your skills to real-world projects and internships while gaining a global perspective that complements any field of study.

Research and scholarship

Explore articles and books published by translation faculty at the University of Iowa.

Study abroad

Practice your language skills, expose yourself to world cultures, and expand your worldview.

Internships

Apply what you learn in the program, gain real world experience, and pursue your future career path.

Connect with an ambassador

Embrace your potential as a student

Become a student ambassador

Share your passion and lead others to success

Why study translation at Iowa?

Transform your passion for language into global opportunities and career success.

The University of Iowa is home to the first-ever Translation BA in the U.S., offering a unique and flexible academic experience at the intersection of world languages, creative writing, and translation studies. Whether you’re pursuing a single major or combining it with another field, the program allows you to develop essential linguistic and communication skills that prepare you for careers in international relations, business, publishing, and more.

In addition to rigorous coursework, the translation program provides hands-on experiences through internships, real-world projects, and access to renowned guest speakers and translators. You’ll gain professional exposure through initiatives like Exchanges, a student-run literary journal, and Translator’s Note, a podcast that connects you to the global translation community. The program also offers unique opportunities for funding and networking through the Center for Translation and Global Literacy.

At Iowa, studying translation is more than just language—it’s a lens to understand and engage with the world. With a long history of excellence and resources that support both creative and professional growth, the translation program equips you with the tools needed to succeed in a rapidly globalizing world.

1 st

BA for translation in the history of the U.S.

60 +

years of translation at Iowa

40 +

years of the MFA in Literary Translation

Translation resources

Campus resources

Organizations and resources

Journals, websites, blogs, and publishers

Studies, databases, and archives

Write your story

Build knowledge. Conduct research. Create new work. Stand out among your peers. You're going places, and it all starts here.

Translation faculty

Potrait of Aron Aji

Aron Aji, PhD

Title/Position
Associate Professor of Instruction, Translation
Potrait of Roxanna Curto

Roxanna Curto, PhD

Title/Position
Associate Professor, French
Affiliate Faculty, Translation
Potrait of Denise Filos

Denise Filios, PhD

Title/Position
Affiliate Faculty, Translation
Portrait of Brian Gollnick

Brian Gollnick, PhD

Title/Position
Affiliate Faculty, Translation
Portrait of Kendall Heitzman

Kendall Heitzman, PhD

Title/Position
Associate Professor, Japanese
Affiliate Faculty, Translation
Potrait of Waltraud Maierhofer

Waltraud Maierhofer, PhD

Title/Position
Professor, German
Affiliate Faculty, Translation
Potrait of Ana Merino

Ana Merino, PhD

Title/Position
Affiliate Faculty, Translation
Portrait of Christopher Merrill

Christopher Merrill, PhD

Title/Position
International Writing Program Director
Affiliate Faculty, Translation
Portrait of Yasmine Ramanda, professor of Arabic

Yasmine Ramadan, PhD

Title/Position
Associate Professor, Arabic
Affiliate Faculty, Translation
Portrait of Ana M. Rodríguez-Rodríguez

Ana M. Rodríguez-Rodríguez, PhD

Title/Position
Affiliate Faculty, Translation
Portrait of Adrienne Rose

Adrienne K. Ho Rose, PhD

Title/Position
Associate Professor of Instruction, Translation
Potrait of Jan Steyn

Jan Steyn, PhD

Title/Position
Director of Graduate Studies
Associate Professor of Instruction, French
Associate Professor of Instruction, Translation
Portrait of Diana Thow

Diana Thow, PhD, MFA

Title/Position
Assistant Professor, Italian
Assistant Professor, Translation