Why translation at Iowa?
Explore the world through translation—language, culture, and connection in every class.
Explore undergraduate and graduate programs in translation
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
Become a student ambassador
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
News
5 Pieces of Advice I’d Give Myself after Studying Abroad in Costa Rica
Center for Translation and Global Literacy 2025 Student Travel Grants
Translation resources
Campus resources
- International Programs Academic Centers and Programs (African Studies Program, Center for Asian and Pacific Studies, European Studies Group, Iowa Global Health Network, King Sejong Institute, Korean Studies Research Network, Department of Spanish and Portuguese, South Asian Studies Program)
- International Programs Student Grants and Fellowships
- Center for the Book
- Obermann Center for Advanced Studies
- University Libraries Area Liaisons
Organizations and resources
- American Literary Translators Association
- American Comparative Literature Association
- American Translators and Interpreting Studies Association
- American Translators Association
- Association of Writers and Writing Programs
- Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
- British Centre for Literary Translation
- Center for Literary Translation
- Emerging Literary Translators Network USA
- European Society for Translation Studies
- Literary Translators’ Association of Canada
- Mid America Chapter of American Translators Association
- Pen American Center
Journals, websites, blogs, and publishers
- A Public Space
- Absinthe: The New European Writing
- Archipelago Books
- Artful Dodge: Poets as Translators
- Authors & Translators
- Asymptote
- Autumn Hill Books
- The Brooklyn Rail
- The Buenos Aires Review
- Center for the Art of Translation
- Center for Translation Studies
- In Translation
- M-Dash
- The Massachusetts Review
- n+1
- Open Letter Books
- Quarterly Conversations
- Translationista
- Ugly Duckling Press
- Words Without Borders
- World Literature Today
- Zephyr Press
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

Aron Aji, PhD

Roxanna Curto, PhD

Denise Filios, PhD

Brian Gollnick, PhD

Kendall Heitzman, PhD

Waltraud Maierhofer, PhD

Ana Merino, PhD

Christopher Merrill, PhD

Yasmine Ramadan, PhD

Ana M. Rodríguez-Rodríguez, PhD

Adrienne K. Ho Rose, PhD

Jan Steyn, PhD
