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.

Coursework Requirements
Course typeHours
Gateway and foundation courses12
Workshops6
Seminar3
Electives6
Outreach and engagement3
Capstone course3
Language proficiency-
Internship requirement-
Total hours33

Capstone course

Students are required to take either TRNS:4500 - Undergraduate Capstone Project, or a departmental capstone course in which the student completes a capstone project on translation (with the consent of the instructor, and must be approved by advisor). This course is to be taken in final semester of minor.

Language proficiency

Students are required to have language proficiency in the world language from which the student plans to translate, demonstrated by successfully completing an advanced course taught in that language: either a 4000-level course or a course at the highest level available in that language at the University of Iowa. With the consent of the advisor, exceptions can be made for transfer courses or independent study to meet the language proficiency requirement.

Internship or study abroad requirement

At the heart of the translation program at the University of Iowa lies the indispensable component of practical experience, epitomized by the mandatory internship or study abroad requirement for the Bachelor's degree. This requirement serves as a cornerstone for budding translators, offering a multifaceted array of benefits essential for their academic and professional growth, empowering studies to embark on their journey as proficient, culturally-attuned translators poised to make successful and meaningful contributions to a globalized world.

Internship opportunities

Internships are supervised practical experiences related to a student's course of study. By completing an internship, students build their skill set and their resume.

How do I get an internship?

  1. Begin looking 4-6 Months in advance–Start your internship search well in advance to give yourself enough time to research opportunities, apply, and secure a position. Use our internship opportunities list to access some interesting internship opportunities.
  2. Talk to your advisor–Schedule a meeting with your academic advisor to discuss your interests, career goals, and potential internship opportunities. You can also meet with a Career Coach at the Pomerantz Center. They can provide guidance on finding relevant internships and offer valuable advice on the application process.
  3. Decide when you will do your internship–We encourage students to complete internships before the spring semester of their 4th year. Consider your academic schedule and personal commitments to determine the best semester to pursue an internship. Some students may choose to intern during the summer while others may opt for a semester-long internship during the fall or spring.
  4. Sign up for TRNS:3491–You will need to register for the appropriate class and credit hours in order to get credit for your internship an complete your degree requirements. Check with your academic advisor to determine the requirements for earning credit and enroll in the appropriate internship class.
  5. Apply for the internship–Once you've identified potential internship opportunities, apply by submitting your resume, cover letter, and any additional application materials required by the employer. You can apply through the company's website, attend recruitment events, or reach out to advisors for assistance in finding suitable opportunities.
  6. Fill out the internship agreement formAfter securing an internship, download and complete the internship agreement form. This document outlines the terms and responsibilities of the internship and is signed by you, your academic advisor, and your supervisor at the internship site. Make sure everyone involves has a copy of the agreement.
  7. Begin your internship–Start your internship on the agreed-upon start date and familiarize yourself with your responsibilities, the company culture, and your coworkers. Schedule regular check-ins with both your faculty advisor and supervisor to discuss your progress, address any concerns, and set goals for the internship. We recommend that you schedule check-ins with your faculty advisor after the first week, 3-5 weeks in, and at least one week before completion.
  8. Complete the final assignment–To receive academic credit for your internship, complete the final assignment as outlined by your faculty advisor. This could include a reflective paper, a presentation, or a portfolio showcasing your work and accomplishments during the internship. Make sure to submit the assignment by the specified deadline to fulfill the requirements of the internship program.

If you have any questions about this process or about the internship requirement in general, contact ui-lllc@uiowa.edu or your academic advisor.

What is an internship?

An internship is a temporary work experience provided by an organization to a student. It's a hands-on opportunitiy for students to apply the knowledge and skills they've gained in the classroom to real-world situations within their field of study. Internships can vary in duration, from several weeks to several months, and can be either paid or unpaid.

Completing an internship is highly beneficial for students for several reasons:

  1. Gain real-world experience–Internships provide students with practical experience in their chosen field, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life situations. This experience is invaluable for understanding how concepts learned in the classroom translate to the workplace.
  2. Explore career paths–Internships offer students the opportunity to explore different career paths within their field. By working in various roles and industries, students can gain insight into what type of work they enjoy and what career path they want to pursue after graduation.
  3. Build professional networks–Internships enable students to establish connections with professionals in their field. Building a network of contacts can lead to mentorship opportunities, job referrals, and valuable insights into the industry.
  4. Enhance skills–Internships allow students to develop and enhance important skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. These skills are essential for success in any career and are often best learned through hands-on experience.
  5. Boost resume–Having internship experience on a resume can significantly enhance a student's marketability to future employers. It demonstrates to potential employers that the student has practical experience, initiative, and a commitment to their chosen field.
  6. Increase job opportunities–Many employers use internships as a recruitment tool. Students who perform well during their internship may be offered full-time employment upon graduation, either with the same organization or through referrals to other companies.

Overall, completing an internship provides students with a valuable opportunity to bridge the gap between academic learning and the professional world, ultimately enhancing their employability and setting them up for success in their future careers.

If you have questions, please contact ui-lllc@uiowa.edu.

Where can I look for an internship?

The following list is a good place to start looking for internships opportunities. This list is not exhaustive, however.

  • GlobalTies Iowa
    Are you globally minded? Do you enjoy meeting people from around the world? Are you passionate about cultural exchange and citizen diplomacy? If you answered yes to any of these questions, a position at GlobalTies Iowa may be right for you!
  • Iowa International Center (IIC)
    The IIC connects Iowans with people from around the world to create a welcoming and prosperous community. They do this by removing language barriers, reducing biases, and offering international exchanges through a variety of services.
  • Center for Higher Education Linguistics and Translation (CHELT)
    The CHELT is deeply social-justice oriented in its goal, as CHELT recognizes that racial and ethnic discrimination is often amplified by or shrouded in linguistic discrimination. As a result, CHELT seeks to liberate minoritized language populations by improving the language structure of higher education, mitigating the longitudinal effects of racial and ethnic discrimination in our society. To request internship information, fill out the "Talk to CHELT" form after following the link above.
  • Immigrant Welcome Network (IWN)
    The mission of the IWN is to empower and support new immigrant and refugee families in Johnson County, Iowa by providing temporary housing and comprehensive assistance in navigating the complexities of resettlement. They aim to promote self-sufficiency and integration through connecting families with resources such as job opportunities, education, healthcare, and permanent housing.
  • Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP)
    The mission of DVIP is to provide comprehensive support and advocacy services to victims/survivors, focusing on immediate and long-term safety, empowerment, dignity, and hope. In collaboration with the community, they strive to end domestic abuse through education, accountability, and social justice.
  • Open Heartland
    Building relationships is what Open Heartland is all about. A community is most potent when there are positive relationships between all community members. Currently, they support over 300 families that have immigrated from Mexico and Central America who now reside in the community's most vulnerable apartment complexes and mobile home communities. They want to help these families become fully immersed in the community and give their kids the best opportunities in life - which is why they came here in the first place - and it is essential to make sure their basic needs are met, like food, shelter, and safety.
  • Iowa Legal Aid
    Iowa Legal Aid is a nonprofit organization providing critical legal assistance to low-income and vulnerable Iowans who have nowhere else to turn.
  • Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa
    The Center for Worker Justice unites low-wage workers across race, ethnicity, and immigration status to build power and address the root causes of poverty.
  • TranslationPal
    Located in Iowa City, TranslationPal translates documents from multiple languages into English.

    If you have questions, please contact ui-lllc@uiowa.edu.

Internships resources and funding

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