UWM’s Translation and Interpreting Studies program offers multiple degree options and tracks with concentrations in Research or Professional Translation, in five language pairs (Arabic, French, German, Russian, and Spanish to English) and/or in Interpreting. TIS offers through the MALLT program two coordinated degree programs: a MALLT (translation concentration)/MLIS degree with the School of Information Studies and a MALLT (translation concentration)/MBA with the Lubar School of Business. TIS also offers through the MALLT program coordinated 5-year bachelor’s/master’s programs (BA in French, German, Global Studies or LACUSL and MALLT—professional translation concentration—in relevant language pairs).

UWM graduates who earn the MA in Translation and Interpreting Studies in any of the above forms reflect sufficient preparation for gainful post-graduation employment or admission to a doctor of philosophy program at a peer or aspirational institutions, and they will:

1. Be knowledgeable about the linguistic, literary, and cultural productions of their source and target communities in the past and present; be able to situate them within a historical, cultural and discursive (interdisciplinary and/or cross-cultural) context; be familiar with several major tendencies in critical and theoretical analysis, and be able to apply them to the study of these texts.
2. Provide nuanced and sophisticated discussions (in writing and in conversation) of linguistic, literary, and cultural works in English, and when appropriate, in the target language of their field of study. This includes the ability to analyze and to incorporate critical/theoretical frameworks into their written and oral discussions of literary or cultural works.
3. Be able to perform professional skills tied to the translation and interpreting field (e.g., translate/interpret accurately in their area of specialization; create and maintain terminology database resources; efficiently and accurately conduct research related to TandI; understand broad aspects of the TandI industry).
4. Conduct independent research in Translation and Interpreting Studies. This includes the ability to develop and delimit a research question, to conduct a systematic investigation of the question, and to present or evaluate research according to standard models of analysis and argumentation.
5. Be aware of career and post-graduate opportunities that their degree makes possible, which includes knowing how to search and apply for professional opportunities or advanced study related to the MA, and participating in professional activities such as colloquia, conferences, and meetings.

Admission Requirements 

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines vary by program, please review the application deadline chart for specific programs. Other important dates and deadlines can be found by using the One Stop calendars.

Admission

Students seeking admission to the MA in Translation and Interpreting Studies degree program must meet all UW-Milwaukee Graduate School admission requirements.

• GRE General Test scores are not required, but students must pass the program’s Qualifying Exam (offered free three times/year).
• Entering graduate students should have a general background in a world language offered in the program and strong writing skills in English. Given the intrinsic multidisciplinary nature of Translation and Interpreting Studies, no specific undergraduate coursework is required.
• Students who lack minimal background requirements may be admitted provided that the deficiencies amount to no more than two courses, and deficiencies must be made up within three enrolled semesters of graduate study.

Credits and Courses

Students enrolled in the MA in Translation and Interpreting Studies degree program must complete a total of 30 credits. Of these credits, 21 are required for the Translation concentration, and 24 are required for the Interpreting concentration. The remaining 9 for Translation concentrations or 6 for Interpreting concentrations must be earned in approved graduate elective courses.

Formal courses in Translation and Interpreting Studies that may be taken for graduate credit are listed below (list is not exhaustive). All courses are for three credits unless otherwise noted.

Qualifying Courses

Program Requirements

Comprehensive Examinations

Candidates for graduation in all TIS tracks and concentrations must, under the direction of their major professor and the supervision of their exam committee comprised of relevant graduate faculty, complete and defend comprehensive examinations.

Thesis

Students completing the Research track must also complete and defend a thesis. An acceptable thesis is defined as one that represents an original contribution to the field of Translation and Interpreting Studies, of sufficient caliber for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Time Limit

Full-time students generally take two years to complete the program; part-time students within three to five years. The student must complete all degree requirements within five years of initial enrollment.