MASTERS IN TRANSLATION & INTERPRETING
Fully Online
Fully Online
You have the flexibility to learn online from anywhere in the world. All course and group work is entirely online. You also get individual attention from your professors so you can discuss material, ask questions, and get help.
Students at a table
Engaging
The program takes into account the needs of off-campus students. The online curriculum provides a variety of engaging delivery formats such as online lectures, collaborative sessions, discussion boards, dual-mode instruction, and feedback in many forms.
engaging

World-Class
The University of Illinois online Master of Arts degree provides rigorous academic training and a credential from one of the world's top-ranked research universities.


The Master of Arts in Translation and Interpreting is offered in two instructional modes: online or on campus. Online students take the same core courses and are taught by the same instructors as campus students. While online students are not required to come to campus, they are always welcome at all events, including the graduation ceremony. Because the content and requirements of the online and campus modes are identical, the final transcript and diploma do not specify the instructional mode.

Master's degree candidates complete coursework in the foundations and practice of translation and interpreting, and may specialize in one or a combination of three areas: Translation for the Professions; Literary Translation; or Conference and Community Interpreting. We encourage all students to also explore areas outside of their area of specialization. All foundation courses are taught in English, and practice work is done in the student’s language pair.

 Why Online? 
  • Demand. Translators and interpreters use languages to build bridges between cultures, worlds, and people. This is one reason professional translation and interpreting skills are in such great demand today.
  • Skills. A Master's degree will provide you with the intellectual background and technical skills you need to be a successful translator and interpreter.
 Why Illinois? 
  • Interdisciplinary expertise. Our core faculty members are active in the translation and interpreting field. Our affiliate faculty members offer expertise in a variety of research areas such as linguistics, literary and cultural studies, philosophy and ethics, religious studies, and computer science.
  • Networking. Learn alongside students with diverse perspectives and levels of experience. Students enroll from all parts of the globe, contributing to a rich learning environment.
  • Multilingual approach. With the assistance of our affiliate faculty members, core faculty guide translation and interpreting practice in several different languages, including all the official languages of the United Nations.
Why This Program?
  • Specialized coursework. In addition to the foundational courses in translation theory, professional practice, and technical skills, we offer coursework in three major areas:
    • Terminology, Localization and Translation for the Professions
    • Literary and Applied Literary Translation
    • Conference and Community Interpreting
  • Students in our program choose at least two courses in one of these three areas, based on their interests and professional goals. The Master's program culminates with a major individualized capstone project.
Application Deadlines
  • December 1 for full scholarship consideration.
  • March 1 standard application deadline.
  • After March 1, we may consider complete application files only if space permits. We cannot consider any applications that arrive after May 1

Alumni Spotlight

Matthew Ginsberg-Jaeckle (MA, 2015) is working to improve the way medical interpreters are trained to give every patient a voice, regardless of barriers.

"Interpreters are not just a box, where one language goes in, and another comes out. We have to do a lot more than just throw an interpreter into a room and tell them to repeat what the clinician said."

Read the story

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