Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about pursuing Translation Studies at UT Dallas.
Do you offer a certificate in translation and interpretation?
We do offer a Graduate Certificate in Literary Translation which focuses on the history, theory and practice of literary translation. Students will study and learn to produce literary translations. Learn more on our Degrees and Certificates page.
Note, however, that we do not offer any kind of certification in interpreting or translation coursework in the realm of commercial or technical translation (business, law, medicine, technology, etc.). Our program focuses on studies in literary translation and translation theory.
What are the requirements to pursue the Graduate Certificate in Literary Translation?
The Graduate Certificate in Literary Translation is open to all graduate students currently enrolled at UT Dallas.
Prospective students will need all of the following:
- A CV
- Proof of proficiency in English and a foreign language
- Approval of: Language and Literature Program Coordinator; Associate Dean for Graduate Studies
- Successful completion of LIT 6326 Translation Workshop or LIT 6319 Translation Theory (see catalog)
More information is also available on our Degrees and Certificates page.
What kinds of translation studies courses are available at UTD?
See our Translations Studies Courses page.
I live in a different city (or country); can I study remotely? Do you have a distance-learning program or offer online courses in translation studies?
We do not currently have a distance-learning program, nor do we offer fully-online courses.
Do you offer an MA or PhD in translation?
See our Degrees and Certificates page.
Do I need to be fluent in another language to pursue translation studies at UTD?
The research option MA degree requires demonstrated proficiency in an approved foreign language.
Students in all PhD programs in the Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology are expected to demonstrate intermediate-level reading proficiency in a foreign language (equivalent to two years of foreign-language study at the undergraduate level). Students must fulfill the language requirement before scheduling doctoral field examinations.
Please see the links below for more information on the foreign language requirement on how this requirement can be satisfied for the MA and the PhD and for the Graduate Certificate in Literary Translation:
How many hours are required to complete a degree?
For an MA, you would take 33 semester credit hours of coursework. For a PhD, you would take 45 semester credit hours of coursework.
Would I be required to write an MA thesis or a PhD dissertation?
Students pursuing an MA have the option of either producing two research papers or a creative project accompanied by a scholarly essay originating in or completed for graduate courses, which are then revised and presented in a portfolio for evaluation by a master’s committee.
Read more about MA portfolio guidelines.
Students pursuing a PhD are formally advanced to PhD candidacy when they have successfully completed the doctoral field examinations and received final approval for dissertation topics. Students should submit a preliminary dissertation proposal for consideration during the oral section of the doctoral field examination. After that examination, a four-person supervising committee is formed, normally from the examining committee plus an additional faculty member, to oversee dissertation work. The supervising committee must then approve a formal dissertation proposal before the student submits it to the Graduate Studies Committee for final approval.
Read more about MA and PhD Creative Project Guidelines.
Review the Course Catalog page for Graduate Studies in Literature in the Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology at UTD for a detailed description of the requirements for graduate (MA and PhD) work.
How do I apply for the MA or PhD program?
Read more about the Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology’ graduate admission requirements and graduate application requirements and process.
Do I need to take the GRE to enroll in the graduate programs of the Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology?
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required, but GRE scores may be requested to augment or clarify a student’s academic record.
How much is tuition?
Estimate your tuition and learn more about tuition and financial aid at UT Dallas.
Are there scholarships or other kinds of funding available for graduate study?
Read more about funding opportunities through Teaching Assistantships and the UT Dallas Office of Financial Aid.
I’m an international student interested in studying at UTD. What do I need to do to begin literary translation studies?
Review the international graduate student admission information as well as the opportunities for international financial aid and scholarships.