Curriculum
The Middlebury Institute Master of Arts in Translation and Interpretation, Master of Arts in Conference Interpretation, and Master of Arts in Translation are four-semester, 60-credit programs.
- Translation and Interpretation
- Conference Interpretation
- Translation
- Available for all three degrees: specializations and internships
Master of Arts in Translation and Interpretation
| Start Date | Credits | Thesis and/or Practicum | Language Competency |
|---|---|---|---|
| August | 60 | Optional | Required |
Translation and Interpretation Sample Course Schedule
Fall Start, Full Time, Four Semesters
| Semester | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 1 | Introduction to Translation (B–A, A–B) | 8 |
| Fall 1 | Introduction to Interpretation (B–A, A–B) | 4 |
| Fall 1 | Translation Technology | 2 |
| Fall 1 | Electives | 2 |
| Spring 1 | Intermediate Translation (B–A, A–B) | 8 |
| Spring 1 | Intermediate Interpretation—Consecutive (B–A, A–B) | 4 |
| Spring 1 | Intermediate Interpretation—Simultaneous (B–A) | 2 |
| Spring 1 | Advanced Translation Technology | 2 |
| Fall 2 | Advanced Translation I (A–B, B–A) | 4 |
| Fall 2 | Advanced Interpretation I—Consecutive (B–A, A–B) | 4 |
| Fall 2 | Advanced Interpretation I—Simultaneous (B–A) | 2 |
| Fall 2 | Electives | 4 |
| Spring 2 | Advanced Translation II (A–B, B–A) | 4 |
| Spring 2 | Advanced Interpretation II—Consecutive (B–A, A–B) | 4 |
| Spring 2 | Advanced Interpretation II—Simultaneous (B–A) | 2 |
| Spring 2 | Translation and Interpretation as a Profession | 2 |
| Spring 2 | Electives | 2 |
Core Course Work
Translation
Learn to provide high-quality translation and independently edit and revise pieces using the latest in translation technologies. You will be introduced to a variety of genres and fields, including politics, economics, science, and technology.
Interpretation
Learn to interpret in both consecutive and simultaneous modes across a variety of genres and fields. You will also learn to work in interpretation booths and gain experience with various technologies used for interpretation in today’s markets.
Tools and Technology
The translation market is constantly adapting to new technologies. Gain experience and familiarity with these technologies and consider the ways in which they will facilitate and affect your professional practice.
Theory
Explore the latest theories in translation research so you are familiar with the current work being done in the field, and consider the impact this has on your own translation work.
Professional Skills
Gain real-world experience by participating in the student-run Fall Forum. You will use your interpretation skills with a live audience. You’ll also participate in Translation and Interpretation as a Profession, a career-focused course that helps prepare you for the markets in which you may work. In conjunction with this course, your career and academic advisor will provide information and guidance regarding your career goals.
Electives (18–21 credits)
You will complete your degree with electives of your choice. You can take literary translation, translation technology courses, pursue further interpretation course work, build your confidence in public speaking, or take general courses from other programs to build on your expertise.
Recommended electives:
- Translation Technology (2 credits)
- Advanced Translation Technology (2 credits)
- Intermediate Interpretation Simultaneous B-A (2 credits)
- Advanced Interpretation Simultaneous B-A (2 credits)
- Advanced Interpretation II Simultaneous B-A (2 credits)
Advanced Entry
We offer a 30-credit, two-semester Translation and Interpretation program to students who have substantial prior course work in translation and interpretation as well as professional experience in the field; visit How to Apply for more information.
Course work:
- Advanced Translation I (4 credits)
- Advanced Interpretation I—Consecutive B–A (2 credits)
- Advanced Interpretation I—Consecutive A–B (2 credits)
- Translation and Interpretation as a Profession (2 credits)
- Advanced Translation II (4 credits)
- Advanced Interpretation II—Consecutive B–A (2 credits)
- Advanced Interpretation II—Consecutive A–B (2 credits)
- Translation and Interpretation as a Profession (1–2 credits)
- Electives (10–11 credits)
Master of Arts in Conference Interpretation
| Start Date | Credits | Practicum | Language Competency |
|---|---|---|---|
| August | 60 | Required | Required |
Conference Interpretation Sample Course Schedule
Fall Start, Full Time, Four Semesters
| Semester | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 1 | Introduction to Translation (B–A, A–B) | 8 |
| Fall 1 | Introduction to Interpretation (B–A, A–B) | 4 |
| Fall 1 | Translation Technology | 2 |
| Fall 1 | Electives | 2 |
| Spring 1 | Intermediate Translation (B–A, A–B) | 4 |
| Spring 1 | Intermediate Interpretation—Consecutive (B–A, A–B) | 4 |
| Spring 1 | Intermediate Interpretation—Simultaneous (B–A, A–B) | 4 |
| Spring 1 | Advanced Translation Technology | 2 |
| Spring 1 | Electives | 2 |
| Fall 2 | Advanced Interpretation I—Consecutive (B–A, A–B) | 4 |
| Fall 2 | Advanced Interpretation I—Simultaneous (B–A, A–B) | 4 |
| Fall 2 | Practicum in Interpretation | 2 |
| Fall 2 | Electives | 4 |
| Spring 2 | Advanced Interpretation II—Consecutive (B–A, A–B) | 4 |
| Spring 2 | Advanced Interpretation II—Simultaneous (B–A, A–B) | 4 |
| Spring 2 | Practicum in Interpretation | 2 |
| Spring 2 | Translation and Interpretation as a Profession | 2 |
| Spring 2 | Electives | 2 |
Core Course Work
Translation
During your first year, you will explore translation skills, to build both your language awareness and terminology in your A and B languages.
Interpretation
Work in and out of both your A and B languages in consecutive and simultaneous environments. Explore a variety of genres and fields, including politics, economics, science, and technology. Learn to work in interpretation booths and gain experience with various technologies used for interpretation in today’s markets.
Tools and Technology
The translation market is constantly adapting to new technologies. Gain experience and familiarity with these technologies and consider the ways in which they will facilitate and affect your professional practice.
Theory
Explore the latest theories in translation research so you are familiar with the current work being done in the field and consider the impact this has on your own translation work.
Professional Skills
Participate in Translation and Interpretation as a Profession, a career-focused course that helps prepare you for the markets in which you may work. In conjunction with this course, your career and academic advisor will provide information and guidance regarding your career goals.
Electives (14–15 credits)
You will complete your degree with electives of your choice. You can explore the Mindfulness for Interpreters course, pursue further translation course work, build your confidence in public speaking, or take general courses from other programs to build on your expertise.
Recommended electives:
- Translation Technology (2 credits)
Practicum (4 credits total: 2 credits per semester)
Gain real-world experience by completing a two-semester interpretation practicum in which you will provide simultaneous and consecutive interpretation services in public venues, including conferences and even some of the Institute’s multilingual interdisciplinary courses.
Three Language Additional Requirements
If you are also pursuing a C language, the following courses are also required:
- Introduction to Translation Written/Sight C–English (2 credits)
- Introduction to Interpretation C–English (2 credits)
- Intermediate Translation Written/Sight C–English (2 credits)
- Intermediate Interpretation—Consecutive C–English (2 credits)
- Intermediate Interpretation—Simultaneous C–English (2 credits)
- Advanced Interpretation I—Simultaneous C–English (2 credits)
- Advanced Interpretation I—Consecutive C–English (2 credits)
- Advanced Interpretation II—Simultaneous C–English (2 credits)
- Advanced Interpretation II—Consecutive C–English (2 credits)
Advanced Entry
We offer a 30-credit, two-semester Conference Interpretation program to students who have substantial prior course work in translation and interpretation as well as professional experience in the field; visit How to Apply for more information.
Course work:
- Advanced Interpretation I—Consecutive B–A (2 credits)
- Advanced Interpretation I—Consecutive A–B (2 credits)
- Advanced Interpretation Simultaneous B–A (2 credits)
- Advanced Interpretation Simultaneous A–B (2 credits)
- Advanced Interpretation II—Consecutive B–A (2 credits)
- Advanced Interpretation II—Consecutive A–B (2 credits)
- Advanced Interpretation II Simultaneous B–A (2 credits)
- Advanced Interpretation II Simultaneous A–B (2 credits)
- Translation and Interpretation as a Profession (1–2 credits)
- Practicum in Interpretation (4 credits total: 2 credits per semester)
- Electives (8–9 credits)
Master of Arts in Translation
| Start Date | Credits | Practicum | Language Competency |
|---|---|---|---|
| August | 60 | Required (thesis option) | Required |
Translation Sample Course Schedule
Fall Start, Full Time, Four Semesters
| Semester | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 1 | Introduction to Translation (B–A, A–B) | 8 |
| Fall 1 | Introduction to Interpretation (B–A, A–B) | 4 |
| Fall 1 | Translation Technology | 2 |
| Spring 1 | Intermediate Translation (B–A, A–B) | 8 |
| Spring 1 | Advanced Translation Technology | 2 |
| Spring 1 | Electives | 4 |
| Fall 2 | Advanced Translation I (A–B, B–A) | 8 |
| Fall 2 | Translation Practicum | 2 |
| Fall 2 | Electives | 6 |
| Spring 2 | Advanced Translation II (A–B, B–A) | 8 |
| Spring 2 | Translation Practicum | 2 |
| Spring 2 | Translation and Interpretation as a Profession | 2 |
| Spring 2 | Electives | 4 |
Core Course Work
Translation
Learn to provide high-quality translation and independently edit and revise pieces using the latest in translation technologies. You will be introduced to a variety of genres and fields, including politics, economics, science, and technology.
Interpretation
During your first semester, you can try interpretation courses to see if your skills and interests are compatible with those of interpreters.
Tools and Technology
The translation market is constantly adapting to new technologies. Gain experience and familiarity with these technologies and consider the ways in which they will facilitate and affect your professional practice.
Theory
Explore the latest theories in translation research so you are familiar with the current work being done in the field and consider the impact this has on your own translation work.
Professional Skills
Participate in Translation and Interpretation as a Profession, a career-focused course that helps prepare you for the markets in which you may work. In conjunction with this course, your career and academic advisor will provide information and guidance regarding your career goals.
Electives (14–19 credits)
You will complete your degree with electives of your choice. You can take literary translation, pursue further interpretation course work, learn more about project management, or take general courses from other programs to build on your expertise.
You may also complete an optional Directed Study: Thesis (4 credits: 2 credits per semester).
Practicum (4 credits total: 2 credits per semester)
Gain real-world experience by completing a two-semester translation practicum, in which you experiment with your individual translator styles and explore the complexities of working with others on large-scale projects.
Three Language Additional Requirements
If you are also pursuing a C language, the following courses are also required:
- Introduction to Translation Written/Sight C–English (2–4 credits)
- Intermediate Translation C–English (2–4 credits)
- Advanced Translation I C–English (2–4 credits)
- Advanced Translation II C–English (2–4 credits)
Advanced Entry
We offer a 30-credit, two-semester Translation program to students who have substantial prior course work in translation and interpretation as well as professional experience in the field; visit How to Apply for more information.
Course work:
- Advanced Translation I B–A (4 credits)
- Advanced Translation I A–B (2–4 credits)
- Translation Practicum (2 credits)
- Translation Technology (2 credits)
- Translation and Interpretation as a Profession (1–2 credits)
- Advanced Translation II B–A (4 credits)
- Advanced Translation II A–B (2–4 credits)
- Advanced Translation Technology (2 credits)
- Translation Practicum (4 credits total: 2 credits per semester)
- Electives (2–7 credits)
- Directed Study: Thesis (optional, 4 credits: 2 credits per semester)
Specializations
Localization Management Specialization
This 14-credit specialization in Localization Management allows students in our translation, translation and interpretation, and conference interpretation degree programs to be more competitive in the industry. This specialization may incur additional costs. Courses (all 2 credits each):
- Translation Technology
- Localization Project Management
- Advanced Translation Technology
- Multilingual Desktop Publishing
- Website Localization
- Terminology Management
- Audio-Visual Localization
Intercultural Competence
The Intercultural Competence (ICC) specialization equips students with the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes to expertly lead and train multicultural teams, sensitively interact with diverse stakeholders, and create effective ICC assessments and training materials. Students interested in communication, social and environmental justice, and facilitation skills should consider this specialization.
Internships
Many students take on summer internships to apply their developing skills. Because of the Institute’s reputation, students have access to professional opportunities at many international organizations, such as the United Nations, the Organization of American States, the U.S. Department of State, and the National Security Agency, as well as at software companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, international corporations and law firms, and translation agencies. These professional opportunities often lead to full-time and freelance work upon graduation.