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The MA in Translation and Localization Management is a four-semester, 60-credit program. There is a two-semester, 32-credit advanced-entry option for eligible students.

Degree Credits Duration Practicum Second Language Program Chair
TLM 60 4 semesters Required Required Eva Klaudinyova

Learning Goals

  • Project Management: Managing translation and localization workflows, developing processes and procedures, prioritizing tasks, recruiting, hiring and managing resources, and implementing computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools, crowdsourcing and machine translation solutions.
  • Business Management: Proficiency in a variety of key business areas such as globalization, accounting, marketing, organizational behavior, market economics, international business strategy, and data analysis.
  • Localization: Expertise in using software that enables the internationalization and localization of software, video games, websites, content management systems, print-based desktop publishing formats, and audio-visual formats such as subtitles and dubbing.
  • Translation: Written translation into the native language, editing and revision of translations, and work with a variety of translation and glossary management tools.
  • Communication: Ability to speak the language of everyone involved in the translation process, such as clients, translators, project managers, engineers, designers, etc., the ability to evangelize and share best localization practices, and the soft skills necessary to work in a team distributed throughout the world.

Requirements

Core coursework (33 credits)

Language Requirement (16 credits)

Electives (11 credits)

Core Course Work

33 credits

Learn what it takes to make smart business and data-driven localization decisions, how to design custom solutions and workflows, how to harness the tools we use to localize and the tools used to create content, and finally, how to efficiently manage translation and localization projects to help businesses and organizations go global.

All core courses are 2 credits each (unless otherwise noted):

  • Translation Technology
  • Advanced Translation Technology 
  • Localization Project Management
  • Advanced Localization Project Management
  • Software Internationalization and Localization
  • Media and Audiovisual Localization
  • International Marketing for Localizers
  • Tech Pubs/Support Localization
  • Quality Management Fundamentals
  • Localization Vendor Management
  • Financial Side of Localization
  • Data-Driven Localization
  • Programing for Internationalization and Culturalization
  • Business Writing for Localization (1 credit)
  • Advancing Your Localization Career
  • DEI in Localization
  • Foundations in Translation (1 credit)

Language Requirement

16 credits

Translation Courses

If you are fulfilling the language requirement through translation courses, you are required to take 4 credits of translation courses each semester (16 credits in total). At least 2 credits each semester must be in the B–A language pair for a total of 8 B–A credits. The remaining 8 translation credits can be in B-A or A-B, at the discretion of the Language Program Head. This provides students with the flexibility to take either 4 credits of B–A, or 2 credits of B-A and 2 credits of A–B per semester. Please note that some languages only offer translation courses in 4 credit units so these students will need to take 4 B–A each semester.

After taking 8 credits of translation courses, you may switch to fulfill your language requirement with a mix of 8 credits of translation, language studies, linguistics, and/or intercultural competence courses.

  • Introduction to Translation Written/Sight B–A (2 or 4 credits, if taken as 2 credits then A–B as 2 credits also required)
  • Intermediate Translation Written/Sight B–A (2 or 4 credits, if taken as 2 credits then A–B as 2 credits also required)
  • Advanced Translation I B–A (2 or 4 credits, if taken as 2 credits then A–B as 2 credits also required)
  • Advanced Translation II B–A (2 or 4 credits, if taken as 2 credits then A–B as 2 credits also required)

You will earn the translation specialization after completing these 16 credits. You may also take intercultural competence or language studies courses as electives.

Language Studies

If you are fulfilling the language requirement through language studies courses, you will take a minimum of 8 credits of language studies courses at the 300-level or higher. For the other 8 credits needed to satisfy the language requirement (16 credits total), you have the flexibility to take more language studies courses, intercultural competence courses, linguistics courses, and/or translation courses (if you pass the Language and Skills Test). If you are not taking translation courses and do not have any training in translation, you also need to take the course Foundations in Translation in your first semester.

Please note that you may simultaneously pursue the Language Studies for Professional Purposes specialization through your language requirement credits.

Practicum

4 credits total: 2 credits per semester for 2 semesters

As part of your core coursework, gain real-world experience through , a paid or volunteer localization-related internship for such organizations as Women in Localization, working on a research project, or contributing to a special project such as the ROAR podcast or TLM Mentorship Program. Localization Practicum courses are only available to TLM students in their second year, or joint TLM students in their third year of study.

Electives

16 credits

You will complete your degree with additional localization courses and electives of your choice from any degree program. Popular electives include Games Localization, Program Management, Leadership for Localization Management, and Localization Sales and Solutions Development among many others.

Your choice of electives will allow you to specialize in many different areas of localization, such as games and entertainment localization, program management, leadership, sales, solutions development, localization engineering, language services management, account management, etc. Translation specialization students may choose to take additional translation courses including studying a third language.

Professional Development

Advancing Your Localization Career

Prepare for the markets in which you may work through this career-focused course. In conjunction with this course, your career advisor and academic advisor will provide one-on-one coaching regarding your career goals.

Internships

Many students spend their summers interning at organizations and companies at the top of the localization field. These professional opportunities often lead to full-time work upon graduation.

Degree Map/Sample Course Schedule

Fall Start, Full Time, Four Semesters

Semester

Course

Credits

Fall 1

Translation or Language Studies

4

Fall 1

Translation Technology

2

Fall 1

Localization Project Management

2

Fall 1

Media and Audiovisual Localization

2

Fall 1

Advancing Your Localization Career

2

Fall 1

DEI in Localization

2

Fall 1

Foundations in Translation

1

Spring 1

Translation or Language Studies

4

Spring 1

Advanced Translation Technology

2

Spring 1

Advanced Localization Project Management

2

Spring 1

Programming for Internationalization and Localization

2

Spring 1

Quality Management Fundamentals

2

Spring 1

Business Writing for Localization

1

Spring 1

Electives

2

Fall 2

Translation or Language Studies or Intercultural Competence courses

4

Fall 2

Financial Side of Localization

2

Fall 2

Tech Pubs/Support Localization

2

Fall 2

Software Internationalization and Localization

2

Fall 2

Localization Practicum

2

Fall 2

Electives

4

Spring 2

Translation or Language Studies or Intercultural Competence

2

Spring 2

Localization Vendor Management

2

Spring 2

International Marketing for Localizers

2

Spring 2

Data-Driven Localization

2

Spring 2

Localization Practicum

2

Spring 2

Electives (General)

4

 

TOTAL

60*

Related Programs

We offer several options to earn a masters in the localization field including a two-semester, three-semester, two-year, online, and joint degree with our world-renowned translation and interpretation programs. Choose the program that aligns with your background and career interest. Learn more.