Launch a flexible career in the language services industry with advanced language and technical skills.
Earn two master’s degrees in three years from one of the world’s leading translation, interpretation, and localization programs. Choose a joint master’s degree:
|
Start Term |
Credits |
Duration |
In Person |
Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | 82 | 6 semesters | Monterey, California | Live and Asynchronous |
We encourage you to join us in person to take full advantage of the resources available to you in Monterey, including our state-of-the-art simultaneous interpretation labs, Optional Practical Training (OPT) for international students, and networking with a diverse community of professionals in the language capital of the world.
We recognize that in-person study may not be possible for some students so you have the flexibility to take courses online, and you may be able to complete your entire degree online depending on your degree combination and language(s) of study. Many online classes are live (synchronous) so you will need to keep time zones in mind.
Our master’s degree programs in translation and interpretation are recognized worldwide for providing exceptional professional training. Our Translation and Localization Management(TLM) degree program is the first and leading master’s program for localization in the U.S. Through the TLM coursework, you will gain the technical expertise that employers seek in addition to excellent translation and/or interpretation skills. You’ll be prepared to choose almost any career in the language services industry and adapt to new and exciting roles as your career develops.
Students entering any of the programs choose to focus on one (or two) of the following languages, all paired with English. Each program has skill-based and language-specific courses, experienced faculty, and extensive access to internship and employment opportunities.
You will work bidirectionally between your A and B languages, so you need to have native or near-native abilities in each of your languages of study. You will submit a Language and Skills Test (LST) to demonstrate proficiency in each of your languages of study.
Your career and academic advising are coordinated, ensuring you align your coursework with your career goals. Our experienced advisors will guide you from course registration to preparing for interviews, negotiating your employment offers, and managing your career.
Our joint TLM master’s are designated as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degree programs. If you are an international student who graduates from this program, and you are eligible to apply for standard Optional Practical Training (OPT), you may also qualify to apply for a STEM 24-month extension of your work authorization. Our International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) team can tell you more about these opportunities.
U.S. citizens and permanent residents can take advantage of a number of scholarships available only in STEM-designated degrees.
Our large and influential alumni network is eager to help you take the next step in your career. Alumni are working at organizations like the United Nations, Google, TransPerfect, and more.
The language services environment is increasingly supported by integrated systems and artificial intelligence. Our joint programs will mold you into a digitally fluent translator and/or interpreter with subject matter expertise, which you will gain through electives in environmental policy, trade, nonproliferation, counterterrorism, threat financing, education management, international development, social change, and other key content areas.
You will gain real-world experience through your practicums. You may take on a large-scale translation project, operate a student-driven translation agency, intern with a language services department or company, contribute to a research project, and/or interpret for high-profile events.
You will have more time to work on your near-native or “B” language, making your translation and interpretation coursework more manageable and increasing your chances of qualifying for advanced courses that will further your versatility in the market.
Our faculty combine academic expertise with years of professional experience in the language services industry, performing high-profile work at the Olympics, in literature and research, in nonprofit organizations, and in private businesses. They are active in their respective fields, engaging with industry organizations including the American Translators Association (ATA), International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC), The American Association of Language Specialists (TAALS), TAUS, and Globalization and Localization Association (GALA).
Together with career advisors, our faculty mentor students to ensure that they receive the academic and professional experience that will help them realize their career goals.
Meet the translation and interpretation faculty and the TLM faculty.
We offer a variety of resources to make your program more affordable, including merit, need-based, partner, and external scholarships for both U.S. and international students. Your personal enrollment advisor is also available to help you think through financing this important investment in your career development.
Earning two master’s degrees in just three years represents a significant return on your investment, setting you up for a flexible career trajectory.
Scholarships and financial aid are available. Review tuition costs.
We take a holistic approach when considering your application, looking at your academic background, international exposure, professional experience, and career goals. We welcome applicants with or without work experience, and our program has numerous opportunities for you to gain professional experience before you graduate. This approach aligns with the Institute’s core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
We do not require GRE or GMAT scores for our master’s programs, but competitive scores may strengthen your application and positively influence scholarship decisions.
| by Jason Warburg
Middlebury Institute students organized a localization business case competition judged by industry professionals, testing their strategic thinking and creativity.
| by Jason Warburg
Thirty-five Middlebury Institute students were joined by students and faculty from other area institutions for a weekend-long exercise simulating diplomatic negotiations during an international crisis.
Translation student Frances Chang explains how courses and advising sessions with the Center for Advising and Career Services helped her get out of her comfort zone when launching a career in the field.
