Bachelors of Science in Translation and Interpretation

Aquinas College offers the only Bachelors of Science in Translation and Interpretation in the state of Michigan. The program is designed for students who are seeking the professional focus and interdisciplinary breadth that the B.S. degree offers with the inclusion of a minor or double major to develop the skills needed to use world language translation and interpretation in a professional setting. It introduces the basics of translation and interpretation theory as applied to the actual practice of translation and interpretation.

The program comprises core translation and interpretation courses and offers concentrations in French, German, and Spanish to ensure competence in a world language. Graduates may enter graduate programs in translation or interpretation or go on to work for a variety of settings such as government, business, medical, legal, schools or industry, for translation agencies or as freelance translators.

The requirement of a minor, or second major enables students to acquire a level of expertise in a specific field in which they can specialize as translators or interpreters. This degree also enables students to have a major that makes them more competitive and prepares them for a sector that the U.S. Department of Labor projects as one of the fastest-growing sectors globally.

Translation and Interpretation majors are strongly encouraged to undertake study in a country where their language concentration is spoken so that they can achieve the necessary proficiency level. Skills necessary include an excellent command of the source language at the intermediate-high/advanced-low level and cultural knowledge; an excellent command of the target language; an understanding of the theoretical principles of translation and interpretation and the ability to use translation tools effectively; and the ability to use specialized language in environments such as health and social sciences, business, legal studies, social services, education, and community.

Career opportunities

Translators provide products and services, and work with written documents, as distinguished from interpreters, who work as oral language mediators. While most practitioners pursue one field or the other; it is possible to work in both. Interpreters and translators are employed in a variety of industries: schools, colleges and universities; healthcare and social assistance, especially hospitals; and other areas of government, such as Federal, State and local courts. Other employers of interpreters and translators include interpreting and translation agencies. Translators work predominantly into the mother tongue. Translation is one of the top ten fastest-growing business sectors worldwide, with demand rising at 25- 30 percent per annum. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (2014) projects a 46 percent growth nationally and a 32 percent growth in Michigan in employment for translators and interpreters with bachelor's degrees, much faster than the average for all occupations.

This professional four (4) year degree program is designed for undergraduate students interested in a career in translation/interpretation.

Program Goals

Acquire proficiency in language and culture at the intermediate-high/advanced-low level. Understand the theoretical principles of translation and interpretation and utilize translation tools effectively Demonstrate the ability to use specialized language in environments such as health and social sciences, business, legal studies, social services, education, and community.

The program offers three concentrations: French, German or Spanish (into English), and has three components for each concentration:

• Language and culture study: Grammar, composition and culture courses to develop proficiency.
• Professional language: Theory and practice, translation tools, and specialized language courses.
• Subject area specialty: Minor/second major requirement to enable translation/interpretation students to acquire knowledge in a specific field in which they can specialize. These include fields in which there is currently high demand for translators and interpreters such as: Applied Science (major 35 credits); Chemistry (major 39 credits/minor 24 credits); Computer Information Systems (minor 22-25 credits); Biology (major 37 credits/minor 24 credits); Kinesiology (minor 24-29 credits); Psychology (major 40 credits/minor 21-24 credits); Legal Studies (minor 21 credits); International Studies (major 33 credits); Political Science (major 33 credits/minor 24 credits); Sustainable Business (minor 28 credits); Business Administration (major 42 credits/ minor 26 credits).

French concentration (35 credits) : Nine (9) credits of courses at the 300 or 400 level

• Language and culture studies: (23 credits)
  • FH201 Third Semester French (4 credits)
  • FH202 Fourth Semester French (4 credits)
  • FH301 Advanced Composition and Grammar Review (3 credits)
  • FH302 Advanced Oral Communication (3 credits)
  • FH325 Culture and Civilization of France (3 credits)
  • FH327 Contemporary France (3 credits)
  • FH401 Seminar in French Studies (3 credits)
• Professional language: (12 credits)
  • WL405 Theory and Business of Translation (3 credits)
  • FH413 French for Professions (3 credits)
  • FH415 French Translation: Concepts and Practice (3 credits)
  • LF411 Advanced French Translation (3 credits) (Offered at CIDEF, Angers, France)
  • WL495 Translation/Interpretation Practicum (3)

German concentration (35 credits) :

• Language and culture studies: (23 credits)
  • GN201 Third Semester German (4 credits)
  • GN202 Fourth Semester German (4 credits)
  • GN301 Advanced Composition and Grammar Review (4 credits)
  • GN302 Advanced Conversation and Culture (3 credits)
  • GN309 Studies of German Culture and Society through Film (3 credits)
  • GN326 Seminar in German Literature: 19th/20th Century (3 credits)
  • GN401 Seminar in German Studies (3 credits)
• Professional language: (12 credits)
  • WL405 Theory and Business of Translation (3 credits)
  • GN413 German for Business and Professions (3 credits)
  • GN415 German Translation: Concepts and Practice (3 credits)
  • WL495 Translation/Interpretation Practicum (3)

Spanish concentration (35 credits) : Three (3) credits at the 300 level

• Language and culture studies: (17 credits)
  • SH202 Fourth Semester Spanish (4 credits)
  • SH301 Advanced Composition (4 credits)
  • SH302 Advanced Spanish Conversation and Diction (3 credits)
  • SH304 Spanish Pronunciation (3 credits)
• Professional language: (18 credits)
  • WL405 Theory and Business of Translation (3 credits)
  • SH303 Spanish in the Business World (3 credits)
  • SH333 English/Spanish Medical Interpretation (3 credits)
  • SH334 Introduction to Spanish/English Community Interpreting (3 credits)
  • SH415 Spanish Translation: Concepts and Practice (3 credits)
  • WL495 Translation/Interpretation Practicum (3 credits)

The close-knit educational environment at Aquinas develops students who thrive in all dimensions of life. Learn more, in our students' words about the Aquinas experience and the Dominican pillars of prayer, study, service, and community.

The Dominican tradition is two-fold: contemplative and communal. At Aquinas, we are committed to gathering for liturgical prayer nourished by God's Word and the Spirit. Prayer leads us into the deeper Truth needed to live out God's call for us in the world. We commit ourselves to a love of learning, both formal and informal. This necessitates an openness to learn from the most unlikely sources as well as tried and true scholarship. Aquinas encourages students to engage in service projects and service-learning programs. It also offers preparation for careers that will enable graduates to spread the truths that they have learned - "to make a difference in the world."