UCSD Extension's Professional Certificate in

Demand for qualified translators and interpreters is strong in California. Of the nearly 5.5 million Californians who speak Spanish, nearly 650,000 speak very limited English. This growing trend leads to increased demand for translation and interpretation services, particularly in the San Diego region, with its large immigrant population and close proximity to Mexico. According to Occupational Outlook Quarterly, growth in employment within this field is projected to increase in the United States by 24% between 2006 and 2016. Understanding of cultural nuances and a developed skill set are crucial to producing meaningful translations and interpretations. The program at UCSD Extension certifies to potential employers that a student possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and skill set to perform the job well.

Program Benefits

Apply Spanish and English language skills toward a new career.
Choose an area of concentration and enhance your professional background.
Increase confidence, skills, and employment opportunities with the professional development workshops.
Refine your skills in our multimedia language lab.
Gain hands-on work experience through our volunteer, internship, and job opportunities.
Network with experienced practitioners.
Attend monthly alumni meetings to access a continuum of helpful and enriching resources, advance your career, network and stay informed.
Earn continuing education credits for the American Translators Association and the Judicial Council of California.

The Program

The program consists of eight courses (24 quarter units) in approved coursework. To enroll in the certificate program, all students must successfully pass an entrance exam, which determines written and oral fluency in both Spanish and English.

The Coursework

In addition to two elective courses (or six quarter units), students must complete the following six required courses (or 18 quarter units):

The courses listed above are course prerequisites for the program’s advanced electives and will provide you with the skills required to be an effective translator and interpreter.

While professionals in the field often specialize in either translation or interpretation, you can improve your job prospects and understanding of the field by being able to do both. Learning to interpret effectively requires consecutive and simultaneous interpretation specific skill sets. As you may have already experienced, employers oftentimes do not distinguish the difference between translating and interpreting and assume that you can do both. Having at least an introductory foundation in both translation and interpretation skills increases your effectiveness and marketability in these highly competitive fields.

The Electives

After completing the required coursework, you have the option to hone your skills and training with your choice of two elective courses. You may specialize in translation, interpretation or both. Professional specialization in the medical, business, and legal field is also available. Please note that UCSD Extension strongly recommends that your two elective courses be Spanish to English Translation II and English to Spanish Translation II.

The Entrance Exam

The entrance exam is designed to test your written and oral fluency. The exam allows us to accurately screen certificate applicants and ensure that all students satisfy the program's language requirements. The result to you, the student, is high quality discussions and content in your courses.

You may enroll in Introduction to Translation and Interpretation, Theory and Practice of Translation, Spanish to English Translation I, and English to Spanish Translation I without having passed the entrance exam. However, in order to advance to the rest of the program courses and to obtain your certificate of completion, you must pass the entrance exam.

Program Length

The length of time to complete the program depends on how many courses you complete each quarter. Because many students are professionals, most enroll in one to two courses per quarter. At this rate, the program can be completed in one to two years. You have up to five years to complete all of the courses in the certificate program.

When planing your course schedule, be sure to review the course prerequisite(s) for each course. If you have not completed the course prerequisite(s), you may not enroll in the course. Be prepared to devote about 6 hours per week to each course that you enroll in (3 hours for class time and 3 hours for homework).

The Attendance Policy

One excused absence is permitted per course. Each additional absence will result in a grade reduction. Attendance is mandatory for the first class meeting of all courses.

Academic Credit

To receive the certificate, you must complete eight courses (or 24 quarter units), take all courses for credit, and receive a grade equivalent to C- or better in all courses. Courses may be taken Pass/No Pass. A Pass is equivalent to a C- or better. Please note: to be eligible for UCSD Extension work opportunities, you must receive a grade of B or better in the 6 required courses.

Transferability of Credit

Translation and Interpretation coursework completed at another accredited institution may be applied toward certificate requirements. Official transcripts, course descriptions, and syllabi are required for consideration.

Approximate Cost

$2,925 (includes course fees, entrance exam fee, and application for candidacy fee). Early enrollment discounts reduce price to $2,765. Cost does not include textbooks, materials and parking. All course fees are subject to change.

The Program (prior to September 16, 2006)

If you applied for candidacy in the Professional Certificate of Translation and Interpretation prior to September 16, 2006, you must complete the certificate requirements in place the quarter you applied. Click here to view the previous certificate requirements.

To Request a UCSD Extension Catalog of Courses

Email unex-catalog@ucsd.edu, call (858) 534-0406, or search the online catalog at extension.ucsd.edu/languages.