The Bachelor of Arts with a major in Translation requires a minimum of 120 s.h., including 33 s.h. of work for the major. A minimum of 21 s.h. for the major must be earned at the University of Iowa. Coursework in the major may not be taken pass/nonpass. Students must maintain a g.p.a. of at least 2.00 in all courses for the major and in all UI courses for the major. They also must complete the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences GE CLAS Core.

Students are encouraged to declare the major as early as possible, especially if they intend to pursue an additional major or minors. Active proficiency in a second language is required for the major; most students who successfully complete the major will need at least 6 s.h. of additional coursework beyond fourth-level proficiency in language study.

Students may count a maximum of 9 s.h. of coursework from another major, minor, or certificate toward the translation major. Students who earn a B.A. in translation may not earn a minor in translation for global literacy.

The major in translation prepares students to translate from another language into English or vice versa in a variety of fields such as literary, legal, medical, or technical translation. All students should tailor their plan of study to their experience and objectives. Students interested in the major should meet with a faculty member associated with the major program as soon as possible to develop an individualized plan of study.

Listed below are the general categories of coursework required to earn the degree. For more specific information on courses, curriculum, and requirements of the Bachelor of Arts in Translation, visit the UI General Catalog.

Coursework Requirements
Title Hours
Gateway and Foundation Courses 12
Workshops 6
Seminar 3
Electives 6
Outreach and Engagement 3
Capstone Course (see below) 3
Language Proficiency (see below) -
Total Hours 33

Capstone Course

Students are required to take either TRNS:4500 - Undergraduate Capstone Project, or a departmental capstone course in which the student completes a capstone project on translation (with the consent of the instructor, and must be approved by advisor). This course is to be taken in final semester of minor.

Language Proficiency

Students are required to have language proficiency in the world language from which the student plans to translate, demonstrated by successfully completing an advanced course taught in that language: either a 4000-level course or a course at the highest level available in that language at the University of Iowa. With the consent of the advisor, exceptions can be made for transfer courses or independent study to meet the language proficiency requirement.