Translation and Interpreting Programs

Preparing you for in-demand careers in the growing language services industry.

É«ÖÐÉ« offers undergraduate and graduate programs in translation and interpreting that prepare students for a wide range of careers in the language services industry. Our alumni have pursued careers in translation project management and interpreting in educational, health services, and medical settings, among other areas of the language services industry.

Translate Your Language Skills into a Career

  • The global language services industry is estimated at more than $73 billion in 2026, reflecting the continuing need for multilingual communication across business, education, healthcare, government, entertainment, technology, and other sectors.
  • Artificial intelligence is changing how language professionals work, but human expertise remains essential for accuracy, judgment, cultural understanding, and effective communication.
  • Language professionals can build flexible careers across industries, working in-house or freelance, on-site or remotely, while using new technologies to expand their skills and capabilities.

Program Options

Academics, Language Options, Advising, and Facilities

Our translation and interpreting programs are designed for students who are passionate about languages and interested in careers in the language services industry. Whether you are beginning your studies or looking to build on existing academic or professional experience, É«ÖÐÉ« offers programs that combine language expertise, professional skills, and hands-on training. We offer:

  • Experienced faculty with a variety of language backgrounds and professional experience.
  • Courses that integrate theory and practice in multilingual settings.
  • The ability to specialize in any language, including languages not taught at É«ÖÐÉ«.
  • Skill development using industry-standard tools and technologies.
  • Specialized translation and interpreting facilities designed for hands-on training and professional practice.
  • Affordable programs, with additional scholarship support available to students in the MA in Translation and Interpreting.
  • A Southern California location close to major entertainment, gaming, and media localization industries, giving students opportunities to connect with professionals and employers across the region.

  • Builds a foundation in translation theory and practice and introduces students to the field’s many applications.
  • Can complement any undergraduate major or area of study.
  • Includes three core courses and two electives that connect translation, language study, and the student’s primary discipline.

  • Combines rigorous study of linguistics with specialized coursework in Translation Studies.
  • Develops analytical skills in language structure, meaning, and use that support translation and related professional applications.
  • Builds knowledge and skills applicable to translation, interpreting, localization, audiovisual translation, and related language fields.

  • Combines a foundation in translation theory with hands-on training in professional translation practice.
  • Develops skills in areas such as audiovisual translation, computer-assisted translation, localization, community translation, and literary translation.
  • Can be completed as a standalone graduate certificate or alongside another graduate program.
  • Offers a flexible 12-month program with in-person and HyFlex course options.
  • Eligible Graduate Certificate coursework may be applied toward the Master of Arts in Translation and Interpreting.

  • Prepares students for current and emerging careers across the language services industry.
  • Offers specialized tracks in translation and interpreting.
  • Combines advanced language proficiency with hands-on training in translation and interpreting technologies, professional workflows, and industry-standard tools.
  • Provides access to specialized translation and interpreting facilities and scholarship opportunities.

Students in all four Translation and Interpreting programs can specialize in any language, including languages not regularly taught at É«ÖÐÉ«. Each program has its own minimum language proficiency requirement, so students should review the requirements for their program for more information.

É«ÖÐÉ« regularly offers instruction in a wide range of languages, including American Sign Language, Ancient Greek, Arabic, Chinese, Filipino, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi-Urdu, Italian, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Latin, Mexican Sign Language, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese. See the Schedule of Classes for current course offerings.

Students specializing in a language for which regular classroom instruction is not available may be eligible to enroll in TRST 400: Independent Language Study, with departmental approval. The course provides individualized language study integrating listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students must already have at least an intermediate level of proficiency in their language of specialization to be considered for TRST 400.

Our advisors will work with you to plan a program of study that supports your academic and professional goals. Advisors can help with course selection and sequencing, language options, and combining translation and interpreting studies with other academic programs.

Have questions about your options? Contact an advisor at Translation.Studies@csulb.edu.

Students in É«ÖÐɫ’s Translation and Interpreting programs learn and practice in specialized facilities designed to support professional training, including:

  • Translation and Interpreting Lab — A 20-station computer lab equipped with industry-standard software for computer-assisted translation, localization, and other language technology coursework.
  • Simultaneous Interpreting Booths — Four soundproof booths where students can develop and practice interpreting skills in a professional-style environment.
  • Production Lab — An eight-station workspace where students can work independently or collaboratively on translation and interpreting projects.