College of Sciences and Humanities
Department of Modern and Classical Language Studies
www.kent.edu/mcls

About This Program

The Translation Studies Ph.D. program is designed for students who want to conduct research and contribute to the field of translation studies. With a blend of theoretical and practical knowledge, students will work with experienced faculty and have access to resources and opportunities to develop their skills. Read more...

Contact Information

• Brian Baer, Ph.D. | bbaer@kent.edu

• Connect with an Admissions Counselor

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Master's degree in translation, a foreign language or in any other relevant discipline with prior experience or training in translation
• Minimum senior-year 2.750 undergraduate GPA and/or minimum 3.500 graduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Proficiency in a foreign language
• Goal statement
• Essay or writing sample (7-10 pages) from a research paper on any aspect of translation (or a prospectus for a translation studies project)
• Three letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:¹
  • Minimum 102 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 7.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 73 PTE score
  • Minimum 130 DET score

¹

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Priority deadline: January 1
• Spring Semester
  • Priority deadline: October 1

All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted by these deadlines will receive the strongest consideration for admission.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

Students may elect to take doctoral courses from other departments as appropriate and with prior approval from the graduate coordinator and the student's advisor.

²

Each doctoral candidate, upon admission to candidacy, must register for TRST 80199 for a total of 30 credit hours. It is required that doctoral candidates continuously register for TRST 80199, and thereafter TRST 80299, each semester, until all requirements for the degree have been met. After passing the written examination, students must present a detailed written proposal of their dissertation research. The dissertation focuses on original research. The dissertation topic must fall within one or more of the sub-fields in translation studies. The written dissertation is reviewed and approved by the research adviser and the dissertation advisory committee prior to scheduling a final defense before the committee.

Graduation Requirements

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate broad knowledge across several areas in the field of translation studies, as well as in-depth knowledge in an area of expertise.
2. Demonstrate the ability to design and conduct original research.
3. Critically assess translation studies literature, as well as their own empirical and theoretical findings.
4. Communicate research findings effectively in written and spoken form.
5. Follow ethical guidelines for work in the field.

Full Description

The Ph.D. degree in Translation Studies is a research-based program that provides advanced training to support the investigation of translation- and interpreting-related phenomena. Program faculty have expertise in a wide-range of subjects and disciplines, including cognitive psychology; gender and sexuality studies; histories of translation; the language industry; machine translation and pedagogy of translation and interpreting; postcolonial approaches; translation quality assessment; and specialized translation, from technical to legal to literary.

The doctoral program provides a comprehensive foundation in all aspects of translation studies, preparing students for careers in higher education, the language industry and government service — both in the United States and abroad. Funding opportunities are available on a competitive basis.