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Spanish-English Translation and Interpretation Certificate (Undergraduate)

Certificate in Spanish-English Translation and Interpretation

The Undergraduate Certificate in Spanish-English Translation and Interpretation in the College of Liberal Arts at Temple University is a 12-credit specialized program designed for students interested in translation and interpretation careers. It is also tailored for those students seeking to enhance their bilingual abilities in various professional settings, including healthcare, legal professions, business, social services, international relations, science and technology.  

Students have the option of combining the Spanish-English Translation Certificate with the Spanish Major, minor or certificate. 

Why study Spanish-English Translation and Interpretation in the College of Liberal Arts? 

In the program, you’ll gain proficiency in oral and written Spanish communication, reading comprehension, and translation and interpretation techniques through interactive classes focused on specialized vocabulary and Latinx cultural contexts. You’ll also complete coursework that emphasizes cultural sensitivity, ethical considerations and the context-specific language subtleties that are essential for accurate and respectful communication. 

You'll acquire a deep knowledge of the language by building competency in translation and interpretation as well as gain a unique set of skills to efficiently and compassionately work with the Hispanic and Latinx community in the United States and abroad. 

Learning Objectives 

Upon completion of the Spanish-English Translation and Interpretation Certificate program, students will have gained the following key skills. 

  • Ability to translate and interpret in cultural and specialized terms sophisticated texts concerning business/medical/legal/scientific/technical transactions in Spanish.

  • Ability to write and speak Spanish in such a way as to be able to communicate effectively on business, medical, legal, scientific and technical-related issues and to be involved in discussions on the subject. 

  • Ability to translate adequately business/medical/legal/scientific/technical-related documents.  

Program Benefits 

  • Study abroad opportunities: Students pursuing the certificate in Spanish-English Translation and Interpretation can participate in study abroad opportunities in Latin America and Spain.

  • Real-world experiences: Students can apply what they learn in the classroom to internships in various fields, including government, nonprofit, corporate and education. The program also offers career development workshops and departmental events to help students prepare to meet the rising demand for translators and interpreters in professional settings. 

  • Be competitive in the job market: Speaking more than one language can set students apart in today’s global job market—bilingual professionals can communicate with a larger population and help increase an employer’s competitive edge. 

Classes & Curriculum 

Students are required to complete four courses. 

One Spanish upper-level course from the following options. 

  • Composition

  • Advanced Intensive Practice in the Four Skills 

  • Advanced Conversation and Composition 

  • Advanced Grammar for Communication 

  • Advanced Analysis and Writing Skills​

Two translation and interpretation courses from the following options. 

  • Translation Skills and Intercultural Communication 

  • Interpretation for Legal Professions and Global Studies 

  • Advanced Translation and Interpretation ​

One culture course from the following options. 

  • The Cultures of Spain

  • The Cultures of Latin America 

  • The Cultures of Puerto Rico 

  • The Hispanic World: Race and Gender (LASS)

  • U.S. Latino/a Studies 

  • Topics in Hispanic Popular Cultures 

  • Internship

Related Graduate Degrees

Related Graduate Certificate

Careers

Graduates of the Spanish-English Translation and Interpretation Certificate program are prepared for careers in the following areas. 

  • Education 

  • Government agencies 

  • Healthcare 

  • Social work

  • Tourism and hospitality 

Tuition & Fees

The tuition for this Certificate Program is based on school or college of your major, program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website. You can also view the 2025–2026 tuition rates.

Our Academic Advisors

College of Liberal Arts academic advisors help you navigate your curriculum and potential career paths throughout your time at Temple.

Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional Development

Dedicated advisors at the Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional Development in the College of Liberal Arts are available to guide students through their academic careers and with their career paths beyond Temple. They can help you choose a major, navigate your curriculum, identify internship opportunities, explore career opportunities and determine your post-graduation plans. Learn more about the center.

Program Contacts

If you have questions regarding the Spanish-English Translation and Interpretation Certificate (Undergraduate), contact the following staff members.

Augusto Lorenzino is the undergraduate chair in the Spanish and Portuguese Department.
Email: 

The following staff members lead the Spanish and Portuguese Department.

José Manuel Pereiro-Otero is the chair. 
Phone: 215-204-8285
Email:  

Irina Segal is academic coordinator in the Spanish and Portuguese Department.
Phone: 215-204-8285 
Email: 

Study Away

College of Liberal Arts undergraduate students are encouraged to study away for an academic year, semester or summer. Enrich your experience at Temple by immersing yourself in one of the Spanish and Portuguese Department’s many study away programs.

Students can choose to spend their junior year abroad, or they can choose one of the following study away opportunities. 

  • The Latin American Studies Semester (LASS) is a 17-credit immersion program that includes intensive study of Spanish language, an exploration of Latin American culture and a three-week trip to Ecuador. 
  • The Spring in Spain program places students with families in Oviedo, Spain, where they will attend classes at the University of Oviedo. An initial weeklong orientation is held in Madrid. Courses focus on Spanish language, culture and literature. 
  • The Summer Abroad in Spain: Spanish Language and Culture in Oviedo is a five-week program that immerses students in the language and culture of Spain. Students may enroll for a total of six credits. 

Learn more about your options for studying away.

Accreditation

Temple University’s departments and programs are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Additional Program Information