Programs in language interpretation and translation teach people to change spoken or written words into a different language for readers or listeners. Students learn a language other than their own, including its formal and colloquial terms. They study methods of interpretation.

Have you ever traveled someplace where you didn't speak the language? Did you use gestures and point at things to communicate? Did you wish you had someone who could translate for you? Creating communication between two languages and cultures is the essence of this program. Language studies teach us other ways of looking at life. To apply their understandings, interpreters help people from different cultures listen to each other and exchange conversation. Translators work for publishers, researchers, and government agencies, sometimes translating ancient scripts or one modern language into another.

In language interpretation and translation programs, you take advanced courses in at least one second language. You also take specific courses about interpretation and translation techniques. These courses usually focus on skills rather than the language itself, and are taught in English. In addition, you often take business and public speaking courses. This is because many people with degrees in this field work in business settings. In some cases, you may have to work in front of a large number of people (for example, during a keynote address or a large presentation at a conference). Therefore, being comfortable as a public speaker is essential.

The most common way to become an interpreter or translator is to get a certificate in the field. In this case, you receive your certificate in addition to getting a degree in another field (most commonly, a second language). In addition, many programs allow you to specialize in interpretation or translation as part of studying for a second language degree. Certificates and concentrations are offered at both the undergraduate and graduate level.

Furthermore, a few colleges and universities offer bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in language interpretation and translation. Some two-year colleges offer the first two years of study. Students can often transfer these credits to a four-year school. Master's degrees typically take five or six years of full-time study after high school. Doctoral degree programs typically take three to five years after the master's degree. Most people with graduate degrees become professors.

Independent language schools also offer training in language interpretation and translation. Their program requirements often vary with the language skills of each student. Native speakers with strong second-language skills may be able to work in translating and interpreting without long-term formal training.