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Ph.D. in Translation Studies

Ph.D. in Translation Studies

The Ph.D. degree in Translation Studies is an in-person, research-based program that provides advanced training in translation studies. Our translation Ph.D. focuses on translation research skills, specialized translation, computer-assisted terminology and translation, software localization, and project management for the language industry.

Additionally, our program is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation for the development of key skills in humanistic translation and translation studies. Read on to learn more about our Ph.D. in translation and interpretation and everything Kent State can do to prepare you for your career.

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Ph.D. Degree in Translation Studies

Kent State University’s Ph.D. in Translation Studies offers an advanced and comprehensive exploration of translation theory, practice, and research methodologies. The program emphasizes critical analysis of translation processes and the role of translation in cultural exchanges, equipping students with the skills necessary to conduct original research in the field.

With a focus on both literary and non-literary texts, students in our translation Ph.D. program examine the complexities of translation across various languages and cultures. This doctoral program prepares graduates for careers in academia, research, and specialized translation services, as well as leadership roles in the global translation industry. Through interdisciplinary study and collaboration, students are empowered to contribute significantly to the evolving field of translation studies.

Program Information for Ph.D. in Translation Studies

Program Description

Program Description

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.

Admissions for Ph.D. in Translation Studies

Admissions

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

Applications submitted by these deadlines will receive the strongest consideration for admission.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

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.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
TRST 70002THE LANGUAGE INDUSTRY 3
TRST 70004TRANSLATION PEDAGOGY 3
TRST 70005CURRENT TRENDS IN TRANSLATION STUDIES 3
TRST 70006EMPIRICAL METHODS FOR TRANSLATION STUDIES 3
TRST 70007CORPORA IN TRANSLATION 3
TRST 70008TRANSLATION AND COGNITION 3
Translation Studies (TRST) Courses (70000 and 80000 level) 112
Culminating Requirement
TRST 80199DISSERTATION I 230
Minimum Total Credit Hours:60
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 Dissertation I, 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
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
Program Delivery

Program Delivery

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

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Ph.D. in Translation Studies

Graduates of Kent State’s Ph.D. in Translation Studies are well-equipped for advanced careers in academia, research, and professional practice within the field of translation and interpreting. Ourtranslation Ph.D. program’s rigorous curriculum emphasizes theoretical frameworks, research methodologies, and critical analysis of translation practices across various contexts.

Following graduation, our students often pursue roles as university professors, researchers, translation scholars, and industry consultants, contributing to the development of translation theory and practice in academic and professional settings.

Foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary

5.7%

faster than the average

30,600

number of jobs

$69,920

potential earnings

Interpreters and translators

20.0%

much faster than the average

77,400

number of jobs

$52,330

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* 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.

Classes and Approach for Our Ph.D. in Translation Studies

Students who enter our translation Ph.D. program will gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their future careers. Classes will focus on diverse topics within the language field, including such aspects as:

  • Pedagogy in translation
  • Trends in the industry
  • Translation’s relationship with cognition
  • Empirical methodologies

For completion of the degree, 30 credit hours must be taken, a minimum 3.0 GPA must be maintained, and a dissertation of original research must be submitted to an advisory committee.

To learn more about the Department of Modern and Classical Language Studies, please visit our department page. There, you can find information about advising appointments, insights into our many majors and degrees, and news on ways our programs and students have made an impact!

Want to Take a Tour?

At Kent State, we want any student who comes to study with us to be confident in their decision, so we happily provide campus tours to help you get a sense of everything our school, programs, and faculty can provide. Choose from the following options:

  • In-person campus tours – Divided into sections and totaling two hours, our daily tour leads prospective students through key campus areas, including the student center, numerous collegiate buildings, residence halls, the recreation and wellness center, and more.
  • Virtual campus tours – Want to get a sense of campus but unable to make the trip? Try our virtual campus tour for an immersive experience designed to highlight core services and favorite locations.
  • 3D building tours – Use our online portal to see 3D, 360-degree maps that let you “walk” through many of the major facilities we offer on campus.
  • Self-guided campus tours – If you’d prefer to go at your own pace and experience a relaxing campus tour experience when you visit us, try using our self-guided tour app that can lead the way!

No matter which option you choose, we know that you’ll come to love the beautiful and bustling campus of Kent State and will be excited to begin your Ph.D. in translation and interpretation with us.

Choose Kent State for Your Translation Ph.D.

Ready to get started? Reach out to our team if you have questions about our Ph.D. in Translation Studies, or feel free to apply today if you have all your materials prepared. We look forward to meeting with you!

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