Frequently Asked Questions

The Graduate Certificate in Translation Studies is open to students and professionals who possess a BA or BS degree in any discipline, advanced proficiency in their language of translation specialization, and excellent skills in English. Knowledge of a second language at an intermediate level of proficiency is desirable.

The Certificate can be completed in 12 months.

To qualify for admission to a “stand-alone” certificate program as a post-baccalaureate student, you must meet general university admission requirements as well as any professional, personal, scholastic or other standards as prescribed by the program.

The minimum university admission requirements for post-baccalaureate consideration are:

  • Complete a four-year college course of study and hold an acceptable baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution by the end of the summer term prior to Fall enrollment or the end of the Fall semester for Spring enrollment.
  • Be in good standing at the last college or university you attended.
  • Meet the minimum GPA requirements for admission to the university. This can be met in any of the following ways:
    • Hold an advanced degree.
    • Hold a baccalaureate degree with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.
    • Hold a baccalaureate degree with a GPA of at least 2.5 in the last 60 semester or 90 quarter units you attempted, excluding lower-division and/or extension coursework attempted after the baccalaureate degree.
    • Students in the process of completing a baccalaureate degree may be admitted on a provisional basis, subject to proof of degree completion, if their cumulative GPA is at least 2.7 or if the GPA in their last 60 semester or 90 quarter units are calculated at a 2.5 or higher. An official transcript showing degree completion must be submitted or the offer of admission will be withdrawn.

Program Requirements:

Advanced proficiency in student’s language of translation specialization is required, with knowledge of a second language at an intermediate level of proficiency desirable; BA or BS degree in any field with a GPA of 3.0 or higher; excellent skills in English.

Candidates should possess an advanced level of proficiency in their language of translation specialization, as well as excellent skills in English. Knowledge of a third language is desirable, but not necessary to be accepted into the certificate.

When you are ready to apply, visit Cal State Apply to submit the university admission application and pay the $70 nonrefundable application fee online by the application deadline for your program. Be sure to indicate in your online application that you are interested in a “Post-baccalaureate Certificate” in order to locate the program in Cal State Apply. Be aware that the CSU does not offer application fee waivers for post-baccalaureate certificate applicants. CSULB graduates or candidates must reapply to the University under the same conditions and deadlines as all other applicants. We will send you a notification by email to acknowledge receipt of your application. Students may only be considered for one application per academic term and will only be considered for the program for which they initially applied.

Please submit one set of official transcripts from each college or university you have attended. Only one set of official transcripts is required, and they must be submitted to Enrollment Services. Official transcripts may be submitted electronically directly from a U.S. college or university toES-IDPTrans@csulb.edu. Official transcripts may also be sent in a sealed envelope to the following address:

Enrollment Services/Admissions

California State University, Long Beach

1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90840.

Some programs require supplemental applications or information that must be submitted directly to the department. Check with the certificate program for specific information on these requirements. 

No, you will only have to pay the nonrefundable CSU application fee of $70. For more info about tuition fees and payment deadlines, please go to /student-records/tuition-and-fees.

Being bilingual is a great advantage in today’s multilingual world, but it doesn’t automatically make people good translators. Translation requires a foundation of knowledge and key skills that is acquired and strengthened through degree or certificate programs such as this one. This foundation includes: knowledge of different historical and cultural contexts and their related dialects or regional linguistic variations; the ability to use CAT (Computer-Assisted Translation) tools; the ability to create glossaries and carry out fast and effective research on different topics required for translation; awareness of market trends and costs related to translation; etc.

International students who meet the CSU admission requirements and the program requirements can apply for the Graduate Certificate in Translation studies. For more info, please visit the following webpage: https://www.cpie.csulb.edu/international/Earn-a-degree#/admission-criteria.

The Certificate requires 12 units total, or 4 classes. Students should take 2 classes per semester to complete the Certificate within 12 months.