Spanish-English Translation Interpretation Certificate

The School of World Studies offers Virginia’s only certificate program in Spanish-English Translation and Interpretation (SETI). 

SETI combines translation and interpreting theory with applied practice, preparing you to use your translation and interpretation skills in a variety of community settings. As a SETI student, you have ample opportunity for meaningful engagement with the local community through volunteering and a specialized SETI internship.

Why SETI?

Spanish has the second largest number of native speakers in the world with roughly 41 million of those native speakers living in the United States. The United States already has the second highest number of Spanish speakers in the world and is estimated to take the top spot by 2050.

A SETI certificate gives you the competitive edge to work in many fields, not just the language industry. In healthcare, project management and business, working knowledge of Spanish boosts employees’ earnings and opportunities, particularly with multinational firms.

SETI graduates have gone on to win Fulbright Scholarships, obtain master’s and doctoral level degrees and work as translators, interpreters, teachers, project managers, medical doctors and paralegals.

Qualifying for SETI

Students with advanced-level Spanish and English skills who are concentrating in liberal arts or professional programs as well as other majors are encouraged to apply.

Admission to the certificate program requires completion of SETI 400 with a minimum grade of B, or a composite score of “advanced low” on the Avant STAMP 4s assessment test.

Certificate

After completing the course requirements outlined in the VCU bulletin, you must pass an exit exam to receive the SETI certificate. To schedule an exit exam, please complete the SETI Exit Exam Interest Form [Google Form] or email professors Indira Sultanić at isultanic@vcu.edu and Patricia Michelsen-King at pmichelsenki@vcu.edu with “Exit Exam Request” in the subject line.

The SETI certificate qualifies you for well-paid employment opportunities in various fields. The certificate also equips you with the skills needed to further pursue the following specialized certifications: state and federal court, national healthcare interpreter, and translation certification.