What is the GCAT 4+1?
The GCAT 4+1 is an “accelerated” masters program that allows qualified undergraduates the opportunity to begin the Master’s degree program during their senior year. It offers training in the principles of practices of professional translation, global communication, and localization.
Carnegie Mellon University undergraduate students can qualify to complete the M.A. in Global Communication & Applied Translation in two graduate semesters instead of the usual three by starting it in their undergraduate junior or senior year. The program is open to undergraduates majoring in any field who are sufficiently proficient in English and one of the following languages as either advanced (300-level), native or heritage speakers/readers: Arabic, Mandarin, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, or Russian.
The GCAT 4+1 program is aligned with workforce needs by offering a specialized skill set in translation, computer-assisted translation, editing & post-editing, plain language revision, and software and textual localization, and a complementary subset of skills that are key in positions involving digital game creation, marketing, diplomacy, government service, intelligence work, social services, health professions, law, and other exciting careers.
What level of language proficiency is required?
Advanced READING AND WRITING proficiency is required. Advanced proficiency may be demonstrated by the completion of the 300-level in English, Arabic, Mandarin, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, or Russian at CMU; or equivalent evidence as a native or heritage speaker; or permission of the GCAT directors.
How do I apply?
What is the advantage of taking part in the GCAT 4+1 program?
What courses from my undergraduate degree program fulfills the GCAT requirements?
The GCAT 4+1 calendar for completing the curriculum will be individualized according to each student's circumstances. Students must work closely with a GCAT advisor to work out their semester plans towards completion.
Students can double count the GCAT core courses towards their undergraduate degree; however, we cannot double count electives. See the GCAT 4+1 structure below (this can also be adjusted if you would like to start taking courses your junior year):
FALL 1: SENIOR YEAR
- 82-707 Introduction to Translation: Theories and Approaches - 9 Units
- 82-703 Translation Technologies (taught by a professional translator who is an expert in using translation technologies and keeps up with new technologies) - 9 Units
- 82-704 Translation Workshop I (core workshop + language-specific meetings + breakout sessions on translation areas of specialization) - 9 Units
- 82-708 Translation as a Profession (career preparation seminar) - 3 Units
SPRING: SENIOR YEAR
- Translation Workshop II (core workshop + language-specific meetings + breakout sessions on translation areas of specialization) - 9 Units
- Translation as a Profession (career preparation seminar) - 3 Units
FALL 2: +1 YEAR (39 units)
- List A Elective (in the target language) - 9 Units
- List A Elective (in the target language) - 9 Units
- Translation Workshop III: Issues in Large Scale Translation (project course, client-based, multilingual projects that support skill development in supervision and coordination (core workshop + language-specific meetings + breakout sessions on translation areas of specialization) - 18 Units
- Translation as a Profession (career preparation seminar) - 3 Units
SPRING 2: +1 YEAR (36 units)
- Cultural Adaptability Course (Language and Culture, or Communicating in a Global Marketplace, or Language, Diversity and Cultural Identity, or Theories of International Relations) - 9 Units
- Style or Rhetorical Grammar or Argument or approved toolkit course - 9 Units
- List B Elective (in the topic area: technical and scientific, literary, business, audiovisual and media, or healthcare) - 9 Units
- List B Elective (in the topic area: technical and scientific, literary, business, audiovisual and media, or healthcare; in a cultural context) - 9 Units
Core Course Descriptions
This course introduces students to theoretical and general approaches to the field of translation and key issues in the field. Students will engage with texts and practitioners to explore the art and craft, the techniques and methods of translation.
Translation Technologies (9 units):
In this course, students will gain understanding of current computer-aided technology (CAT) capabilities and applications. They will learn how to work with a number of translation, glossary management, and localization tools effectively and responsibly.
Translation Workshop I and II (9 units):
This course will meet two times weekly. One session is a plenary core workshop that addresses common issues and challenges related to developing skills in translation of diverse documents in diverse genres. It will also incorporate common terminology and strategies to analyze and discuss translations and translation decisions made. The other session is a language-specific meeting in which students will work on translations individually and in groups. These sessions will involve the development of multiple drafts, consultations and feedback, revisions, and preparation of work for portfolios. Also integrated into these courses are micro-workshops on translation areas of specialization, e.g., healthcare; poetry in translation; localization and terminology, etc.
Translation Workshop III (18 units):
This course will meet two times weekly. In this course, individual students or groups of students will continue to hone their translation skills and undertake semester-long translation projects to respond to the needs of outside clients. One session per week is a plenary core workshop with in-class exercises and projects designed to address troubleshooting and complexities, e.g, how their second language and culture contrasts with English; 2) how specific domains (e.g., health) are dealt with in a different cultural and linguistic manner in different cultures; and 3) how solid background research is key to excellent translation. The second session per week will involve individual meetings with the instructor and/or professional editor to review progress with and issues regarding out-of-class, professional translation projects.
Translation as a Profession I and II (3 units):
This seminar, required for two semesters, will meet weekly for 50 minutes and is designed to orient students to employment opportunities, prepare for the job seeking process, and meet with professionals and prospective employers. Students will interact with working translators and representatives from the industry. Invitees to the seminar will also contribute to students’ general professional training related to intellectual property protection, team and group work, and mediation.
Translation as a Profession III (3 units):
In this final semester, students will work on the preparation of CVs, cover letters, and other submission materials (e.g., portfolio materials), and review work-related matters to freelancing taxes, etc.
Electives corresponding to student’s interests and an internship fill out the remainder of the coursework. See here for a description of the full GCAT curriculum.