Admissions

Admission Requirements

  • Satisfy the university requirements for graduate admission
  • A bachelor’s degree in any field
  • A minimum 3.0 GPA in your baccalaureate degree
  • Advanced proficiency in your primary working language (the language, other than English, in which you intend to specialize in translation or interpreting)
  • Knowledge of a third language at an intermediate level of proficiency is desirable

Students in the MATI program can specialize in any language, including languages not regularly taught at CSULB.

Applicants must demonstrate advanced proficiency in their primary working language. Applicants who completed their secondary education or earned a postsecondary degree at an institution where their primary working language was the language of instruction, and in a country where that language is widely used, may be able to satisfy this requirement through their educational record. These applicants should contact the Translation Studies Program to confirm their eligibility.

All other applicants must submit results from an approved language proficiency assessment demonstrating advanced proficiency.

Applicants may use a variety of recognized proficiency assessments to satisfy this requirement. Because proficiency scales vary by assessment, applicants must meet the advanced level established by the approved assessment they submit. The Avant STAMP 4S assessment is one accepted option and may be taken in person at CSULB or remotely through AvantProctor. Applicants whose primary working language is American Sign Language (ASL) may submit results from the Avant STAMP for ASL assessment. Remote proctoring through AvantProctor is not currently available for the ASL assessment.

Official ACTFL proficiency assessments and other recognized language proficiency assessments may also be accepted. Applicants who plan to use an assessment other than Avant STAMP should contact the Translation Studies Program at Translation.Studies@csulb.edu before applying to confirm that the assessment is acceptable.

Applicants must satisfy CSULB’s English Language Requirement for graduate admission. Applicants who qualify for a university English-language waiver do not need to submit an English proficiency examination. Applicants who do not qualify for a waiver must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the examinations or other methods accepted by CSULB.

Please review CSULB’s English Language Requirement for current waiver criteria, accepted examinations, and minimum scores.

Applications are submitted through Cal State Apply, the application platform used by the California State University system. For an overview of the graduate application process, see CSULB’s Graduate Programs Application Process.

Fall 2027 Deadlines

  • Domestic applicants must apply by April 1, 2027
  • International applicants must apply by March 15, 2027

MATI Application Materials

Applicants must submit the following program materials through Cal State Apply:

  • Letters of Recommendation
    • Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your preparation for graduate study and your potential for success in the MA in Translation and Interpreting. Letters may come from professors, employers, or other professional supervisors who are familiar with your academic or professional work. Recommenders should address strengths relevant to graduate study and professional work in translation and interpreting, such as your language and communication skills, analytical abilities, intellectual curiosity, intercultural awareness, professionalism, and capacity for self-directed work.
  • CV or Resume
    • A current CV or resume outlining your educational background, employment history, and relevant academic, professional, or volunteer experience.
  • Statement of Purpose
    • A statement of purpose describing your academic and professional background, preparation for graduate study in translation and interpreting, reasons for pursuing the MA, and academic and professional goals. Please identify your intended specialization (translation or interpreting), your primary working language, and any additional working languages. Recommended length: 750–1,000 words.
  • Primary Working Language Proficiency Assessment Results (if required)
    • Applicants who are required to demonstrate proficiency through an assessment must submit results from an approved language proficiency assessment. See Language Options and Assessment above for details.

University Admission Materials

Applicants must also satisfy CSULB’s university requirements for graduate admission, including the submission of required academic records and, when applicable, proof of English language proficiency.

  • Official Transcripts
  • English Language Proficiency
    • Applicants who do not qualify for a CSULB English-language waiver must demonstrate English proficiency through an examination or other method accepted by the university. See CSULB’s English Language Requirement for current requirements, accepted assessments, and minimum scores.