Persons interested in pursuing careers in translation or interpretation will find a graduate certificate program in Spanish translation available to them at UNLV this fall.

"This program will give students a solid foundation in the very particular skills necessary to be a good interpreter or translator," said Dick Gerdes, chair of UNLV's foreign languages department. "Speaking Spanish and English well is critical, of course, but that alone is not enough to make someone a high quality translator or interpreter.

"Our program is designed to take students with excellent linguistic ability in the two languages and give them the background in translation theory and translation practice that they will need to be successful in their careers."

Students will take courses in the history of translation theory, linguistics and sociolinguistics, writing, translating, and interpreting.

The 18-credit, three-semester program will be open to students who have earned a bachelor's degree in Spanish and have a grade point average of at least 3.0. They must demonstrate an advanced level of proficiency in both languages; non-native speakers must take a placement exam.

For additional information about the graduate certificate in Spanish translation or about other programs offered by the department of foreign languages, call Gerdes at 895-3431. The department of foreign languages is a unit of the College of Liberal Arts.