As the localization industry booms, Middlebury Institute is launching a new online degree that provides essential preparation to enter the field.
The new 20-month online MA in Localization Project Management is the first degree of its kind in the U.S. The program is designed both for early-career professionals trying to land their first job in the localization industry, as well as experienced translators looking to pivot into localization work. Middlebury Institute has long been known for its leading translation and interpretation programs and launched the first M.A. in Translation and Localization Management in the U.S. in 2005.
“This new online option supports working professionals to get their start in the dynamic language services industry,” said Patricia Szasz, dean of Middlebury Institute Online.
“Localization allows people to combine business, language, and technology to craft an exciting career. The first step into a career in localization management usually starts with a project management role,” said Professor Adam Wooten, program director for the new degree. Wooten is an alum of both the Institute’s translation and interpretation and MBA programs and has 20 years of experience in the language services industry, heading up translation operations for several companies.
The online 10-course, 30-credit program is asynchronous so students can adjust their studies to fit around their personal and work responsibilities. The degree has been developed by the Institute’s localization faculty, who have years of industry experience and mentor students throughout the program. The program focuses on the skills most in demand from employers, such as project management, translation technology, quality assurance, software, audiovisual and marketing localization.
The Middlebury Institute also continues to offer its popular in-person program, a 60-credit, full-time program completed over two years on campus in Monterey, CA. The program is more in-depth and students can customize their studies by choosing from a wide variety of electives on topics such as games localization, program management and leadership, account management or crowd-sourced localization, among others.
“Our online degree is a great option for those who want a fast track into the field and need flexibility,” said Wooten. “Our in-person program is more in-depth and positions graduates to move quickly into a wider variety of roles including engineering, localization solutions architecture, program management and more senior roles. It’s an exciting time to enter the localization field. We’re glad that we are able to expand our educational offerings and support the next generation of professionals to launch their careers.”
Learn more about the new https://online.middlebury.edu/programs/ma-masters-localization-project-management/.
