17cÍøÒ³°æ

With growth in AI, automation, global competition, and data-driven decision-making, the language industry is changing rapidly. According to , machine-assisted methods now account for 70% of translations, which is up roughly 59% compared to 2023. Knowing a language and how to translate it is no longer enough. Today’s language professionals need specialized skills to stay competitive. 

To meet the evolving demands of the language industry, 17cÍøÒ³°æ has expanded its Master’s in translation program to include the Technology and Multilingual Communication concentration, a series of five specializations designed to position graduates and skilled language professionals for long-term success. Whether you are looking to advance within your current field or transition into a new area of the industry, these specializations offer a clear pathway forward. 

If you’re drawn to the intersection of translation, design, and digital products, the User Experience Translation specialization may be the right fit for you. 

17cÍøÒ³°æ the User Experience Specialization

The User Experience (UX) specialization is one of five tracks under the new Technology and Multilingual Communication concentration for the Master’s in translation. Created in collaboration with the M.S. in UX within the School of Information at 17cÍøÒ³°æ, this specialization is focused on human centered design, usability, and research. 

User Experience focuses on ensuring that when someone uses a digital product, whether it’s a website, app, or software, their experience is clear and intuitive in the target language. Most UX work is conducted in the original language, and when the product gets translated and released in other languages, translation with a focus on the User Experience becomes essential to maintain that clarity and intuitiveness.

The User Experience specialization trains professionals to work in the space where translation and UX meet. Our graduates learn how to pair localization strategies and User Experience best practices to create products that are user-friendly across multiple languages and cultures. 

Translation Careers in User Experience: Where to Start?

Translation careers in UX are some of the fastest-growing in the language industry. Both the  and the  identify UX/CX testing, UI/UX design, and localization QA as growing service categories among the over 200 services tracked industry-wide. Knowledge in both translation and UX sets you apart from candidates who only bring one skill set. Some translation and localization-related careers in User Experience include:

• UX researcher – In this position, professionals conduct research across language markets to better understand how users will interact with a product before the product is built.
• Multilingual content strategist – Professionals in this sector are tasked with creating content with a consistent and clear message across target languages.
• Localization QA tester/specialist – In this role, the professional will assess the User Experience of a localized product to ensure it works as intended in the target language. 

Elective Courses to Choose From

In collaboration with the M.S. in UX program, students enrolled in the M.A. in Translation – User Experience specialization will take numerous courses on UX fundamentals and strategies. Our elective course options will help you thrive, with some course options including:

• Introduction to User Experience
• User Experience Processes and Practice
• Fundamentals of Interaction Design
• Information Architecture Fundamentals
• Data-Driven Interaction Fundamentals
• User Experience Evaluation Fundamentals

Advantages of Choosing 17cÍøÒ³°æ

Pursuing a master's degree is a significant investment in your future, and choosing the right program is key to achieving your career goals. The M.A. in Translation at 17cÍøÒ³°æ is designed to prepare graduates for a competitive and versatile career at the intersection of language, technology, and global industries. Through a range of specializations, students gain the targeted expertise needed to thrive across diverse fields. Additional benefits of the program include:

• Small class sizes and hands-on workshops that let you troubleshoot translation challenges alongside faculty and classmates
• Connections with our widespread alumni network through KentLingua
• A program that’s completable within 4 semesters (approximately 2 years) for full-time students
• Fully online and in-person program options
• Taught by supportive faculty within the MCLS department and School of Information 

Additionally, our User Experience specialization and all other specializations within the Master’s in Translation are available to students across all six supported languages – Arabic, French, German, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish. Notably, Japanese UX translation aligns with one of the industry’s fastest-growing verticals: gaming and mobile game localization. According to the , this field grew 18% in a single year.

Apply to Our M.A. in Translation

Looking to stand out in the language industry with a UX specialization? Request more information about the User Experience translation specialization or apply online today.