The new Master of Conference Interpreting (MCI) program at Glendon seeks to prepare a new generation of skilled and knowledgeable professionals for a rewarding career in this dynamic, fast-paced field.

The MCI Program at Glendon

The Master of Conference Interpreting (MCI) degree is a two-year program, lasting a total of six academic terms. Program candidates must pass an entrance examination, at which point they will enter Year One. Upon successful completion of the first three terms of Year One, students have the option of exiting the program and receiving the Graduate Diploma in General Interpreting. Those who elect to stay in the program must pass a transition examination leading to Year Two. After the successful completion of another three terms—and of the end-of-degree exit examination—students will earn the Master of Conference Interpreting degree.

Career potential

The employment outlook for conference interpreters is extremely positive. The majority of interpreters working today belong to the baby boom generation, which means that they have reached or are reaching retirement age. Moreover, the demand for qualified conference interpreters is very high, and it is only expected to grow. Around the world, the bodies that employ in-house interpreters are taking special measures to recruit a new generation of professionals.

There are also ample opportunities for freelance interpreters. Many freelancers earn their living from government contracts—staff interpreters alone cannot keep up with demand—and there are also very lively parapublic and private sector markets in Canada. Any union, association, bank, insurance company or other corporation that has a national profile will need to hire freelance interpreters for the press conferences, internal meetings, conventions, webcasts and teleconferences that they organize.

Languages

The MCI has seven working languages: Arabic, English, French, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. (Limited instruction may be available with additional languages, if numbers warrant). The normal expectation is that all students will have English in their combination, preferably as an active language. Students can be admitted to the program in the following language combinations, AB, ABC, or ACC.