At present, China’s translation and language service industry is expanding rapidly, and translation education is developing at a fast pace. However, there remains a shortage of high-quality and professional translators, particularly those proficient in non-common languages. By examining the development and establishment of the Master of Translation and Interpreting (MTI) program, this study reviews relevant research since its inception, identifies issues that have emerged during its implementation, and extracts valuable experiences and insights. These findings are then applied to the construction of the doctoral program in translation and interpreting (DTI). The study proposes that China’s DTI program should adhere to the principles of serving national strategies, innovating cultivation models, constructing a multi-dimensional evaluation system, and emphasizing institution-specific characteristics. These measures aim to contribute to the development of professional degrees in translation and interpreting in the new era.