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2023 Foreign Language, Literature & Linguistics (Other) Degree Guide

Does the study of languages fascinate you? Do you know a second language and want to help better understand the use of language throughout the world or want to help others in their native country? Although many schools offer foreign language, literature and linguistics majors, some institutions offer highly specialized programs that cater to very specific needs.

This is where the ??other" part of this major comes from. For example, the University of Hawaii at Manoa offers a program in Second Language Studies. This program examines how people use and learn second or third languages, setting you up to continue as a language professional or researcher. As a second example, Clemson University offers a few specialized language programs - one in Language and International Trade and Language and International Health. Both are combinations of existing majors that have a special concentration in trade or public health.

If you are looking for something a bit more unique than simply being a translator or interpreter, check out the list of popular schools in the foreign language, literature and linguists ??other" category.

Foreign Language, Literature & Linguistics (Other) Degrees Remain Stable

#294 Most Popular Major
500 Degrees Awarded
-0.8% Increase in Graduates

Foreign Language, Literature & Linguistics (Other) was the 294th most popular major in the 2020-2021 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 500 degrees in this year alone. This represents a small change of only -0.8% from the prior year's total of 504 other foreign language degrees awarded.

Our 2023 Best Foreign Language, Literature & Linguistics (Other) Schools ranking analyzes 11 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for foreign language, literature and linguistics (other) students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of other foreign language programs later in this article.

2023 Best Colleges for Foreign Language, Literature & Linguistics (Other)
2023 Overall Best Foreign Language, Literature & Linguistics (Other) Colleges >

Best Foreign Language, Literature & Linguistics (Other) Schools by Degree

Associate Degrees in Foreign Language, Literature & Linguistics (Other)
Bachelor's Degrees in Foreign Language, Literature & Linguistics (Other)
Master's Degrees in Foreign Language, Literature & Linguistics (Other)
Doctorate Degrees in Foreign Language, Literature & Linguistics (Other)

Requirements for Getting a Degree in Foreign Language, Literature & Linguistics (Other)

No matter the specific major you decide on, all students who major in foreign language, literature or linguistics will need an attention to detail to successfully speak and interpret other languages. A love of reading and joy in communicating with others will also help you. A curious and creative nature will take you far in this field.

Coursework in the culture, history, literature and norms of the language you are learning will round out your experience and better put the language into context.

Getting Accepted Into a Foreign Language, Literature & Linguistics (Other) Program

New students will need to have completed high school or a GED program and each school will have their own minimum GPA and SAT/ACT test requirements. Once you obtain your degree, additional other foreign language certifications required to pursue a career in this field.

Foreign Language, Literature & Linguistics (Other) Degree Types

There are various different levels of other foreign language degrees. You can spend many years getting as high as a in foreign language, literature and linguistics (other) to something that takes less time like a . Depending on the foreign language, literature and linguistics (other) degree you choose, obtaining your diploma can take anwhere from 1 to 4+ years.

Degree Credit Requirements Typical Program Length
Associate Degree 60-70 credits 2 years
Bachelor’s Degree 120 credits 4 years
Master’s Degree 50-70 credits 1-3 years
Doctorate Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation At least 4 years

A doctor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to other foreign language, with approximately 36.7% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for other foreign language workers below.

Level of Education Percentage of Workers
Doctoral Degree 37.8%
Bachelor’s Degree 30.1%
Master’s Degree 21.7%
Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) 5.6%
Post-Master’s Certificate 4.3%

62.8% of other foreign language workers have at least a master's. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in foreign language, literature and linguistics (other) have received.

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This of course varies depending on which other foreign language career you choose.

Career Opportunities for A Degree In Other Foreign Language Graduate

Below Average Number of Jobs
$34k Average Starting Salary
16% Growth Job Outlook 2016-26

Because of the specialized nature of these majors, you will be looking at a highly specific career. Many graduates of this major become foreign language teachers, tutors, interpreters or writers. Careers in international business and health will continue to see strong demand with continued push for a world economy. Travel may be involved. Salary for these types of positions will vary wildly based on the experience and education you've received.

High Growth Projected for Other Foreign Language Careers

Want a job when you graduate with your other foreign language degree? Foreign Language, Literature & Linguistics (Other) careers are expected to grow 15.7% between 2016 and 2026.

The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to foreign language, literature and linguistics (other).

Occupation Name Projected Jobs Expected Growth
Interpreters and Translators 80,300 17.7%
Foreign Language and Literature Professors 39,100 11.7%

Other Foreign Language Degree Salary Potential

Recently graduated foreign language, literature and linguistics (other) students earned an average of $33,958 in 2019-2020. Earnings can range from as low as $24,523 to as high as $41,397. As you might expect, salaries for other foreign language graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.

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Highest Paid Other Foreign Language Careers

Salaries for foreign language, literature and linguistics (other) graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers other foreign language grads often go into.

Occupation Name Median Average Salary
Foreign Language and Literature Professors $79,160
Interpreters and Translators $55,230

Getting Your Foreign Language, Literature & Linguistics (Other) Degree

With over 98 different other foreign language degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased other foreign language school rankings to help you with this.

Study Areas in Foreign Language, Literature & Linguistics (Other)

One of 17 majors within the Foreign Languages & Linguistics area of study, Foreign Language, Literature & Linguistics (Other) has other similar majors worth exploring.

Majors Similar to Other Foreign Language

Related Major Annual Graduates
Romance Languages 15,009
Linguistics & Comparative Literature 8,539
American Sign Language 2,724
East Asian Languages 2,293
Classical Languages & Literature 1,428

View All Other Foreign Language Related Majors >

References

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