by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 48 U.S. colleges awarded 568 degrees and certificates in Foreign Language, Literature & Linguistics (Other). Master’s degrees are the most popular award, at 38% of graduates. College Factual ranks 16 schools in its 2027 Best Foreign Language, Literature & Linguistics (Other) Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $37,370 one year after completing, rising to $55,197 after four years.
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.
A major in Foreign Language, Literature & Linguistics (Other) covers Foreign Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics, Other.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Across the country, foreign language, literature & linguistics (other) is a widely-pursued major, with 568 degrees awarded annually. 48 colleges award foreign language, literature & linguistics (other) degrees, an average of 12 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 60.
By level, the 568 awards include 71 certificates, 3 associate degrees, 214 bachelor’s degrees, 218 master’s degrees and 25 doctorates.
Women earned 72% of foreign language, literature & linguistics (other) degrees and certificates in the latest year (408 of 568). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (206) and Hispanic or Latino (151), and international students earned 35.
College Factual ranks 16 schools in its 2027 Best Foreign Language, Literature & Linguistics (Other) Schools ranking, including 6 for bachelor’s degrees. It also ranks foreign language, literature & linguistics (other) schools within 5 states. In all, 48 colleges offer foreign language, literature & linguistics (other) programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Foreign Language, Literature & Linguistics (Other) Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common foreign language, literature & linguistics (other) credential is the master’s degree: 218 of the 568 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to foreign language, literature & linguistics (other) call most for Speaking, Active Listening and Reading Comprehension, and for knowledge of English Language, Education and Training and Foreign Language, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Speech Clarity, Oral Expression and Oral Comprehension.
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.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long a foreign language, literature & linguistics (other) degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 71 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 3 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 214 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 218 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 25 |
Bachelor’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to foreign language, literature & linguistics (other), at 45.2%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 45.2% |
| Doctoral degree | 28.2% |
| Master’s degree | 15.1% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 3.8% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 2.9% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 2.6% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 2.0% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 0.3% |
Source: O*NET Online.
3 occupations are related to Foreign Language, Literature & Linguistics (Other), with an average median salary of $56,790; the strongest outlook belongs to Interpreters and Translators, at 12.2% projected job growth. Typical job titles include ESL Instructor (English as a Second Language Instructor), Language Arts Teacher, French Teacher and Bilingual Teacher.
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.
The occupation related to foreign language, literature & linguistics (other) with the most projected jobs is Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary, at 629,317.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | 629,317 | 7.3% |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | 571,954 | 1.8% |
| Interpreters and Translators | 424,722 | 12.2% |
Foreign Language, Literature & Linguistics (Other) graduates earn a median $37,370 one year after completing their program, $55,197 after four years and $55,356 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $37,370 |
| 4 years | $55,197 |
| 5 years | $55,356 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to foreign language, literature & linguistics (other) is Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education, with a median salary of $77,927.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $77,927 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $52,627 |
| Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | $39,815 |
Foreign Language, Literature & Linguistics (Other) includes 1 concentration; by graduates, the largest is Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other (568). It has 16 similar majors in the Foreign Languages & Linguistics field, which together award 28,603 degrees a year; the largest are Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics (12,344), Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services (7,420) and American Sign Language (2,471). Browse all Foreign Languages & Linguistics majors or the full list of college majors.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other | 568 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
