2021 Foreign Languages & Linguistics Degree Guide
There is roughly 311 different languages spoken in the United States alone, with more than 6,500 languages spoken in the world. Globalization and increasing communication with foreign countries has increased the need for bilingual speakers. By entering into the field of Foreign Languages and Linguistics, you will not only master a second language, you will become a more diverse and thoughtful person.
There are many different majors you can explore within this field. Some popular choices include African Languages, Germanic Languages, Romance Languages, Iranian and Persian, and American Sign Language.
While focusing on one of these majors, you will be instructed in the dialect, philology, literature, culture and history of the language. Some of the courses you will take include Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Languages, European History, Literature, and Religion.
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Foreign Languages & Linguistics Degrees Decreasing
In 2018-2019, foreign languages and linguistics was the 24th most popular major nationwide with 31,173 degrees awarded. This represents a 2.4% reduction in foreign languages and linguistics degrees awarded over the prior year's total of -31,914.
There are 1,114 schools offering degrees in foreign languages and linguistics in the United States. Our 2021 Best Colleges for Foreign Languages & Linguistics ranking analyzes 185 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for foreign languages and linguistics students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of foreign languages and linguistics programs later in this article.
What Are The Requirements For a Degree in Foreign Languages & Linguistics
While learning a new language it is necessary to have patience and perseverance. Some of these dialects are complicated and require practice and focus. It helps to have an ear for language and great attention to detail. To prepare for this field, students are advised to take prior courses in Foreign Language, History, Politics, and Religion. Take any advantage to study abroad while in college. This will give you invaluable, first-hand experience with the language and culture of a foreign country.
Foreign Languages & Linguistics Degree Program Entry Requirements
foreign languages and linguistics degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. In addition to these basic foreign languages and linguistics program qualifications, to serve in some foreign languages and linguistics careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
Types of Foreign Languages & Linguistics Degrees
Foreign Languages & Linguistics degree levels vary. You can get anything from a in foreign languages and linguistics to the highest foreign languages and linguistics degree, a . The time it takes to complete a foreign languages and linguistics degree varies depending on the program.
| 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 bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to foreign languages and linguistics, with approximately 37.7% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for foreign languages and linguistics workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 37.2% |
| Doctoral Degree | 27.1% |
| Master’s Degree | 25.4% |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 4.2% |
| Post-Master’s Certificate | 2.8% |
About 54.7% of workers in careers related to foreign languages and linguistics obtain at least master's degrees. The chart below shows what degree level those who work in foreign languages and linguistics have obtained.
This of course varies depending on which foreign languages and linguistics career you choose.
Foreign Languages & Linguistics Careers
A graduate with a degree in this field can enter into many different occupations. You would be well prepared to teach Foreign Language, English, History, or Literature in High School or teach a Foreign Language to adults. You could also continue your education in order to become a University Professor. If education does not interest you, you can work for the government in international relations or become a Foreign Service Officer. Other students may choose to become Anthropologists or Archeologists, Librarians or Museum Curators. Finally, another career choice is to become a translator or interpreter. Well-trained translators and interpreters are in high demand because of growing communication between nations.
Solid Growth Projected for Foreign Languages & Linguistics Careers
Want a job when you graduate with your foreign languages and linguistics degree? Foreign Languages & Linguistics careers are expected to grow 8.5% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to foreign languages and linguistics.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| High School Teachers | 1,095,500 | 7.5% |
| Professors | 258,700 | 9.4% |
| English Language and Literature Professors | 92,900 | 9.8% |
| Interpreters and Translators | 80,300 | 17.7% |
| Social Scientists | 44,900 | 6.7% |
Foreign Languages & Linguistics Degree Salary Potential
Recently graduated foreign languages and linguistics students earned an average of $29,403 in 2017-2018. Earnings can range from as low as $14,600 to as high as $58,200. As you might expect, salaries for foreign languages and linguistics graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
High Paying Careers for Foreign Languages & Linguistics Majors
Salaries for foreign languages and linguistics graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top 5 highest paying careers foreign languages and linguistics grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Social Scientists | $85,750 |
| Foreign Language and Literature Professors | $79,160 |
| English Language and Literature Professors | $78,150 |
| Professors | $76,990 |
| High School Teachers | $64,340 |
Getting Your Foreign Languages & Linguistics Degree
With over 6,948 different foreign languages and linguistics 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 foreign languages and linguistics school rankings to help you with this.
Top Ranking Lists for Foreign Languages & Linguistics
Study Areas in Foreign Languages & Linguistics
Foreign Languages & Linguistics Majors to Study
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Romance Languages | 15,062 |
| Linguistics & Comparative Literature | 7,928 |
| East Asian Languages | 2,089 |
| American Sign Language | 1,662 |
| Classical Languages & Literature | 1,537 |
View All Foreign Languages & Linguistics Related Majors >
Most Popular Related Majors
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities | 458,966 |
| Visual & Performing Arts | 133,923 |
| English Language & Literature | 55,609 |
| Theology & Religious Vocations | 29,245 |
| Philosophy & Religious Studies | 15,993 |
View All Foreign Languages & Linguistics Related Majors >
References
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Image Credit: By John Stephen Dwyer under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Foreign Language Schools
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Southern New Hampshire University
You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs ... Learn More > |
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Purdue University
Building on Purdue’s mission to provide greater access to affordable, world-class education, Purdue University Global delivers a fully personalized online experience that’s tailored to working adults. By opening the doors to adults who need flexibility to fit learning into their busy lives, we make it possible to achieve a high-quality education from the prestigious Purdue University system—completely online ... Learn More > |
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Grand Canyon University (GCU)
With a spotlight on intellectual creativity and innovation for the 21stcentury, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at GCU provides a job focused education. It blends the study of traditional humanities in a modern context. Through academic inquiry and beyond the box thinking, the college advances our society and its accomplishments ... Learn More > |
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Northcentral University
Northcentral University (NCU) was founded to provide accessible, high-quality, online graduate degrees to working professionals. As a regionally accredited, online university, NCU serves students worldwide, focusing on Doctoral and Master's degree programs in the Schools of Business and Technology Management, Education, Psychology, and Marriage and Family Sciences ... Learn More > |
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Colorado Technical University (CTU)
CTU could help you connect to what matters most: a powerful professional community, aculty who are real-world professionals, and innovative technology ... Learn More > |
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