by our College Data Analytics TeamDid you know that one quarter of the world's languages is spoken only in African? There are nearly 800 languages spoken in Africa, whether they be tribal or national, there are nearly half a million people speaking different African languages. Major in African Language so you can learn how to speak, write, and read various African Languages.
Some of the most common languages studied are Arabic, Swahili, Twi, Yoruba, and Zulu. Students will not only learn the linguistics of African languages, but also be educated on the rich culture Africa has to offer. While majoring in African Languages, students will take courses in African languages, culture, and society, Introduction to African literature, Syntax, and Phonology.
African Languages was the 382nd most popular major in the 2021-2022 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 3 degrees in this year alone. Our 2025 Best African Languages Schools ranking analyzes 1 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for african languages students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of african programs later in this article.
Students should have an ear for detail. There are many different African Languages and it is crucial to be able to detect which one is being spoken. An individual with a love for African Culture is also important. There are opportunities for study abroad programs at some institutions. This would allow a student to practice their lingual skills and experience the culture of Africa first hand.
To prepare for this major, students are advised to take courses in World History, Latin, French Language, and World religion. These courses will help students understand the fundamentals of African Languages.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most african degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. Once you obtain your degree, additional african certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
There are many different african degree levels. You can spend many years getting as high as a in african languages to something that takes less time like a . The time it takes to complete a african 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 doctor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to african, with approximately 36.7% of workers getting one. People currently working in careers related to african tend obtained the following education levels.
| 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% |
About 62.8% of workers in careers related to african obtain at least master's degrees. View the chart below to get an idea of what degree level most of those in african languages careers have.
This of course varies depending on which african career you choose.
A degree in African Languages can lead to many different career options. If you are interested in teaching others, a career as a Foreign Language and literature teacher is open to you. You will be able to teach English speaking individuals African, or African speaking individuals English. Students may continue their education to become Speech Language Pathologists. These professionals work with individuals to assess and treat speech, voice, language, or fluency disorders. One more option is to become a translator, a career highly in demand due to the growing business between nations.
Want a job when you graduate with your african degree? African Languages careers are expected to grow 15.7% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to african languages.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Interpreters and Translators | 80,300 | 17.7% |
| Foreign Language and Literature Professors | 39,100 | 11.7% |
As you might expect, salaries for african graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for african languages graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers african grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Foreign Language and Literature Professors | $79,160 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $55,230 |
With over 6 different african 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 african school rankings to help you with this.
One of 18 majors within the Foreign Languages & Linguistics area of study, African Languages has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| African Languages, Literatures, & Linguistics | 3 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Romance Languages | 13,644 |
| Linguistics & Comparative Literature | 8,146 |
| American Sign Language | 2,671 |
| East Asian Languages | 2,319 |
| Classical Languages & Literature | 1,407 |
Image Credit: By Mark Dingemanse under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
