by our College Data Analytics TeamDoes 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) was the 294th most popular major in the 2021-2022 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 518 degrees in this year alone. This year's Best Foreign Language, Literature & Linguistics (Other) Schools ranking compares 6 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of other foreign language programs later in this article.
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.
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. In addition to these basic foreign language, literature & linguistics (other) program qualifications, to serve in some other foreign language careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
There are various different levels of other foreign language degrees. Foreign Language, Literature & Linguistics (Other) programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest other foreign language degree you can get. How long it takes to complete some common other foreign language degree levels is shown below.
| 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. The chart below shows what degree level those who work in foreign language, literature & linguistics (other) have obtained.
This of course varies depending on which other foreign language career you choose.
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.
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 & linguistics (other).
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Interpreters and Translators | 80,300 | 17.7% |
| Foreign Language and Literature Professors | 39,100 | 11.7% |
Recently graduated foreign language, literature & linguistics (other) students earned an average of $36,546 in <nil>. Earnings can range from as low as $27,644 to as high as $42,500. As you might expect, salaries for other foreign language graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for foreign language, literature & 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 |
With over 104 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.
One of 18 majors within the Foreign Languages & Linguistics area of study, Foreign Language, Literature & Linguistics (Other) has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Other Foreign Languages, Literatures, & Linguistics | 518 |
| 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 John Stephen Dwyer under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
