Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
Focuses on one or more modern foreign languages that is not specific as to the name of the language(s) studied; that is otherwise undifferentiated; or that introduces students to language studies at the basic/elementary level.
Inside the major
Programs within this field
Colleges may offer this field under 6 more specific program names. The program you choose affects the courses you take.
- Foreign Languages and Literatures, General
- Focuses on one or more modern foreign languages that is not specific as to the name of the language(s) studied; that is otherwise undifferentiated; or that introduces students to language studies at the basic/elementary level.
- Linguistics
- Focuses on language, language development, and relationships among languages and language groups from a humanistic and/or scientific perspective. Covers subjects such as psycholinguistics, behavioral linguistics, language acquisition, sociolinguistics, mathematical and computational linguistics, grammatical theory and theoretical linguistics, philosophical linguistics, philology and historical linguistics, comparative linguistics, phonetics, phonemics, dialectology, semantics, functional grammar and linguistics, language typology, lexicography, morphology and syntax, orthography, stylistics, structuralism, rhetoric, and applications to artificial intelligence.
- Language Interpretation and Translation
- Prepares you to be professional interpreters and/or translators of documents and data files, either from English or (Canadian) French into another language or languages or vice versa. Includes intensive instruction in one or more foreign languages plus instruction in subjects such as single- and multiple-language interpretation, one- or two-way interpretation, simultaneous interpretation, general and literary translation, business translation, technical translation, and other specific applications of linguistic skills.
- Comparative Literature
- Focuses on two or more literary traditions in the original languages or in translation. Covers comparative linguistics; applicable foreign languages; English/French language and literature; literary criticism; and applications to genre, period, national, and textual studies as well as literary forms such as poetry, prose, and drama.
- Applied Linguistics
- Focuses on language-related concerns in the everyday world, including language education, acquisition of first and additional languages, discourse analysis, language assessment, literacy, and language policy and planning. Covers linguistic theory; language teaching and learning; discourse analysis; language and cognition; and language, culture, and identity.
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services, Other
- Linguistic, comparative, and related language studies and services not listed above.
Where it can lead
Careers this field can lead to
Explore related careers, starting with the closest connections and the occupations hiring the most people.
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
- Median pay
- $72,040
- Hiring change through 2035
- −0.2%
- Job openings a year
- 63,500
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career Growing with the economyInterpreters and Translators
- Median pay
- $60,170
- Hiring change through 2035
- 2.0%
- Job openings a year
- 6,000
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career Growing slowlyForeign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
- Median pay
- $79,350
- Hiring change through 2035
- 0.2%
- Job openings a year
- 1,600
To get hiredDoctoral or professional degree
Explore this career Holding steadyEnglish Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
- Median pay
- $78,760
- Hiring change through 2035
- 0.0%
- Job openings a year
- 4,500
To get hiredDoctoral or professional degree
Explore this career ShrinkingSocial Scientists and Related Workers, All Other
- Median pay
- $101,110
- Hiring change through 2035
- −0.2%
- Job openings a year
- 2,700
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this careerAll work is projected to grow 3.5% between 2025 and 2035; read every hiring-change figure against it. The figures beside each career are the pay of that work, across everyone doing it. Graduates of this field earn $26,465 one year after completing the program, which is the start of a career rather than the shape of one.
Working style
How and where the work happens
Related careers can feel very different from one another. Compare the specific occupations to understand the work each one involves.
Most careers connected to this field involve in-person work. About 81 of every 100 openings require working close to other people or spending time on your feet.
College options
Where to study it
Ordered by how many degrees each college awards in this field. Sort by any numbered column.