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.
A major in Foreign Language, Literature & Linguistics (Other) covers Foreign Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics, Other. Continue reading for the essential details every foreign language, literature & linguistics (other) student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering foreign language, literature & linguistics (other) programs.
Across the country, foreign language, literature & linguistics (other) is a widely-pursued major, with 545 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Foreign Language, Literature & Linguistics (Other) Schools ranking analyzes these 44 schools to determine the best overall colleges for foreign language, literature & linguistics (other) students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of foreign language, literature & linguistics (other) programs later in this article.
Coursework for Foreign Language, Literature & Linguistics (Other) emphasize a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations foreign language, literature & linguistics (other) graduates commonly enter.
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.
The skill set built by a foreign language, literature & linguistics (other) program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a foreign language, literature & linguistics (other) major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several foreign language, literature & linguistics (other) degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 70 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 24 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 183 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 214 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 27 |
People currently working in careers related to foreign language, literature & linguistics (other) tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| 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% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in foreign language, literature & linguistics (other) careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
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.
Studying foreign language, literature & linguistics (other) can lead to numerous career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to foreign language, literature & linguistics (other).
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to foreign language, literature & linguistics (other).
| 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% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of foreign language, literature & linguistics (other) graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. These numbers tend to grow as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $37,370 |
| 4 years | $48,246 |
| 5 years | $55,356 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for foreign language, literature & linguistics (other) graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers foreign language, literature & linguistics (other) grads often go into.
| 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 |
With 44 different foreign language, literature & linguistics (other) programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased foreign language, literature & linguistics (other) school rankings to help you.
If you are interested in foreign language, literature & linguistics (other), you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other | 545 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
