2025 Linguistics & Comparative Literature Degree Guide
The study of Linguistics and Comparative Literature are two separate entities, however they both deal with the examination of dialect and how it has developed and changed over time. If you are fascinated by the structure of language, this would be an ideal major for you. Students will learn language development and relationships among language groups from a humanistic and scientific perspective. Some of the classes you will take are Historical Linguistics, Philosophy of Languages, Phonology and Phonetics, Great Books of Western Culture, Romanticism, and Literature of the Americas.
Depending on the college you choose, different concentrations may be available to you. These include Linguistics, Language Interpretation and Translation, Comparative Literature and Applied Linguistics.
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Linguistics & Comparative Literature Degrees in the United States
#96Most Popular Major
8.1kDegrees Awarded
239Schools Offering Degrees
Linguistics & Comparative Literature was the 96th most popular major in the 2021-2022 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 8,146 degrees in this year alone.
This year's Best Linguistics & Comparative Literature Schools ranking compares 109 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom comparative literature rankings further below.
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What Are The Requirements For a Degree in Linguistics & Comparative Literature
This major is well suited to individuals who are creative, curious and analytical thinkers. You will spend a good amount of time studying the origin and development of language, making a love of reading and writing important. You can prepare for this major ahead of time by taking courses in English Literature, Foreign Languages, English Language, World History, and European History.
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Prior Education for a Comparative Literature Program
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most comparative literature degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. Once you obtain your degree, additional comparative literature certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
Linguistics & Comparative Literature Degree Types
There are various different levels of comparative literature degrees. Linguistics & Comparative Literature programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest comparative literature degree you can get. Depending on the linguistics & comparative literature degree you choose, obtaining your diploma can take anwhere from 1 to 4+ years.
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 comparative literature, with approximately 37.7% of workers getting one. See the the most common levels of education for comparative literature 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%
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54.7% of comparative literature workers have at least a master's. The chart below shows what degree level those who work in linguistics & comparative literature have obtained.
This of course varies depending on which comparative literature career you choose.
Career Opportunities for A Degree In Comparative Literature Graduate
Above AverageNumber of Jobs
$27.5kAverage Starting Salary
8% GrowthJob Outlook 2016-26
A graduate with a degree in Linguistics & Comparative Literature can go into many different career paths. You may find work as a Postsecondary Teacher, Speech-Language Pathologist or an Audiologist. Pathologists and Audiologist help diagnose, treat, and prevent speech and hearing problems. They work directly with the language and the individual development of it.
Graduates can also peruse a career as a translator or interpreter. Translators and interpreters are in high demand because of growing business between nations. You may also choose to become an Anthropologist or Archeologist. Both of these fields examine the past of different cultures. As an Anthropologist you will examine the elements of human culture and society. As an Archeologist, you would examine the relics from the past to recreate the history and culture. Other career paths include Librarian or University Professor. Some of these jobs may require additional education.
Solid Growth Projected for Comparative Literature Careers
Want a job when you graduate with your comparative literature degree? Linguistics & Comparative Literature careers are expected to grow 8.3% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to linguistics & comparative literature.
Occupation Name
Projected Jobs
Expected Growth
High School Teachers
1,095,500
7.5%
English Language and Literature Professors
92,900
9.8%
Interpreters and Translators
80,300
17.7%
Social Scientists
44,900
6.7%
Foreign Language and Literature Professors
39,100
11.7%
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How Much Money Do Comparative Literature Grads Make?
Recently graduated linguistics & comparative literature students earned an average of $27,546 in <nil>. Earnings can range from as low as $9,605 to as high as $59,206. As you might expect, salaries for comparative literature graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
High Paying Careers for Comparative Literature Majors
Salaries for linguistics & comparative literature graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers comparative literature 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
High School Teachers
$64,340
Interpreters and Translators
$55,230
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Getting Your Linguistics & Comparative Literature Degree
With over 1,305 different comparative literature 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 comparative literature school rankings to help you with this.
Top Ranking Lists for Linguistics & Comparative Literature
by our College Data Analytics Team
