Scandinavian Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Scandinavian Studies offers an interdisciplinary exploration of the historical, cultural, political, and economic landscapes of the Nordic region. This program examines the interconnected societies of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, along with their surrounding territories such as Greenland and adjacent borderlands, fostering a deep understanding of their shared and distinct identities.
- Nordic History: Traces the evolution of Scandinavian societies from ancient times to the present, emphasizing pivotal events, migrations, and transformations that have shaped regional development.
- Cultural Traditions: Investigates literature, folklore, visual arts, music, and media to uncover enduring expressions of identity and societal values across the Nordic countries.
- Political Systems: Analyzes governance models, democratic institutions, and policy frameworks unique to the Nordic model, including social welfare, gender equality, and environmental stewardship.
- Language and Linguistics: Explores the North Germanic languages—Danish, Finnish, Icelandic, Norwegian, and Swedish—alongside their historical development, dialectal variations, and role in national identity.
- Economic Structures: Studies the economic systems of the Nordic nations, including innovation, labor markets, sustainable development, and the impact of natural resources on national economies.
- Contemporary Social Issues: Addresses current challenges such as immigration, urbanization, climate change adaptation, and digital transformation within the Nordic context.
Scandinavian Studies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Scandinavian Studies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Scandinavian Studies degrees, including Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 11,430 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1062 | $84,290 | $51,130 - $164,650 | 11,430 | N/A |
Scandinavian Studies Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $61,920 in Florida to $113,070 in California—a 83% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Vermont, and Kansas. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 11,430 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Scandinavian Studies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 5 institutions offering Scandinavian Studies programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Scandinavian Studies is found at University of Wisconsin-Madison (12 graduates), University of Washington (UW), Seattle Campus (6 graduates), Gustavus Adolphus College (3 graduates), Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) (2 graduates), and Minnesota State University, Mankato (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 24 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
Other Award
|
12 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| Gustavus Adolphus College |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Saint Peter, Minnesota | Private | gustavus.edu |
| Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Tacoma, Washington | Private | plu.edu |
| Minnesota State University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Mankato, Minnesota | Public | mnsu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Scandinavian Studies programs
How much can I earn with a Scandinavian Studies degree?
Salaries for Scandinavian Studies graduates vary by role and location. Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $84,290 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $113,070 compared to $61,920 in Florida. Approximately 11,430 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Scandinavian Studies programs?
Currently 5 accredited institutions offer Scandinavian Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Wisconsin-Madison (12 graduates), University of Washington (UW), Seattle Campus (6 graduates), and Gustavus Adolphus College (3 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Scandinavian Studies growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 39 in 2010 to a peak of 33 in 2020, before declining slightly to 24 in 2023-24. This represents a 38% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Scandinavian Studies degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 11,430 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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