American Literature: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Explore the rich tapestry of American literary expression through a comprehensive academic journey spanning from the Colonial Era to today. This program delves into the evolution of written and spoken narratives that have shaped national identity, cultural discourse, and artistic innovation across diverse communities and historical moments.
- Period and Genre Studies: Examine major literary movements and stylistic developments across distinct historical eras, including the Colonial, Romantic, Realist, Modernist, and Postmodern periods, alongside key genres such as poetry, fiction, drama, and nonfiction.
- Author Studies: Engage in in-depth analysis of influential writers whose works have defined American literary thought, from early figures like Benjamin Franklin and Harriet Beecher Stowe to modern icons such as Toni Morrison, Ralph Ellison, and Junot Díaz.
- Literary Criticism: Develop analytical frameworks for interpreting texts through various theoretical lenses, including formalism, historicism, postcolonial theory, feminist criticism, and reader-response approaches.
- Regional and Oral Traditions: Investigate the role of local cultures, dialects, and storytelling practices in shaping American literature, including the significance of African American, Native American, Latino, and Southern vernacular expressions and folk narratives.
American Literature Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
American Literature Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with American Literature degrees, including English Language and Literature 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 59,590 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1123 | $78,270 | $47,540 - $154,800 | 59,590 | N/A |
American Literature Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $48,260 in Hawaii to $130,580 in California—a 171% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New Jersey, and New York. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 59,590 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 American Literature by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 3 institutions offering American Literature 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 American Literature is found at University of California (UCLA), Los Angeles (17 graduates), Harvard University (9 graduates), and Southern Adventist University (4 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 30 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 California (UCLA) |
Bachelor's
|
17 | Los Angeles, California | Public | ucla.edu |
| Harvard University |
Postbac Cert.
|
9 | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | harvard.edu |
| Southern Adventist University |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Collegedale, Tennessee | Private | southern.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about American Literature programs
How much can I earn with a American Literature degree?
Salaries for American Literature graduates vary by role and location. English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $78,270 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $130,580 compared to $48,260 in Hawaii. Approximately 59,590 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 American Literature programs?
Currently 3 accredited institutions offer American Literature degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of California (UCLA), Los Angeles (17 graduates), Harvard University (9 graduates), and Southern Adventist University (4 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 American Literature growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 67 in 2010 to a peak of 44 in 2020, before declining slightly to 30 in 2023-24. This represents a 55% 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 American Literature degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 59,590 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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