British and Commonwealth Literature: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Explore the rich literary traditions of the English-speaking world through a comprehensive study of texts produced across the British Isles and the broader Commonwealth. This program examines the evolution of narrative, language, and cultural expression from the earliest forms of Old English to contemporary global voices, emphasizing historical context, critical analysis, and cross-cultural connections.
- Period and Genre Studies: Investigate major literary movements and forms—such as Romanticism, Modernism, and postcolonial fiction—across distinct historical eras to understand how time and style shape meaning.
- Author Studies: Engage in in-depth analysis of influential writers, including Shakespeare, Austen, Rushdie, and Atwood, to explore individual contributions to literary innovation and cultural discourse.
- Country and Regional Specializations: Examine national and regional literary identities across nations like the UK, Canada, Australia, India, and South Africa, highlighting diverse perspectives within the Commonwealth.
- Literary Criticism: Develop advanced interpretive skills through engagement with theoretical frameworks, including feminist, postcolonial, and historical criticism, to analyze texts beyond surface narratives.
- Folkloric Traditions: Study oral storytelling, myths, legends, and folk narratives that inform and influence written literature across English-speaking cultures.
British and Commonwealth Literature Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
British and Commonwealth Literature Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with British and Commonwealth 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 |
British and Commonwealth 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 British and Commonwealth Literature by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 11 institutions offering British and Commonwealth 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 British and Commonwealth Literature is found at New York University (NYU) (130 graduates), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Campus (36 graduates), Pace University (33 graduates), George Mason University (31 graduates), and Tyler Junior College (TJC) (20 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 266 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York University (NYU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
130 | New York, New York | Private | nyu.edu |
| University of Pittsburgh |
Bachelor's
|
36 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Public | pitt.edu |
| Pace University |
Bachelor's
|
33 | New York, New York | Private | pace.edu |
| George Mason University |
Master's
|
31 | Fairfax, Virginia | Public | www2.gmu.edu |
| Tyler Junior College (TJC) |
Associate's
|
20 | Tyler, Texas | Public | tjc.edu |
| CUNY Hunter College |
Master's
|
4 | New York, New York | Public | hunter.cuny.edu |
| Ohio Northern University (ONU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Ada, Ohio | Private | onu.edu |
| Rowan University |
Other Award
|
3 | Glassboro, New Jersey | Public | rowan.edu |
| University of Pittsburgh |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Johnstown, Pennsylvania | Public | upj.pitt.edu |
| Oral Roberts University (ORU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Tulsa, Oklahoma | Private | oru.edu |
| University of Pittsburgh |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Greensburg, Pennsylvania | Public | greensburg.pitt.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about British and Commonwealth Literature programs
How much can I earn with a British and Commonwealth Literature degree?
Salaries for British and Commonwealth 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 British and Commonwealth Literature programs?
Currently 11 accredited institutions offer British and Commonwealth Literature degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include New York University (NYU) (130 graduates), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Campus (36 graduates), and Pace University (33 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 British and Commonwealth Literature growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 607 in 2010 to a peak of 290 in 2020, before declining slightly to 266 in 2023-24. This represents a 56% 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 British and Commonwealth 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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