Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature is an interdisciplinary field that explores the complex relationships between literature, culture, and global contexts. This program equips students with critical frameworks to analyze diverse texts, traditions, and social formations across time and geography.
- Anthropology: Examines human societies and cultural practices through ethnographic and historical lenses, emphasizing how cultural norms shape identity and meaning.
- Comparative Linguistics: Investigates the structural and historical development of languages, focusing on how linguistic differences influence narrative, thought, and cultural expression.
- Cultural Studies: Analyzes the production, circulation, and reception of cultural forms—including media, art, and everyday practices—within political and economic systems.
- History: Provides contextual depth by exploring past events, movements, and ideologies that have shaped literary and cultural developments across regions.
- Literary Criticism: Develops analytical skills for interpreting narrative structures, themes, and stylistic techniques across diverse literary traditions.
- Literary Studies: Engages with canonical and non-canonical texts from multiple cultures, emphasizing formal, thematic, and ideological dimensions of literature.
- Philosophy: Explores foundational ideas about existence, knowledge, ethics, and aesthetics that inform literary and cultural interpretation.
- Political Economy: Investigates the interplay between economic systems, power structures, and cultural production, particularly in global and postcolonial contexts.
- Sociology: Studies social institutions, group dynamics, and cultural change to understand how literature reflects and influences societal norms.
- Textual Studies: Focuses on the materiality of texts, including authorship, editing, translation, and publication, to uncover historical and interpretive layers.
Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature degrees, including Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary, English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary and Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education. 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 1,143,560 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 |
| English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1123 | $78,270 | $47,540 - $154,800 | 59,590 | N/A |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education 25-2031 | $64,580 | $47,330 - $104,670 | 1,072,540 | N/A |
Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $49,675 in Oklahoma to $114,120 in California—a 130% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New York, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,143,560 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 Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 4 institutions offering Cultural Studies and Comparative 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 Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature is found at University of Minnesota (UMN), Twin Cities (10 graduates), East Carolina University (ECU) (8 graduates), The University of Texas (UTSA), San Antonio (5 graduates), and Portland State University (PSU) (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 Minnesota (UMN) |
Bachelor's
|
10 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Public | twin-cities.umn.edu |
| East Carolina University (ECU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
8 | Greenville, North Carolina | Public | ecu.edu |
| The University of Texas (UTSA) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | San Antonio, Texas | Public | utsa.edu |
| Portland State University (PSU) |
Other Award
|
1 | Portland, Oregon | Public | pdx.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature programs
How much can I earn with a Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature degree?
Salaries for Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature graduates vary by role and location. Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $84,290 annually, while English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $78,270. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $114,120 compared to $49,675 in Oklahoma. Approximately 1,143,560 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 Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature programs?
Currently 4 accredited institutions offer Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Minnesota (UMN), Twin Cities (10 graduates), East Carolina University (ECU) (8 graduates), and The University of Texas (UTSA), San Antonio (5 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.
What career paths are available with a Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary, English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary, and Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education. Related occupations employ approximately 1,143,560 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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