History and Literature: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Students in this interdisciplinary program explore the dynamic interplay between historical development and literary expression across one or more cultural regions. By integrating rigorous historical inquiry with in-depth study of language and literature, the curriculum cultivates advanced analytical and interpretive skills essential for understanding the evolution of societies, ideas, and identities over time.
- Historiography: The study of how history is written, interpreted, and understood, emphasizing different methodologies and theoretical approaches to historical analysis.
- Historical Research Methods: Training in primary source evaluation, archival research, and systematic data collection to construct evidence-based historical narratives.
- Linguistics: An exploration of language structure, evolution, and use, including phonetics, syntax, semantics, and sociolinguistic context.
- Literature and Philology: Close examination of literary texts alongside the study of language origins, textual transmission, and historical language change.
- Cultural and Period Studies: Focused investigation into specific historical eras, geopolitical regions, or thematic issues such as colonialism, identity, and revolution through both historical and literary lenses.
History and Literature Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
History and Literature Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with History and Literature degrees, including Managers, All Other, Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary and History 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 1,812,480 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Managers, All Other 11-9199 | $136,550 | $68,860 - $227,590 | 630,980 | $65.65 |
| Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1062 | $84,290 | $51,130 - $164,650 | 11,430 | N/A |
| History Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1125 | $81,500 | $47,730 - $158,140 | 19,860 | N/A |
| Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1124 | $77,010 | $47,090 - $134,960 | 21,170 | N/A |
| Historians 19-3093 | $74,050 | $38,630 - $128,500 | 3,140 | $35.60 |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education 25-2031 | $64,580 | $47,330 - $104,670 | 1,072,540 | N/A |
| Interpreters and Translators 27-3091 | $59,440 | $35,630 - $99,830 | 53,360 | $28.58 |
History and Literature Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $60,203 in Mississippi to $109,534 in California—a 82% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,812,480 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 History and Literature by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 2 institutions offering History and 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 History and Literature is found at Modesto Junior College (MJC) (315 graduates), and Averett University (AU) (2 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 317 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modesto Junior College (MJC) |
Associate's
|
315 | Modesto, California | Public | mjc.edu |
| Averett University (AU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Danville, Virginia | Private | averett.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about History and Literature programs
How much can I earn with a History and Literature degree?
Salaries for History and Literature graduates vary by role and location. Managers, All Other earn a median of $136,550 annually, while Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $84,290. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $109,534 compared to $60,203 in Mississippi. Approximately 1,812,480 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 History and Literature programs?
Currently 2 accredited institutions offer History and Literature degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Modesto Junior College (MJC) (315 graduates), Averett University (AU) (2 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 History and Literature degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Managers, All Other, Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary, and History Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 1,812,480 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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