Linguistics and Anthropology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Explore the intricate relationship between language, culture, and society through a rigorous academic lens. This interdisciplinary program investigates how language functions as a dynamic force in human life, shaping identities, communities, and historical trajectories across diverse global contexts.
- Applied Linguistics: Focuses on the practical application of language research in real-world settings such as education, translation, and language policy.
- Data Management: Develops skills in organizing, storing, and analyzing linguistic data using digital tools and ethical standards.
- Field Methods: Trains students in immersive techniques for collecting authentic language data from native speakers in natural environments.
- Language Heritage: Examines how linguistic traditions are preserved, revitalized, or lost across generations and communities.
- Socialization: Investigates how language acquisition and use are deeply embedded in social interactions and cultural norms.
- Structure: Studies the internal organization of language, including phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics.
- Linguistic Analysis: Employs systematic approaches to interpret spoken and written language patterns across different contexts.
- Linguistic Theory: Explores foundational models and frameworks that explain the nature, evolution, and universals of human language.
- Multilingualism: Analyzes the cognitive, social, and political dimensions of living and communicating in multiple languages.
Linguistics and Anthropology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Linguistics and Anthropology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Linguistics and Anthropology degrees, including Managers, All Other, Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other and Anthropology and Archeology 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 762,040 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 |
| Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other 19-3099 | $100,340 | $62,570 - $160,810 | 36,970 | $48.24 |
| Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1061 | $95,770 | $51,380 - $169,090 | 5,260 | N/A |
| English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1123 | $78,270 | $47,540 - $154,800 | 59,590 | N/A |
| Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1124 | $77,010 | $47,090 - $134,960 | 21,170 | N/A |
| Anthropologists and Archeologists 19-3091 | $64,910 | $44,510 - $104,510 | 8,070 | $31.21 |
Linguistics and Anthropology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $68,754 in Tennessee to $117,058 in California—a 70% difference. The highest-paying states include California, District of Columbia, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 762,040 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 Linguistics and Anthropology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 2 institutions offering Linguistics and Anthropology 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 Linguistics and Anthropology is found at San Diego State University (SDSU) (6 graduates), and Saint Louis University (SLU) (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 7 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego State University (SDSU) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | San Diego, California | Public | sdsu.edu |
| Saint Louis University (SLU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | slu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Linguistics and Anthropology programs
How much can I earn with a Linguistics and Anthropology degree?
Salaries for Linguistics and Anthropology graduates vary by role and location. Managers, All Other earn a median of $136,550 annually, while Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other earn around $100,340. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $117,058 compared to $68,754 in Tennessee. Approximately 762,040 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 Linguistics and Anthropology programs?
Currently 2 accredited institutions offer Linguistics and Anthropology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include San Diego State University (SDSU) (6 graduates), Saint Louis University (SLU) (1 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 Linguistics and Anthropology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Managers, All Other, Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other, and Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 762,040 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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