Linguistic and Related Language Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Linguistic and Related Language Studies explores the scientific structure, evolution, and use of human language across diverse cultures and historical periods. This interdisciplinary field examines how language functions in communication, cognition, and society, preparing students for advanced research or professional applications in language analysis, education, technology, and policy.
- Phonetics and Phonology: The study of speech sounds, their physical production, and the systematic organization of sound patterns in languages.
- Morphology: The analysis of word structure, including the formation and internal composition of words across different linguistic systems.
- Syntax: The rules governing sentence structure and the arrangement of words to convey meaning in a language.
- Semantics and Pragmatics: Investigation into meaning at both the word and sentence level, as well as how context influences interpretation in real-world communication.
- Historical and Comparative Linguistics: The tracing of language change over time and the systematic comparison of languages to uncover genetic relationships and linguistic evolution.
- Language Acquisition: Research into how individuals learn first and second languages, including cognitive, social, and developmental factors.
- Applied Linguistics: The practical application of linguistic theory to real-world challenges in education, translation, language policy, and speech technology.
- Language Documentation and Preservation: Efforts to record, analyze, and safeguard endangered or under-documented languages for future generations.
Linguistic and Related Language Studies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Linguistic and Related Language Studies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Linguistic and Related Language Studies degrees, including Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other. 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 36,970 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other 19-3099 | $100,340 | $62,570 - $160,810 | 36,970 | $48.24 |
Linguistic and Related Language Studies Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $72,550 in North Dakota to $144,320 in Virginia—a 99% difference. The highest-paying states include Virginia, Maryland, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 36,970 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 Linguistic and Related Language Studies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 24 institutions offering Linguistic and Related Language Studies 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 Linguistic and Related Language Studies is found at University of California (UCLA), Los Angeles (77 graduates), Appalachian State University (App State) (27 graduates), University of California (UCSB), Santa Barbara (17 graduates), Mesa Community College (MCC) (15 graduates), and University of Kentucky (UK) (15 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 240 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
|
77 | Los Angeles, California | Public | ucla.edu |
| Appalachian State University (App State) |
Bachelor's
|
27 | Boone, North Carolina | Public | appstate.edu |
| University of California (UCSB) |
Bachelor's
|
17 | Santa Barbara, California | Public | ucsb.edu |
| Mesa Community College (MCC) |
Other Award
|
15 | Mesa, Arizona | Public | mesacc.edu |
| University of Kentucky (UK) |
Bachelor's
|
15 | Lexington, Kentucky | Public | uky.edu |
| University of California (UCSC) |
Bachelor's
|
10 | Santa Cruz, California | Public | ucsc.edu |
| University of Nebraska (UNO) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
9 | Omaha, Nebraska | Public | unomaha.edu |
| Brigham Young University (BYU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
9 | Provo, Utah | Private | byu.edu |
| University of Southern California (USC) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
8 | Los Angeles, California | Private | usc.edu |
| Rowan University |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Glassboro, New Jersey | Public | rowan.edu |
| University of Utah (U of U) |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Public | utah.edu |
| Glendale Community College (GCC) |
Other Award
|
7 | Glendale, Arizona | Public | gccaz.edu |
| Boston University (BU) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Bachelor's
|
6 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | bu.edu |
| University of Maryland (UMCP) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | College Park, Maryland | Public | umd.edu |
| George Mason University |
Postbac Cert.
|
4 | Fairfax, Virginia | Public | www2.gmu.edu |
| University of Oregon (UO) |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | Eugene, Oregon | Public | uoregon.edu |
| Rio Salado College |
Other Award
|
2 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | rio.maricopa.edu |
| Indiana University (IUB) |
Master's
|
2 | Bloomington, Indiana | Public | indiana.edu |
| Missouri State University |
Master's
|
2 | Springfield, Missouri | Public | missouristate.edu |
| Inter American University of Puerto Rico (UIPR) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Mercedita, Puerto Rico | Private | ponce.inter.edu |
| San Diego State University (SDSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | San Diego, California | Public | sdsu.edu |
| University of Miami (UM) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Coral Gables, Florida | Private | miami.edu |
| University of Iowa |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Iowa City, Iowa | Public | uiowa.edu |
| Oregon State University (OSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Corvallis, Oregon | Public | oregonstate.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Linguistic and Related Language Studies programs
How much can I earn with a Linguistic and Related Language Studies degree?
Salaries for Linguistic and Related Language Studies graduates vary by role and location. Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other earn a median of $100,340 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Virginia average $144,320 compared to $72,550 in North Dakota. Approximately 36,970 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 Linguistic and Related Language Studies programs?
Currently 24 accredited institutions offer Linguistic and Related Language Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of California (UCLA), Los Angeles (77 graduates), Appalachian State University (App State) (27 graduates), and University of California (UCSB), Santa Barbara (17 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 Linguistic and Related Language Studies growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 151 in 2010 to a peak of 352 in 2020, before declining slightly to 240 in 2023-24. This represents a 59% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, 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 Linguistic and Related Language Studies degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 36,970 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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