Scandinavian Languages and Literature: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Explore the rich cultural and linguistic heritage of Scandinavia and its surrounding Northern European regions through a comprehensive academic lens. This program delves into the languages, literary traditions, and linguistic structures that have shaped the intellectual and artistic identity of Nordic societies.
- Scandinavian Languages: Examine the historical development, grammar, syntax, and modern usage of languages such as Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, and Icelandic, with emphasis on both spoken and written forms across different periods.
- Nordic Literatures: Engage with canonical and contemporary works from Norse sagas to modern fiction, poetry, and drama, analyzing narrative techniques, thematic evolution, and cultural context across national boundaries.
- Linguistic Analysis: Investigate phonetics, morphology, historical linguistics, and sociolinguistic variation within the Germanic language family, particularly as it manifests in Scandinavian speech communities.
- Cultural and Historical Context: Study the socio-political, religious, and historical forces that have influenced literary expression and language change in the Nordic region from the Viking Age to the present day.
- Comparative Studies: Evaluate interconnections between Scandinavian languages and literatures, including cross-border influences, translation practices, and the role of language in national identity formation.
Scandinavian Languages and Literature Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Scandinavian Languages and Literature Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Scandinavian Languages and Literature degrees, including Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary and Interpreters and Translators. 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 74,530 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1124 | $77,010 | $47,090 - $134,960 | 21,170 | N/A |
| Interpreters and Translators 27-3091 | $59,440 | $35,630 - $99,830 | 53,360 | $28.58 |
Scandinavian Languages and Literature Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $45,060 in Louisiana to $89,920 in California—a 100% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New York, and Rhode Island. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 74,530 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 Scandinavian Languages and Literature by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 4 institutions offering Scandinavian Languages 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 Scandinavian Languages and Literature is found at Luther College (11 graduates), University of California (UCB), Berkeley (6 graduates), Augustana College (3 graduates), and University of Washington (UW), Seattle Campus (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 21 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luther College |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Decorah, Iowa | Private | luther.edu |
| University of California (UCB) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
6 | Berkeley, California | Public | berkeley.edu |
| Augustana College |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Rock Island, Illinois | Private | augustana.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Master's
|
1 | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Scandinavian Languages and Literature programs
How much can I earn with a Scandinavian Languages and Literature degree?
Salaries for Scandinavian Languages and Literature graduates vary by role and location. Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $77,010 annually, while Interpreters and Translators earn around $59,440. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $89,920 compared to $45,060 in Louisiana. Approximately 74,530 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 Scandinavian Languages and Literature programs?
Currently 4 accredited institutions offer Scandinavian Languages and Literature degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Luther College (11 graduates), University of California (UCB), Berkeley (6 graduates), and Augustana College (3 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 Scandinavian Languages and Literature growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 17 in 2010 to 21 in 2023-24. This represents a 24% 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 Scandinavian Languages and Literature degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary, Interpreters and Translators, . Related occupations employ approximately 74,530 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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