Norwegian Language and Literature: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Explore the rich linguistic and literary traditions of Norway through a comprehensive academic study of the Norwegian language and its diverse dialects. This program provides a rigorous foundation in both historical and contemporary aspects of Norwegian communication, preparing students for advanced engagement with the language in cultural, professional, and scholarly contexts.
- Philology: The systematic study of language development, historical evolution, and textual analysis, emphasizing the roots and transformations of Norwegian across centuries.
- Dialects: In-depth exploration of regional variations in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar across Norway’s distinct linguistic landscapes.
- Literature: Critical examination of Norwegian literary works from medieval sagas to modern fiction, poetry, and drama, with attention to thematic, stylistic, and cultural significance.
- Applied Language Use: Practical training in utilizing Norwegian in real-world environments, including business communication, scientific documentation, technological translation, and international collaboration.
Norwegian Language and Literature Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Norwegian Language and Literature Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Norwegian Language 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 |
Norwegian Language 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 Norwegian Language and Literature by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 3 institutions offering Norwegian Language 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 Norwegian Language and Literature is found at St Olaf College (4 graduates), University of North Dakota (UND) (3 graduates), and University of Washington (UW), Seattle Campus (3 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St Olaf College |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Northfield, Minnesota | Private | wp.stolaf.edu |
| University of North Dakota (UND) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
3 | Grand Forks, North Dakota | Public | und.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Norwegian Language and Literature programs
How much can I earn with a Norwegian Language and Literature degree?
Salaries for Norwegian Language 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 Norwegian Language and Literature programs?
Currently 3 accredited institutions offer Norwegian Language and Literature degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include St Olaf College (4 graduates), University of North Dakota (UND) (3 graduates), and University of Washington (UW), Seattle Campus (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 Norwegian Language and Literature growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 8 in 2010 to 10 in 2023-24. This represents a 25% 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 Norwegian Language 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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