Swedish Language and Literature: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Students in this program engage in a comprehensive exploration of the Swedish language, its historical development, and its literary traditions. The curriculum emphasizes linguistic precision, cultural context, and practical application across diverse professional environments.
- Philology: The scholarly study of language in written historical sources, focusing on the evolution, structure, and usage of Swedish across time and regional variations.
- Literary Analysis: In-depth examination of Swedish literary works from classical to contemporary periods, including narrative techniques, thematic development, and authorial context.
- Language Applications in Business: Training in professional communication, translation, and cross-cultural negotiation skills tailored to the Swedish-speaking business environment.
- Language in Science and Technology: Development of technical vocabulary and communication strategies for use in STEM fields, including documentation, research reporting, and international collaboration.
- Dialect Studies: Investigation of regional and sociolect variations within Swedish, including phonetics, syntax, and sociolinguistic implications.
Swedish Language and Literature Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Swedish Language and Literature Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Swedish 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 |
Swedish 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 Swedish Language and Literature by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 1 institutions offering Swedish 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 Swedish Language and Literature is found at University of Washington (UW), Seattle Campus (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1 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 Washington (UW) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Swedish Language and Literature programs
How much can I earn with a Swedish Language and Literature degree?
Salaries for Swedish 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 Swedish Language and Literature programs?
Currently 1 accredited institutions offer Swedish Language and Literature degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Washington (UW), Seattle Campus (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.
Is enrollment in Swedish Language and Literature growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 5 in 2010 to 1 in 2023-24. This represents a 80% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, 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 Swedish 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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