South Asian Languages and Literatures: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Students in this program explore the rich linguistic, literary, and cultural traditions of South Asia through an interdisciplinary lens. The curriculum emphasizes critical engagement with diverse languages, historical texts, and expressive forms across the region, fostering deep understanding of its intellectual and artistic heritage.
- South Asian Languages: Study of major regional languages such as Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Tamil, and others, focusing on grammar, structure, and sociolinguistic contexts.
- Classical and Modern Literatures: Analysis of canonical and contemporary literary works from South Asia, including poetry, fiction, drama, and oral traditions across multiple language communities.
- Linguistic Structures and Evolution: Investigation into the historical development, phonology, syntax, and sociolinguistic dynamics of South Asian language families, including Indo-Aryan and Dravidian.
- Cultural and Historical Contexts: Exploration of how language and literature reflect and shape religious, political, and social transformations throughout South Asian history.
- Translation Studies: Training in the theory and practice of translating literary and linguistic materials between South Asian languages and global languages, with attention to cultural nuance and fidelity.
South Asian Languages and Literatures Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
South Asian Languages and Literatures Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with South Asian Languages and Literatures 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 |
South Asian Languages and Literatures 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 South Asian Languages and Literatures by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 0 institutions offering South Asian Languages and Literatures 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 South Asian Languages and Literatures is found at . Combined, these colleges produced 19 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 |
|---|
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about South Asian Languages and Literatures programs
How much can I earn with a South Asian Languages and Literatures degree?
Salaries for South Asian Languages and Literatures 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.
What career paths are available with a South Asian Languages and Literatures 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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