Portuguese Language and Literature: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Explore the rich linguistic and literary traditions of the Portuguese-speaking world through a comprehensive academic program designed to develop advanced proficiency in both spoken and written Portuguese. This interdisciplinary curriculum prepares students to engage critically with the language’s historical evolution, regional variations, and global cultural significance across Europe, Latin America, and Africa.
- Philology: Examine the historical development and structural evolution of the Portuguese language, including its roots in Latin and its transformation across centuries.
- Metroplitan Portuguese: Focus on the standard form of Portuguese as used in Portugal, emphasizing its grammar, pronunciation, and cultural context.
- Luso-Brazilian Portuguese: Study the distinct linguistic features and literary expressions of Portuguese as spoken and written in Brazil, highlighting its unique dialectal and cultural trajectory.
- Dialectal Variation: Investigate regional and sociolectal differences within the Portuguese-speaking world, from rural Portugal to diverse Brazilian dialects and African Lusophone communities.
- Applied Language Use: Develop practical language skills for professional environments, including communication in business, scientific research, technology, and international relations.
Portuguese Language and Literature Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Portuguese Language and Literature Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Portuguese 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 |
Portuguese 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 Portuguese Language and Literature by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 17 institutions offering Portuguese 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 Portuguese Language and Literature is found at Brigham Young University (BYU) (27 graduates), Murray State University (MSU) (5 graduates), University of Massachusetts, Amherst (5 graduates), University of Wisconsin-Madison (5 graduates), and Smith College (4 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 64 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brigham Young University (BYU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
27 | Provo, Utah | Private | byu.edu |
| Murray State University (MSU) |
Other Award
|
5 | Murray, Kentucky | Public | murraystate.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Amherst, Massachusetts | Public | umass.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| Smith College |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Northampton, Massachusetts | Private | smith.edu |
| Brown University |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Providence, Rhode Island | Private | brown.edu |
| University of California (UCLA) |
Master's
|
2 | Los Angeles, California | Public | ucla.edu |
| United States Military Academy (USMA) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | West Point, New York | Public | westpoint.edu |
| Ohio State University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Columbus, Ohio | Public | osu.edu |
| University of Pennsylvania (Penn) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | upenn.edu |
| Florida International University (FIU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Miami, Florida | Public | fiu.edu |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) |
Master's
|
1 | Champaign, Illinois | Public | illinois.edu |
| Indiana University (IUB) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Bloomington, Indiana | Public | indiana.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Bachelor's
|
1 | North Dartmouth, Massachusetts | Public | umassd.edu |
| Rutgers University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | New Brunswick, New Jersey | Public | newbrunswick.rutgers.edu |
| University of New Mexico (UNM) |
Master's
|
1 | Albuquerque, New Mexico | Public | unm.edu |
| Utah State University (USU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Logan, Utah | Public | usu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Portuguese Language and Literature programs
How much can I earn with a Portuguese Language and Literature degree?
Salaries for Portuguese 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 Portuguese Language and Literature programs?
Currently 17 accredited institutions offer Portuguese Language and Literature degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Brigham Young University (BYU) (27 graduates), Murray State University (MSU) (5 graduates), and University of Massachusetts, Amherst (5 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 Portuguese Language and Literature growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 90 in 2010 to a peak of 84 in 2020, before declining slightly to 64 in 2023-24. This represents a 29% 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 Portuguese 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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