Hispanic and Latin American Languages and Literatures: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Explore the rich linguistic and literary traditions of the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking world through a comprehensive academic lens. This program delves into the cultural, historical, and expressive dimensions of languages and narratives across Iberia, Latin America, and Lusophone regions, preparing students for advanced scholarship and professional engagement in global contexts.
- Spanish and Portuguese language and linguistics: Examine the structure, evolution, and sociolinguistic dynamics of both languages, including phonetics, syntax, and language acquisition theories.
- Regional and Latin American dialects: Investigate the diversity of spoken forms across countries and communities, from Andean Spanish to Brazilian Portuguese variants.
- Spanish literature: Study foundational and contemporary works from Spain, spanning medieval chronicles to modernist and postmodernist movements.
- Portuguese literature: Engage with literary developments from Portugal, including the Golden Age, Romanticism, and 20th-century experimental writing.
- Spanish American literature: Analyze narratives, poetry, and critical thought from countries across Latin America, emphasizing themes of identity, resistance, and cultural hybridity.
- Luso-Brazilian literature: Explore the literary output of Brazil and other Portuguese-speaking nations, including Afro-Brazilian voices, modernist innovation, and postcolonial discourse.
- Chicano literature: Examine the literary expressions of Mexican American communities in the United States, focusing on borderlands identity, social justice, and linguistic blending.
Hispanic and Latin American Languages and Literatures Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Hispanic and Latin American Languages and Literatures Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Hispanic and Latin American 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 |
Hispanic and Latin American 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 Hispanic and Latin American Languages and Literatures by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 29 institutions offering Hispanic and Latin American 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 Hispanic and Latin American Languages and Literatures is found at The University of Texas, Austin (360 graduates), University of California (UCB), Berkeley (52 graduates), Purdue University (PU), Main Campus (29 graduates), University of Florida (UF) (24 graduates), and Princeton University (24 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 624 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Texas |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
Other Award
|
360 | Austin, Texas | Public | utexas.edu |
| University of California (UCB) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (Research)
|
52 | Berkeley, California | Public | berkeley.edu |
| Purdue University (PU) |
Bachelor's
|
29 | West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdue.edu |
| University of Florida (UF) |
Bachelor's
|
24 | Gainesville, Florida | Public | ufl.edu |
| Princeton University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
24 | Princeton, New Jersey | Private | princeton.edu |
| Drexel University |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Bachelor's
|
24 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | drexel.edu |
| Hamilton College |
Bachelor's
|
16 | Clinton, New York | Private | hamilton.edu |
| Dartmouth College |
Bachelor's
|
13 | Hanover, New Hampshire | Private | dartmouth.edu |
| University of California |
Bachelor's
|
13 | Merced, California | Public | ucmerced.edu |
| Augustana College |
Bachelor's
|
12 | Rock Island, Illinois | Private | augustana.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Amherst, Massachusetts | Public | umass.edu |
| Montana State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Bozeman, Montana | Public | montana.edu |
| East Carolina University (ECU) |
Master's
|
5 | Greenville, North Carolina | Public | ecu.edu |
| University of Pittsburgh |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Public | pitt.edu |
| Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Tacoma, Washington | Private | plu.edu |
| Stephen F Austin State University (SFASU) |
Master's
|
4 | Nacogdoches, Texas | Public | sfasu.edu |
| Whitman College |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Walla Walla, Washington | Private | whitman.edu |
| Northwestern University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Evanston, Illinois | Private | northwestern.edu |
| La Salle University |
Master's
|
3 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | lasalle.edu |
| George Mason University |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | Fairfax, Virginia | Public | www2.gmu.edu |
| Arkansas State University (A-State) |
Other Award
|
2 | Jonesboro, Arkansas | Public | astate.edu |
| Loyola University Chicago (LUC) |
Master's
|
2 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | luc.edu |
| Loyola University New Orleans (LOYNO) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | New Orleans, Louisiana | Private | loyno.edu |
| Michigan State University (MSU) |
Master's
|
2 | East Lansing, Michigan | Public | msu.edu |
| University of St Thomas |
Master's
|
2 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Private | stthomas.edu |
| Molloy College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Rockville Centre, New York | Private | molloy.edu |
| Quinnipiac University (QU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Hamden, Connecticut | Private | qu.edu |
| University of Houston (UH) |
Master's
|
1 | Houston, Texas | Public | uh.edu |
| University of Puget Sound (UPS) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Tacoma, Washington | Private | pugetsound.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Hispanic and Latin American Languages and Literatures programs
How much can I earn with a Hispanic and Latin American Languages and Literatures degree?
Salaries for Hispanic and Latin American 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.
Which universities have the largest Hispanic and Latin American Languages and Literatures programs?
Currently 29 accredited institutions offer Hispanic and Latin American Languages and Literatures degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include The University of Texas, Austin (360 graduates), University of California (UCB), Berkeley (52 graduates), and Purdue University (PU), Main Campus (29 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 Hispanic and Latin American Languages and Literatures growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 62 in 2010 to 624 in 2023-24. This represents a 906% 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 Hispanic and Latin American 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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