American Indian Languages and Linguistics: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Explore the rich linguistic heritage of Indigenous peoples across the Americas through a rigorous academic focus on American Indian languages and their broader linguistic contexts. This program delves into the structure, history, and cultural significance of Native languages, emphasizing both scholarly analysis and preservation efforts across North and South America.
- Philology: The historical and comparative study of language, examining the evolution, relationships, and textual traditions of Indigenous languages across time and geography.
- Oral and Written Literatures: In-depth exploration of narrative traditions, storytelling practices, and emerging written forms in Indigenous languages, highlighting cultural expression and linguistic continuity.
- Inuit and Aleut Languages: Specialized study of the circumpolar Inuit and Aleut language groups, including their unique grammatical structures, phonology, and cultural contexts.
- North American Language Families: Comprehensive analysis of major Indigenous language families such as Algonkian, Athabascan, Siouan, Muskogean, Iroquoian, Kumeyaay, Yuman, Mayan, Zapotecan, and Uto-Aztecan, with attention to linguistic diversity and regional variation.
- South American Language Families: Investigation into the complex linguistic landscapes of South America, including Andean-Equatorial, Ge-Pano-Carib, and Macro-Chibchan language groups, with a focus on linguistic classification and sociolinguistic dynamics.
- Minor and Endangered Languages: Research and documentation of lesser-known and critically endangered Indigenous languages, supporting revitalization and academic preservation initiatives.
American Indian Languages and Linguistics Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
American Indian Languages and Linguistics Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with American Indian Languages and Linguistics degrees, including Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary, Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education 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 1,147,070 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 |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education 25-2031 | $64,580 | $47,330 - $104,670 | 1,072,540 | N/A |
| Interpreters and Translators 27-3091 | $59,440 | $35,630 - $99,830 | 53,360 | $28.58 |
American Indian Languages and Linguistics Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $48,357 in Mississippi to $92,850 in California—a 92% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New York, and Rhode Island. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,147,070 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 American Indian Languages and Linguistics by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 13 institutions offering American Indian Languages and Linguistics 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 American Indian Languages and Linguistics is found at Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University (LCOOU) (10 graduates), Bay Mills Community College (BMCC) (8 graduates), College of the Muscogee Nation (CMN) (8 graduates), Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College (FDLTCC) (6 graduates), and University of Hawaii (UHH), Hilo (4 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 58 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University (LCOOU) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
10 | Hayward, Wisconsin | Public | lco.edu |
| Bay Mills Community College (BMCC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
8 | Brimley, Michigan | Public | bmcc.edu |
| College of the Muscogee Nation (CMN) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
8 | Okmulgee, Oklahoma | Public | cmn.edu |
| Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College (FDLTCC) |
Other Award
|
6 | Cloquet, Minnesota | Public | fdltcc.edu |
| University of Hawaii (UHH) |
Master's
|
4 | Hilo, Hawaii | Public | hilo.hawaii.edu |
| Navajo Technical University (Navajo Tech) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
4 | Crownpoint, New Mexico | Public | navajotech.edu |
| South Dakota State University (SDSU) |
Other Award
|
4 | Brookings, South Dakota | Public | sdstate.edu |
| University of Alaska (UAA) |
Other Award
|
3 | Anchorage, Alaska | Public | uaa.alaska.edu |
| Sisseton Wahpeton College (SWC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
3 | Sisseton, South Dakota | Public | swcollege.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) |
Other Award
|
3 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Public | uwm.edu |
| White Earth Tribal and Community College (WETCC) |
Other Award
|
3 | Mahnomen, Minnesota | Private | wetcc.edu |
| Bemidji State University (BSU) |
Other Award
|
1 | Bemidji, Minnesota | Public | bemidjistate.edu |
| University of Minnesota (UMN) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Public | twin-cities.umn.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about American Indian Languages and Linguistics programs
How much can I earn with a American Indian Languages and Linguistics degree?
Salaries for American Indian Languages and Linguistics graduates vary by role and location. Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $77,010 annually, while Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education earn around $64,580. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $92,850 compared to $48,357 in Mississippi. Approximately 1,147,070 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 American Indian Languages and Linguistics programs?
Currently 13 accredited institutions offer American Indian Languages and Linguistics degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University (LCOOU) (10 graduates), Bay Mills Community College (BMCC) (8 graduates), and College of the Muscogee Nation (CMN) (8 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 American Indian Languages and Linguistics growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 17 in 2010 to 58 in 2023-24. This represents a 241% 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 American Indian Languages and Linguistics degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary, Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education, and Interpreters and Translators. Related occupations employ approximately 1,147,070 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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