Arabic Language and Literature: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Students in this program engage in a comprehensive exploration of the Arabic language and its literary traditions, developing advanced proficiency in both spoken and written forms across historical and contemporary contexts. The curriculum emphasizes linguistic precision, cultural literacy, and analytical skills essential for effective communication in diverse professional and academic environments.
- Philology: The study of language in written historical sources, focusing on the evolution, structure, and usage of Arabic across centuries.
- Classical Arabic: In-depth instruction in the formal, literary language of the Quran and early Islamic texts, emphasizing grammar, syntax, and rhetorical traditions.
- Modern Standard Arabic: Training in the standardized form of Arabic used in media, education, and formal discourse across the Arab world.
- Arabic Dialects: Study of regional varieties such as Egyptian, Levantine, Gulf, and Maghrebi Arabic, with emphasis on spoken fluency and cultural context.
- Applied Language Use: Practical integration of Arabic language skills in real-world domains, including international business, scientific research, diplomacy, and technology sectors.
Arabic Language and Literature Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Arabic Language and Literature Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Arabic Language and Literature 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 |
Arabic Language and Literature 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 Arabic Language and Literature by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 44 institutions offering Arabic 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 Arabic Language and Literature is found at Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) (64 graduates), Cuyamaca College (40 graduates), Grossmont College (37 graduates), Brigham Young University (BYU) (31 graduates), and United States Naval Academy (USNA) (12 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 317 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Other Award
|
64 | California, Pennsylvania | Public | pennwest.edu |
| Cuyamaca College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
40 | El Cajon, California | Public | cuyamaca.edu |
| Grossmont College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
37 | El Cajon, California | Public | grossmont.edu |
| Brigham Young University (BYU) |
Bachelor's
|
31 | Provo, Utah | Private | byu.edu |
| United States Naval Academy (USNA) |
Bachelor's
|
12 | Annapolis, Maryland | Public | usna.edu |
| University of Maryland (UMCP) |
Bachelor's
|
9 | College Park, Maryland | Public | umd.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| Michigan State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
|
8 | East Lansing, Michigan | Public | msu.edu |
| University of Arkansas (U of A) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Fayetteville, Arkansas | Public | uark.edu |
| United States Military Academy (USMA) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | West Point, New York | Public | westpoint.edu |
| Middlebury College |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
7 | Middlebury, Vermont | Private | middlebury.edu |
| University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) |
Other Award
|
6 | Detroit, Michigan | Private | udmercy.edu |
| University of Michigan |
Other Award
|
6 | Dearborn, Michigan | Public | umdearborn.edu |
| University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | University, Mississippi | Public | olemiss.edu |
| Kenyon College |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Gambier, Ohio | Private | kenyon.edu |
| Ohio State University |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Columbus, Ohio | Public | osu.edu |
| University of Pittsburgh |
Other Award
|
5 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Public | pitt.edu |
| Western Kentucky University (WKU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Bowling Green, Kentucky | Public | wku.edu |
| Bucknell University |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Lewisburg, Pennsylvania | Private | bucknell.edu |
| Emory University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Atlanta, Georgia | Private | emory.edu |
| Boise State University (BBU) |
Residency
Other Award
|
3 | Boise, Idaho | Public | boisestate.edu |
| Tufts University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Medford, Massachusetts | Private | tufts.edu |
| Davidson College |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Davidson, North Carolina | Private | davidson.edu |
| Cleveland State University (CSU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Cleveland, Ohio | Public | csuohio.edu |
| Baylor University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Waco, Texas | Private | baylor.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Other Award
|
2 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| California State University (CSUSB) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | San Bernardino, California | Public | csusb.edu |
| University of California (UCLA) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Los Angeles, California | Public | ucla.edu |
| American University (AU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | american.edu |
| George Washington University (GW) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | gwu.edu |
| Georgetown University (GU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | georgetown.edu |
| University of Maryland (UMBC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Baltimore, Maryland | Public | umbc.edu |
| University of Michigan (U‑M) |
Master's
|
2 | Ann Arbor, Michigan | Public | umich.edu |
| Washington University in St Louis (WashU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | wustl.edu |
| Drexel University |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | drexel.edu |
| University of Connecticut (UConn) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Storrs, Connecticut | Public | uconn.edu |
| DePaul University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | depaul.edu |
| University of Notre Dame (ND) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Notre Dame, Indiana | Private | nd.edu |
| Montclair State University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Montclair, New Jersey | Public | montclair.edu |
| CUNY Hunter College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | New York, New York | Public | hunter.cuny.edu |
| Binghamton University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Vestal, New York | Public | binghamton.edu |
| University of Oklahoma (OU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Norman, Oklahoma | Public | ou.edu |
| Temple University |
Other Award
|
1 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Public | temple.edu |
| Austin Community College District (ACC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Austin, Texas | Public | austincc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Arabic Language and Literature programs
How much can I earn with a Arabic Language and Literature degree?
Salaries for Arabic Language and Literature 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 Arabic Language and Literature programs?
Currently 44 accredited institutions offer Arabic Language and Literature degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) (64 graduates), Cuyamaca College (40 graduates), and Grossmont College (37 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 Arabic Language and Literature growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 336 in 2010 to a peak of 335 in 2020, before declining slightly to 317 in 2023-24. This represents a 6% 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 Arabic Language and Literature 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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