Hebrew Language and Literature: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Explore the rich linguistic and literary traditions of the Hebrew language through a comprehensive academic program designed for deep cultural and scholarly engagement. This curriculum emphasizes both historical and contemporary dimensions of Hebrew, preparing students for advanced study, professional application, or research in language and literature.
- Philology of Hebrew: Investigate the historical development, linguistic structure, and evolution of the Hebrew language across centuries, including its roots in Semitic languages and its transformation through time.
- Biblical Hebrew: Analyze ancient Hebrew texts from the Hebrew Bible, with focus on linguistic features, literary style, and textual interpretation, including both Pre-Exilic and Post-Exilic script forms.
- Modern Hebrew: Develop proficiency in contemporary Hebrew as spoken and written in Israel today, covering grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and cultural context.
- Hebrew Dialects: Examine regional and sociolinguistic variations of Hebrew, including Ashkenazi, Sephardi, and Mizrahi influences, and their impact on modern usage and identity.
- Applied Hebrew in Professional Contexts: Study practical applications of Hebrew in business, science, technology, and international communication, emphasizing cross-cultural competence and real-world language use.
Hebrew Language and Literature Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Hebrew Language and Literature Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Hebrew 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 |
Hebrew 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 Hebrew Language and Literature by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 10 institutions offering Hebrew 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 Hebrew Language and Literature is found at New York University (NYU) (15 graduates), Liberty University (10 graduates), CUNY Hunter College (3 graduates), Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) (1 graduates), and Washington University in St Louis (WashU) (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 35 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York University (NYU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
15 | New York, New York | Private | nyu.edu |
| Liberty University |
Postbac Cert.
|
10 | Lynchburg, Virginia | Private | liberty.edu |
| CUNY Hunter College |
Bachelor's
|
3 | New York, New York | Public | hunter.cuny.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Other Award
|
1 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Washington University in St Louis (WashU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | wustl.edu |
| CUNY Queens College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Queens, New York | Public | qc.cuny.edu |
| University of Cincinnati (UC) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | uc.edu |
| Corban University |
Master's
|
1 | Salem, Oregon | Private | corban.edu |
| Gratz College |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Melrose Park, Pennsylvania | Private | gratz.edu |
| Middlebury College |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Middlebury, Vermont | Private | middlebury.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Hebrew Language and Literature programs
How much can I earn with a Hebrew Language and Literature degree?
Salaries for Hebrew 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 Hebrew Language and Literature programs?
Currently 10 accredited institutions offer Hebrew Language and Literature degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include New York University (NYU) (15 graduates), Liberty University (10 graduates), and CUNY Hunter College (3 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 Hebrew Language and Literature growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 426 in 2010 to 35 in 2023-24. This represents a 92% 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 Hebrew 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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