Middle and Near Eastern Languages and Linguistics: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Students in this program explore the rich linguistic, literary, and cultural traditions of the Middle and Near East, with a focus on Semitic and related language families. The curriculum emphasizes critical analysis, historical development, and contemporary applications of languages and texts from this geographically and historically significant region.
- Historical Linguistics of Semitic Languages: Investigates the evolution, structure, and relationships among Semitic languages, including Arabic, Hebrew, Aramaic, and Akkadian, tracing their development across millennia.
- Classical and Modern Literary Traditions: Engages with canonical and contemporary texts from Arabic, Persian, Hebrew, and other regional literary canons, analyzing narrative forms, poetic expression, and cultural context.
- Language Documentation and Preservation: Focuses on the systematic recording, analysis, and safeguarding of endangered or under-documented languages from the Middle East and surrounding regions.
- Comparative Philology and Textual Criticism: Applies rigorous methods to compare linguistic forms and textual variants across manuscripts, enhancing understanding of textual transmission and authenticity.
- Applied Linguistics in Multilingual Contexts: Explores language use in diverse sociopolitical environments, including language policy, translation studies, and discourse analysis in regional and global settings.
Middle and Near Eastern Languages and Linguistics Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Middle and Near Eastern Languages and Linguistics Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Middle and Near Eastern Languages and Linguistics 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 |
Middle and Near Eastern Languages and Linguistics 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 Middle and Near Eastern Languages and Linguistics by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 9 institutions offering Middle and Near Eastern 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 Middle and Near Eastern Languages and Linguistics is found at Columbia University in the City of New York (33 graduates), University of Chicago (UChicago) (18 graduates), University of Michigan (U‑M), Ann Arbor (7 graduates), University of California (UCB), Berkeley (6 graduates), and University of California (UCLA), Los Angeles (5 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 81 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia University in the City of New York |
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
33 | New York, New York | Private | columbia.edu |
| University of Chicago (UChicago) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
18 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | uchicago.edu |
| University of Michigan (U‑M) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
7 | Ann Arbor, Michigan | Public | umich.edu |
| University of California (UCB) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Berkeley, California | Public | berkeley.edu |
| University of California (UCLA) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Los Angeles, California | Public | ucla.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
5 | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| Wayne State University (WSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
4 | Detroit, Michigan | Public | wayne.edu |
| The Catholic University of America |
Master's
|
2 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | catholic.edu |
| Ohio State University |
Master's
|
1 | Columbus, Ohio | Public | osu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Middle and Near Eastern Languages and Linguistics programs
How much can I earn with a Middle and Near Eastern Languages and Linguistics degree?
Salaries for Middle and Near Eastern Languages and Linguistics 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 Middle and Near Eastern Languages and Linguistics programs?
Currently 9 accredited institutions offer Middle and Near Eastern Languages and Linguistics degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Columbia University in the City of New York (33 graduates), University of Chicago (UChicago) (18 graduates), and University of Michigan (U‑M), Ann Arbor (7 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 Middle and Near Eastern Languages and Linguistics growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 210 in 2010 to a peak of 126 in 2020, before declining slightly to 81 in 2023-24. This represents a 61% 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 Middle and Near Eastern Languages and Linguistics 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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Middle and Near Eastern Languages and Linguistics
Instructional content for this group of programs is defined in codes 16.1100 - 16.1199.
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