Celtic Languages and Literatures: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Students in this program explore the rich linguistic and literary heritage of the Celtic peoples, tracing their historical development across regions including the British Isles, Continental Europe, and Asia Minor. The curriculum emphasizes both living and revitalized Celtic languages, combining rigorous study of language structure, historical evolution, and cultural expression with practical applications across diverse professional fields.
- Philology: The scholarly analysis of language through historical texts, focusing on linguistic change, textual reconstruction, and the evolution of written traditions across Celtic-speaking communities.
- Linguistics: In-depth examination of phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics specific to Celtic languages, with attention to both theoretical frameworks and comparative analysis.
- Dialects and Pidgins: Study of regional variations in spoken and written Celtic languages, including contact languages and simplified communication systems that emerged in multilingual environments.
- Literature: Exploration of canonical and contemporary literary works from Celtic-speaking cultures, covering oral traditions, epic narratives, poetry, and modern fiction in languages such as Irish, Welsh, and Breton.
- Applied Language Studies: Practical integration of Celtic language skills in real-world contexts, including translation, cultural preservation, digital communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration in science, technology, and business sectors.
Celtic Languages and Literatures Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Celtic Languages and Literatures Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Celtic 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 |
Celtic 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 Celtic Languages and Literatures by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 2 institutions offering Celtic 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 Celtic Languages and Literatures is found at Harvard University (9 graduates), and University of Notre Dame (ND) (3 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 12 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
9 | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | harvard.edu |
| University of Notre Dame (ND) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Notre Dame, Indiana | Private | nd.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Celtic Languages and Literatures programs
How much can I earn with a Celtic Languages and Literatures degree?
Salaries for Celtic 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 Celtic Languages and Literatures programs?
Currently 2 accredited institutions offer Celtic Languages and Literatures degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Harvard University (9 graduates), University of Notre Dame (ND) (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 Celtic Languages and Literatures growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 13 in 2010 to 12 in 2023-24. This represents a 8% 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 Celtic 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.
Related Languages Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Languages field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Italian Language and Literature
A program that focuses on the Italian language and related dialects. Includes instruction in philology; dialects; and applications in business, science/technology, and other...
Portuguese Language and Literature
A program that focuses on the Portuguese language and related dialects. Includes instruction in philology; Metropolitan Portuguese; Luso-Brazilian Portuguese; dialects; and applications in...
Spanish Language and Literature
A program that focuses on the Spanish language and related dialects. Includes instruction in philology; Modern Castillan; Latin American and regional Spanish dialects;...
Hispanic and Latin American Languages and Literatures
A program that focuses on the languages and literatures of the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking areas of the world, including the Iberian, Latin American,...
Romance Languages and Linguistics
Any instructional program in Romance languages, literatures, and linguistics not listed above.
American Indian Languages and Linguistics
A program that focuses on one or more of the languages native to the Western Hemisphere, with an emphasis on American Indian languages,...