Southeast Asian and Australasian Pacific Languages and Linguistics: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Explore the rich linguistic and cultural landscapes of Southeast Asia and the Australasian-Pacific region through a comprehensive academic lens. This program offers an in-depth study of languages, literary traditions, and structural systems across diverse communities, fostering advanced understanding of communication, identity, and cultural expression in dynamic global contexts.
- Language Structure and Syntax: Investigate the grammatical frameworks, phonological systems, and morphological patterns that define languages across the region, from Austronesian to Sino-Tibetan families.
- Cultural and Literary Traditions: Analyze oral and written narratives, poetry, and historical texts to understand how language shapes and reflects cultural values, worldviews, and social memory.
- Language Contact and Change: Examine the processes of linguistic convergence, code-switching, and language shift in multilingual societies influenced by colonialism, migration, and globalization.
- Language Revitalization and Preservation: Study strategies and community-led initiatives aimed at sustaining endangered languages and maintaining linguistic diversity in the face of modernization.
- Applied Linguistics and Pedagogy: Develop skills in language teaching, curriculum design, and assessment methods tailored to the unique needs of learners in Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander contexts.
Southeast Asian and Australasian Pacific Languages and Linguistics Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Southeast Asian and Australasian Pacific Languages and Linguistics Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Southeast Asian and Australasian Pacific 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 |
Southeast Asian and Australasian Pacific 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 Southeast Asian and Australasian Pacific Languages and Linguistics by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 1 institutions offering Southeast Asian and Australasian Pacific 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 Southeast Asian and Australasian Pacific Languages and Linguistics is found at University of Wisconsin (UWEC), Eau Claire (3 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 3 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin (UWEC) |
Other Award
|
3 | Eau Claire, Wisconsin | Public | uwec.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Southeast Asian and Australasian Pacific Languages and Linguistics programs
How much can I earn with a Southeast Asian and Australasian Pacific Languages and Linguistics degree?
Salaries for Southeast Asian and Australasian Pacific 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 Southeast Asian and Australasian Pacific Languages and Linguistics programs?
Currently 1 accredited institutions offer Southeast Asian and Australasian Pacific Languages and Linguistics degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Wisconsin (UWEC), Eau Claire (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.
What career paths are available with a Southeast Asian and Australasian Pacific 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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