Foreign Language and literature Major

• What is Foreign Language and literature?
• What are Some Specializations Within this Broad Major?
• What Kinds of Students Major in Foreign Language and literature?
• What Courses Do Foreign Language and literature Majors Take?
• List of Foreign Language and literature Jobs
• What is the Median Salary Range for Foreign Language and literature Careers?
• College and University Departments to Consider

What is Foreign Language and literature?

Foreign language majors study the languages of other countries. This includes the reading of the literature and history of the countries you choose to specialize in. Majors often learn several languages and study abroad in an appropriate country is encouraged. Study abroad to immerse oneself in the life and culture of another country is encouraged.

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What are Some Specializations Within this Broad Major?

Various specializations related to a major in Foreign Language and literature may be offered by colleges and universities. These specializations may be of greater or lesser interest to you. A few of these specializations related to this field include, but are not limited to:

Arabic	Chinese
Farsi	Finnish
French	German
Greek	Hebrew
Hindi	Italian
Japanese	Latin
Linguistics	Portuguese
Russian	Spanish
Swedish	Thai

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What Kinds of Students Major in Foreign Language and literature?

Students who enjoyed foreign languages in high school are natural candidates for this major. The knowledge of multiple foreign languages is helpful when students seek careers in the Foreign Service, in international companies, and in teaching. To understand a foreign language, the student must have excellent knowledge of English, as well. The study of other languages and cultures offers students communicative skills and understanding that are increasingly valuable in many fields: business, education, government, law enforcement, media, social services and the service industry, among others. Many students choose a double or secondary major and combine a foreign language with a complementary field like English, history, international studies, journalism, political science, business, international marketing or education.

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What Courses Do Foreign Language and literature Majors Take?

The required and elective courses you would take for Foreign Language and literature majors vary considerably among institutions. Courses are listed here that are illustrative of the breadth of topics you are likely to experience were you to major in this field.

Advanced French or Spanish or German or ?	Composition
Conversation	Foreign Film
History of France or Spain or German or ?	Intermediate French or Spanish or German or ?
Introductory French or Spanish or German or ?	Linguistics
Literature of France or Spain or German or ?	Secondary School Teaching Methods
Study Abroad

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List of Potential Jobs in Foreign Language and literature

These professions and professional organizations illustrate the types of positions you might qualify for if you complete this major. Some majors are more directly related to employment than others, however. You should consider the likelihood of employment after graduation carefully, if you do not plan to go on for graduate work in a field. Even with the completion of graduate work in some fields, however, employment is difficult, so you should determine what the prospects are for this or any major. Employment possibilities are often enhanced by the selecting employment-related courses and by the enrollment in second major or in a minor.

Diplomatic Translator	Exporting and Importing
Foreign Service	Human Resources
International Business	Medical Translator
Software and Software Documentation Translator	Teacher of Foreign Language
Teaching English as a Second Language

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What is the Median Salary Range for Foreign Language and literature Careers?

U.S. Median Salary(starting):$35,600

U.S. Median Salary(mid-career):$52,600

Note: These numbers are national averages so you could make more or less than these amounts. Actual expected salaries will vary depending on your chosen career path, experience, and even your geographic location. Are you interested in detailed information about the forecasted demand for a particular profession? Are you interested in the estimated salaries such positions are likely to pay? This government Web site allows you to search on a particular job, whether listed here or not, to give you this information.

Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Colleges and Universities offering majors in Foreign Language and literature

MyMajors complete list has 1,169 schools in the USA with a major in Foreign Language and literature.
-View the national listing!

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For information on options available to campuses wishing to see their programs listed on MyMajors, contact for details.