Explore the World Through Literature

Dive into outstanding literature from around the world in our certificate program at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. You’ll read world-class texts in translation, deepening your understanding of different nations and cultures.

With a comparative literature certificate from UM-Dearborn, you’ll be equipped with critical and comparative analysis skills, making you an ideal candidate for a variety of jobs. Whether you wish to pursue a career in academia, writing, translation, international relations, or any field requiring a deep understanding of culture and language, our program will give you the necessary foundation to succeed.

Before enrolling in the certificate program, you must:

  • Meet with the comparative literature certificate advisor
  • Bring an unofficial copy of your transcript showing a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5
  • Complete an application form
  • Complete the equivalent of fourth-semester Arabic, French, German, or Spanish

Career and Salary Outlook

The information in this table is meant to give you an idea of career opportunities with this degree. All information is pulled from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and is meant to be averages across the United States for 2022. Please note that these figures reflect overall averages and may not represent entry-level salaries.

$73,690 Median Salary

Writer and Authors

Employment of writers and authors is projected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 15,500 openings for writers and authors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$75,020 Median Salary

Editors

Employment of editors is projected to decline 4 percent from 2022 to 2032.

Despite declining employment, about 11,600 openings for editors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. 

$57,090 Median Salary

Interpreters and Translators

Employment of interpreters and translators is projected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 7,200 openings for interpreters and translators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$66,750 Median Salary

Public Relations Specialists

Employment of public relations specialists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 25,800 openings for public relations specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$64,370 Median Salary

Librarians and Library Media Specialists

Employment of librarians and library media specialists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 13,700 openings for librarians and library media specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Program Details

Ready to Apply?

Tuition

Tuition and fees for certificate programs are updated and approved each year in June. Review the current schedule to estimate your costs.

Tuition and Fee Schedule

How to Apply

It is encouraged to apply as early as possible. To apply:

  • Complete and submit an Online Non-Degree Application - select "Certificates".
  • Submit official transcripts.

Completed non-degree applications will be accepted until midnight the day prior to the start of classes each semester.

How to Apply

Admission Requirements

The program is open to all undergraduate students at UM-Dearborn as well as non-degree seeking students with or without college degrees.

Next Steps

Become a part of the UM-Dearborn community and put your dreams to work for you.