I'm really passionate about studying English, and I'm curious about colleges in New York that have strong English programs. Any recommendations on where to apply or programs that stand out? Would love to hear about campus life too!
Absolutely! New York has several excellent colleges known for their strong English programs.
Firstly, there's Columbia University in the heart of New York City. Columbia has an incredibly strong English program that's perpetually ranked among the best in the country. It takes a literary analytical approach, offering extensive study in periods, genres, and themes. Columbia also offers vibrant campus life, with easy access to city amenities and a culture of intellectual curiosity.
New York University (NYU) offers both a traditional English Literature degree, as well as a more flexible major in English and American Literature. Both programs provide the opportunity to analyze different literary works, periods, and themes. Being in Manhattan, NYU has an exciting campus life with countless networking opportunities due to its proximity to businesses and publishers.
Upstate, Cornell University offers a Bachelor of Arts in English, providing a diverse curriculum that ranges from Medieval and Renaissance literature to contemporary works, as well as ethnic and global literatures. Cornell's campus life is known for its inclusivity and variety of student-led organizations.
Barnard College, associated with Columbia, offers a unique Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies program with a literary focus which you may also find intriguing. The campus offers a close-knit, empowering community of women and provides a unique experience of attending a small liberal arts college while also getting resources from its Ivy League parent institution.
Hamilton College is another excellent liberal arts college where writing and speech are central. Their English and Creative Writing department focuses on both British and American literature, with optional focus areas in creative writing and literature.
Keep in mind that obtaining a broad education and other resources like internship prospects and networking, as well as school culture are essential to consider. Ultimately, when researching schools, consider if the curriculum and campus environment align with your individual preferences and career goals.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.