There are many great colleges and universities in the United States that offer strong English programs for undergraduate students. Here are 15 Best Colleges for English Majors in the United States, in no particular order:
- Harvard University
- Yale University
- Columbia University
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- University of Chicago
- Duke University
- University of Pennsylvania
- Amherst College
- Williams College
- Pomona College
- Swarthmore College
- Bowdoin College
- Carleton College
15 Best Colleges for English Majors in United States
These colleges and universities offer a wide range of English programs, including literature, creative writing, rhetoric, and more. They also provide opportunities for students to participate in research projects, internships, and study abroad programs to enhance their education and gain practical experience.
Harvard University
Harvard University is one of the most admired universities in the world, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. It is known for its excellent undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of disciplines, including English.
The English Department at Harvard is one of the oldest and most renowned in the country. It offers a wide variety of courses in literature, creative writing, and critical theory, as well as opportunities for independent research and writing projects. Some of the most famous authors and literary critics have taught or studied at Harvard, including T.S. Eliot, E.E. Cummings, and Helen Vendler.
English majors at Harvard can also take advantage of the university’s many resources, such as its extensive library system, writing center, and career services office. They can also participate in extracurricular activities, such as student publications and writing workshops, to enhance their education and develop their writing skills.
Overall, Harvard University is an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing a career in English or related fields, as it provides a rigorous and intellectually stimulating education in one of the most prestigious, admired, and well-known academic environments in the world.
Yale University
Yale University is a highly-ranked Ivy League university located in New Haven, Connecticut, USA. It is well-known for its strong liberal arts education, including its English Department.
The English Department at Yale offers a wide range of courses in literature, creative writing, and critical theory, as well as opportunities for independent research and writing projects. The department is home to many distinguished faculty members, including Pulitzer Prize-winning authors, and offers students access to extensive library resources, writing and tutoring centers, and a variety of extracurricular activities.
English majors at Yale have the opportunity to participate in the department’s undergraduate journal, “The Yale Literary Magazine,” as well as other student publications and writing groups on campus. They can also pursue internships and study abroad programs to gain practical experience and broaden their perspectives.
Overall, Yale University is an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing a career in English or related fields, as it provides a rigorous and intellectually stimulating education in a highly-respected academic environment.
Columbia University
Columbia University is a prestigious Ivy League university located in New York City, USA. It is known for its excellent programs in a wide range of disciplines, including its English Department.
The English Department at Columbia offers a rigorous and diverse program of study that emphasizes literary history, critical theory, and creative writing. The department is home to many distinguished faculty members, including Pulitzer Prize-winning authors and influential literary critics. English majors at Columbia have access to extensive library resources, writing and tutoring centers, and a variety of extracurricular activities, including literary magazines, poetry readings, and writing workshops.
Columbia also offers unique opportunities for English majors, such as the Writing Center, where students can receive individualized feedback on their writing, and the Undergraduate Writing Program, which offers courses in writing for academic and professional purposes.
In addition to the resources provided by the English Department, Columbia’s location in New York City offers English majors access to a wealth of cultural institutions, such as museums, libraries, and literary events.
Overall, Columbia University is an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing a career in English or related fields, as it provides a challenging and intellectually stimulating education in one of the most dynamic and assorted cities in the world.
Stanford University
Stanford University is a highly-ranked private research university located in Stanford, California, USA. It is known for its outstanding programs in a wide range of disciplines, including its English Department.
The English Department at Stanford offers a diverse and dynamic program of study that includes courses in literature, creative writing, and critical theory. The department is home to many renowned scholars and writers, and English majors at Stanford have access to extensive library resources, writing and tutoring centers, and a variety of extracurricular activities, including literary journals, writing groups, and author readings.
Stanford’s Creative Writing Program is particularly notable, as it is consistently ranked as one of the best in the country. The program offers courses in fiction, poetry, and nonfiction writing, as well as opportunities for independent writing projects and internships with publishing companies and literary agencies.
In addition to its strong English Department, Stanford’s location in the heart of Silicon Valley offers English majors access to a variety of technological and entrepreneurial resources, as well as a diverse and dynamic cultural scene.
Overall, Stanford University is an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing a career in English or related fields, as it provides a challenging and intellectually stimulating education in a vibrant and innovative academic community.
University of California, Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley is a public research university based in Berkeley, California, United States of America. It is known for its excellent programs in a wide range of disciplines, including its English Department.
The English Department at UC Berkeley offers a comprehensive program of study that includes courses in literature, creative writing, and critical theory. The department is home to many renowned scholars and writers, and English majors at UC Berkeley have access to extensive library resources, writing and tutoring centers, and a variety of extracurricular activities, including literary journals, writing groups, and author readings.
UC Berkeley’s Creative Writing Program is particularly notable, as it offers courses in fiction, poetry, and nonfiction writing, as well as opportunities for independent writing projects and internships with publishing companies and literary agencies.
In addition to its strong English Department, UC Berkeley offers a diverse and dynamic cultural scene, with numerous theaters, museums, and literary events throughout the year. The university is also located in close proximity to San Francisco, which offers additional opportunities for cultural exploration and networking.
Overall, the University of California, Berkeley is an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing a career in English or related fields, as it provides a challenging and intellectually stimulating education in a vibrant and innovative academic community.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a highly-ranked private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. While MIT is primarily known for its programs in science, engineering, and technology, it also offers a strong program in the humanities, including its English Department.
The English Department at MIT offers a diverse and interdisciplinary program of study that includes courses in literature, creative writing, and cultural studies. The department is home to many distinguished faculty members, including renowned scholars and writers, and English majors at MIT have access to extensive library resources, writing and tutoring centers, and a variety of extracurricular activities, including literary journals, writing groups, and author readings.
MIT’s Comparative Media Studies/Writing Program is particularly notable, as it offers courses in media theory, game design, digital storytelling, and more. The program emphasizes the intersections between technology and culture, and encourages students to think critically about the impact of media on society.
In addition to its strong English Department, MIT offers a dynamic and innovative academic community that values interdisciplinary collaboration and intellectual curiosity. The university is located in the heart of the Boston/Cambridge area, which offers a wealth of cultural institutions, such as museums, theaters, and literary events.
University of Chicago
The University of Chicago is a highly-ranked private research university located in Chicago, Illinois, USA. It is known for its rigorous academic programs, including its English Department.
The English Department at the University of Chicago offers a wide range of courses in literature, creative writing, and critical theory, as well as opportunities for independent research and writing projects. The department is home to many renowned scholars and writers, and emphasizes close reading, analytical thinking, and interdisciplinary approaches to literature.
English majors at the University of Chicago can also participate in extracurricular activities such as student publications, reading groups, and writing workshops to enhance their education and develop their skills. They can also take advantage of the university’s extensive resources, including the Regenstein Library and the Writing Program, which offers writing support and tutoring.
Overall, the University of Chicago is an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing a career in English or related fields, as it provides a challenging and intellectually stimulating education in a dynamic academic environment.
Duke University
Duke University is a private research university located in Durham, North Carolina in USA. It is known for its strong academic programs, including its English department, which offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in literature, creative writing, and cultural studies.
The English department at Duke is highly regarded and ranked among the top 10 English departments in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The faculty includes renowned scholars, poets, and writers who are dedicated to teaching and mentoring students. The department offers a wide range of courses that cover various topics, such as Shakespeare, modern and contemporary literature, film and media studies, and creative writing.
Duke’s English department also provides students with opportunities to engage in research and creative projects through its honors program, which allows students to work one-on-one with a faculty member to produce an original research or creative writing project. Additionally, students can participate in internships and study abroad programs to gain practical experience and broaden their cultural horizons.
University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania, also called as Penn, is a private Ivy League research university based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1740 and is one of the oldest and popular universities in the United States.
Penn’s English department is highly ranked and offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in English language and literature, creative writing, and critical writing. The department has a distinguished faculty of scholars and writers who are leaders in their fields, and students have access to a wide range of courses and research opportunities.
In addition to its strong academic programs, Penn offers a vibrant campus life, with over 400 student organizations, a wide range of cultural and artistic events, and state-of-the-art facilities for learning and research. Penn also has a strong commitment to community service and social impact, with many opportunities for students to engage in service projects and community-based research.
Amherst College
Located in Amherst, Massachusetts, it is a private liberal arts college. It is one of the top-ranked liberal arts colleges in the United States, known for its strong academic programs and selective admissions process.
The English department at Amherst College is highly regarded and offers a wide range of courses in literature, creative writing, and cultural studies. Students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty members who are accomplished writers and scholars. The department also offers a number of extracurricular activities and events, including literary readings and writing workshops.
Amherst College is also home to The Common, a literary magazine that publishes essays, fiction, and poetry from writers around the world. The magazine is edited by Amherst College students and is known for its commitment to promoting diverse voices and perspectives.
Overall, Amherst College is an excellent choice for English majors who are looking for a rigorous liberal arts education with a focus on literature and writing. The college’s small size and supportive community make it an ideal environment for students who want to engage deeply with their coursework and pursue their passions in the humanities.
Williams College
Located in Williamstown, Massachusetts. It is widely considered one of the top liberal arts colleges in the United States and has a strong reputation for academic excellence across a range of disciplines, including English.
The English department at Williams College offers a broad curriculum that covers literature, creative writing, and critical theory. Students have the opportunity to explore a wide range of literary traditions and styles, from medieval poetry to contemporary experimental fiction. The department is also known for its commitment to interdisciplinary approaches, and many courses explore the intersection of literature with fields such as philosophy, history, and gender studies.
Williams College also has a vibrant creative writing program, which includes workshops, readings, and visiting writers. The program is highly selective and offers students the opportunity to work closely with accomplished writers and peers.
In addition to its academic programs, Williams College is home to The Williams Review, a student-run literary magazine that publishes poetry, fiction, and essays. The college also hosts a number of literary events throughout the year, including readings, lectures, and workshops.
Pomona College
Pomona College is a highly selective, private liberal arts college located in Claremont, California. It is a member of the Claremont Colleges consortium, which includes five undergraduate colleges and two graduate schools.
Pomona College’s English Department offers a wide range of courses in literature, creative writing, and cultural studies. Students can choose to pursue a major or minor in English, or they can participate in the college’s creative writing program. The department also offers a variety of interdisciplinary courses, including classes in film and media studies, gender and women’s studies, and environmental analysis.
One of the unique features of Pomona’s English program is its emphasis on close collaboration between students and faculty. The department’s faculty members are accomplished scholars and writers who work closely with students on research projects, independent studies, and creative writing projects. Students can also take advantage of the college’s Writing Center, which provides individualized writing support for students at all levels.
Pomona College is consistently ranked as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the United States, and its English program is highly regarded for its academic rigor and emphasis on creative expression.
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore College is a private liberal arts college located in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia. It was founded in 1864 and has a reputation for academic excellence and social responsibility.
The college’s English department is highly regarded and offers a wide range of courses in literature, creative writing, film studies, and cultural studies. The department is committed to providing a challenging and supportive environment for students to explore their interests and develop their critical thinking and writing skills.
Students in the English department have the opportunity to participate in research projects, attend readings and lectures by prominent writers and scholars, and pursue internships with literary publications and other organizations. The department also sponsors a number of student groups, including literary magazines, creative writing workshops, and a film club.
Swarthmore College is known for its small class sizes and personalized attention to students, with a student-faculty ratio of 8:1. The college is also committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, with a multicultural center and a range of programs and resources to support students from diverse backgrounds.
Bowdoin College
It is a private liberal arts college located in Brunswick, Maine. It was founded in 1794 and is one of the oldest colleges in the United States. Bowdoin College has a strong English program that offers a wide range of courses in literature, creative writing, and rhetoric.
English majors at Bowdoin College are encouraged to explore a variety of literary genres and periods, from Shakespeare to contemporary fiction. Students can also take classes in creative writing, including fiction, poetry, and non-fiction writing. The English department also offers courses in film and media studies, theater, and gender and sexuality studies.
In addition to its strong academic program, Bowdoin College also provides students with numerous opportunities to gain practical experience in the field of English. The college’s English department sponsors a literary magazine, The Harpoon, and a student-run creative writing workshop, the Bowdoin Writing Project. The department also hosts a reading series that brings in acclaimed authors to speak to students.
Carleton College
Carleton College is a highly regarded private liberal arts college located in Northfield, Minnesota, USA. It has a strong English department and is considered one of the best colleges in the United States for English majors.
Carleton’s English department offers a wide variety of courses in literature, creative writing, and critical theory, and its faculty includes many prominent scholars and writers. Students can choose from a range of concentrations within the English major, including literary studies, creative writing, media studies, and more.
In addition to its strong academic programs, Carleton also offers numerous opportunities for students to engage in research, internships, and other hands-on learning experiences. Students can participate in the college’s Literary Arts program, which includes readings, workshops, and other events featuring acclaimed writers, as well as internships with literary magazines and publishing companies.