Discover Bachelor’s Degrees in English in New York City
Dive into the timeless world of literature, language, and critical thinking with a bachelor’s degree in English. New York City, a global hub of culture and creativity, offers a vibrant backdrop for exploring the power of words. Whether you’re passionate about analyzing literary classics, mastering creative writing, or developing skills in professional communication, NYC’s diverse colleges and universities provide a range of programs to nurture your talents and prepare you for exciting careers in publishing, education, media, and beyond. Immerse yourself in a community that celebrates storytelling and intellectual exploration, and take the first step toward a future enriched by the art of expression.
CUNY Graduate School and University Center
The CUNY Graduate School and University Center offers a robust English program focusing on literary studies, cultural analysis, and critical theory. Students benefit from close connections with NYC’s literary scene and diverse faculty expertise.
Curriculum Details:
- Diverse Course Offerings: Each semester, the program provides a wide range of seminars covering both established and emerging fields, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific interests.
- Comprehensive Degree Requirements: To earn the Ph.D., students must complete 60 credits of coursework, demonstrate reading proficiency in one language other than English, pass two major examinations (the First “Comprehensive” Exam and the Second “Orals” Examination), and successfully defend a dissertation.
- Website: CUNY Graduate School and University Center
- Phone: (212) 817-7000
- Directions: Centrally located in Midtown Manhattan, easily accessible by subway or bus.
New York University (NYU)
NYU’s English department provides an interdisciplinary approach, combining traditional literary studies with opportunities in creative writing and cultural criticism. Its prime location in Greenwich Village ensures proximity to publishers and literary hubs.
Curriculum Details:
- Undergraduate Program: Students can pursue majors in English Literature and Dramatic Literature, engaging in a curriculum that covers literary history, critical theory, theatre history, and literary culture.
- Graduate Program: The department offers Master of Arts (MA) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees, with coursework spanning from medieval to contemporary literatures. MA students are required to take a mandatory three-credit seminar titled “Introduction to Advanced Literary Study for MA Students” in their first term. The PhD program includes introductory and advanced courses, such as the PhD Proseminar: Studies in Literature.
- Website: New York University (NYU)
- Phone: (212) 998-1212
- Directions: Accessible by subway (4, 5, 6, L, or Q lines).
CUNY Hunter College
Hunter College offers a diverse English program emphasizing literary analysis, writing, and research. The college encourages internships and study-abroad opportunities to enrich the student experience.
Curriculum Details:
- Undergraduate Programs: Students can choose from five concentrations: Literatures and Criticism, Creative Writing, English: Foundations for Adolescent Education, English Language Arts, and Linguistics and Rhetoric. Each concentration requires 42 credits, including core courses like “Introduction to Writing About Literature” and “Introduction to Literary Studies.
- Graduate Programs: The department offers a Master of Arts (MA) in Literature, Language, and Theory; an MA in English Adolescent Education; and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing. These programs provide advanced studies in literary analysis, pedagogical methods, and creative writing techniques.
- Website: CUNY Hunter College
- Phone: (212) 772-4000
- Directions: Located on the Upper East Side, near the 68th Street–Hunter College subway station.
Pace University
Pace’s English program combines traditional studies in literature with modern applications, such as media writing and public relations. Proximity to Wall Street offers unique career opportunities.
Curriculum Details:
- Intensive English Program: Designed for students aiming to enhance their general English proficiency, this program focuses on grammar, writing, reading, speaking, and listening skills. Courses are structured across multiple levels, from beginner to upper-intermediate, with flexible study options available both on-campus and online.
- Academic English Program: Intended for degree-seeking students preparing for university studies in the United States, this content-based curriculum emphasizes academic language and skills, including research, note-taking, and academic presentations.
- Website: Pace University
- Phone: (212) 346-1200
- Directions: Accessible via Fulton Street subway station.
St. Francis College
St. Francis College offers a close-knit community with a comprehensive English program focusing on literature, writing, and communication skills. Its Brooklyn Heights location is ideal for creative inspiration.
Curriculum Details:
- Undergraduate Programs: The Bachelor of Arts in Literature, Writing, and Publishing integrates readings from Western and non-Western traditions with intensive examinations of writing, presentation, and publishing strategies. Students can also pursue minors in English and Drama to complement their primary studies.
- Graduate Programs: The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing provides specialized tracks in Fiction, Poetry, Graphic Writing, Screenwriting and Playwriting, and Non-Fiction Writing, offering exposure to resources at the heart of global publishing.
- Website: St. Francis College
- Phone: (718) 489-5200
- Directions: Accessible by subway (2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, F, R trains).
St. Joseph’s University-New York
This campus offers a dynamic English program that prepares students for careers in teaching, publishing, and beyond. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from faculty.
Curriculum Details:
- Undergraduate Programs: The Bachelor of Arts in English provides students with a deep understanding of literature, critical thinking, and writing skills. Students can also pursue minors in English, journalism, creative writing, and Irish studies, allowing them to tailor their studies to specific interests.
- Research and Interdisciplinary Opportunities: Students are encouraged to conduct research and present their findings at conferences nationwide. The department also participates in interdisciplinary areas, offering key courses in American Studies, Women’s Studies, Environmental Studies, and Film/Media Studies.
- Website: St. Joseph’s University-New York
- Phone: (718) 940-5800
- Directions: Easily accessible by subway or bus in Clinton Hill.
CUNY City College
City College’s English department focuses on developing critical thinking and writing skills. Students explore diverse literatures in one of NYC’s most historic campuses.
Curriculum Details:
- Undergraduate Programs: Students can pursue concentrations in Literature, Creative Writing, and Secondary English Education. The curriculum requires completion of 39 credits, beginning with the mandatory “Introduction to Literary Study” course, followed by a combination of 200-level, 300-level, and 400-level literature courses.
- Graduate Programs: CCNY offers Master of Arts (MA) degrees in English Literature and Language & Literacy, as well as a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing. The MA in Language & Literacy, for example, comprises four core courses, two electives in language and literacy, and four general electives, totaling 30 credits.
- Website: CUNY City College
- Phone: (212) 650-7000
- Directions: Accessible via the A, B, C, D trains.
CUNY Brooklyn College
Brooklyn College offers a robust English curriculum, with opportunities to explore creative writing, film, and digital humanities.
Curriculum Details:
- Undergraduate Programs: The Bachelor of Arts in English requires completion of 38–47 credits, including foundational courses such as English 2120 and 2121. Students select period courses from six historical categories and choose electives to tailor their studies.
- Graduate Programs: The Master of Arts in English immerses students in literature from the medieval era to the present, emphasizing diverse theoretical approaches and critical methods. The curriculum covers literature across various periods and includes studies in theory and criticism.
- Website: CUNY Brooklyn College
- Phone: (718) 951-5000
- Directions: Near the Flatbush Avenue–Brooklyn College subway station.
CUNY Queens College
Queens College provides a rich English program with an emphasis on diverse literatures and cultural studies. Its Queens location offers a suburban campus feel.
Curriculum Details:
- Undergraduate Programs: The Bachelor of Arts in English requires 41 credits, beginning with foundational courses like ENGL 170W: Introduction to Literary Study. Students engage in various courses covering literary history, theory, and genres, with opportunities to specialize in areas such as creative writing or global literatures.
- First-Year Writing Program: This program equips students with essential writing and research skills through courses like College Writing 1 (ENGL 110), a seminar-style class that introduces scholarly writing and critical reading practices.
- Website: CUNY Queens College
- Phone: (718) 997-5000
- Directions: Accessible via LIRR and subway.
CUNY Lehman College
Lehman College features an English program that combines rigorous academic study with practical applications like editing and teaching.
Curriculum Details:
- Undergraduate Programs: The Bachelor of Arts in English requires 40-44 credits, comprising a core curriculum and a chosen specialization in Literature, Professional Writing, or Creative Writing.
- Graduate Programs: The Master of Arts in English provides advanced studies in literature, writing, and rhetoric.
- Website: CUNY Lehman College
- Phone: (718) 960-8000
- Directions: Located near the 4 and D subway lines.
St. John’s University-New York
St. John’s English program offers specializations in creative writing and journalism, with a commitment to service and leadership.
Curriculum Details:
- Course Offerings: The curriculum includes courses such as Critical Reading: Online News to Academic Texts, Effective Writing: Emails to Essays, Dynamic Listening: Social Interactions to Academic Lectures, Confident Speaking: Conversations to Presentations, and Pronunciation: Making Yourself Understood.
- Flexible Enrollment: Programs are available year-round with full-time (18 hours per week) and part-time options. Full-time tuition is $2,250 per 7-week session, and part-time courses are $375 each. Additional costs may include university fees, textbooks, and health insurance for F-1 visa students.
- Website: St. John’s University-New York
- Phone: (718) 990-2000
- Directions: Accessible via the E and F subway lines.
College of Staten Island CUNY
The College of Staten Island provides an English program that emphasizes research, literary studies, and creative expression.
Curriculum Details:
- Undergraduate Programs: Students can pursue a Bachelor of Arts in English with concentrations in Literature, Writing, Linguistics, or Dramatic Literature. Each concentration includes foundational courses such as “Introduction to the Study of Literature,” “British and American Literary Traditions,” and “World Literature in Contexts.” Minors are also available in Literature, Writing, Linguistics, and Speech-Language Pathology.
- Graduate Programs: The Master of Arts in English offers concentrations in Literature and Rhetoric. This 34-credit program is designed for flexibility, accommodating working professionals, with most students enrolling part-time.
- Website: College of Staten Island CUNY
- Phone: (718) 982-2000
- Directions: Accessible by Staten Island Ferry and bus.
Iona University
Iona University’s English program is rooted in literary excellence and prepares students for careers in teaching, publishing, and law.
Curriculum Details:
- Undergraduate Programs: The Bachelor of Arts in English develops analytical, creative, and ethical thinking through literature, history, and philosophy. Students can also pursue a combined BA/MST in English and Adolescent Education or minors in Film and Writing.
- Core Curriculum Requirements: All students must complete an English composition course, typically “Communication Skills: Writing I,” along with 15 credits in humanities covering literature, history, philosophy, religious studies, and the arts.
- Website: Iona University
- Phone: (914) 633-2000
- Directions: Accessible by Metro-North Railroad.
Long Island University
LIU’s English program emphasizes creativity and critical thinking, with options for minors in journalism and writing.
Curriculum Details:
- Program Structure: ELI provides eight proficiency levels, from Beginner to Advanced, focusing on Conversation & Listening, Grammar, Reading & Vocabulary, and Writing skills. Courses are available in full-time (16 hours per week) and part-time formats, with both morning (9 a.m.–1 p.m.) and evening (6 p.m.–10 p.m.) sessions.
- Enrollment and Contact Information: The Spring 2025 semester runs from January 6 to April 17, and the Summer 2025 semester from May 5 to August 14. Interested individuals can apply online or contact the ELI at 1 University Plaza, LLC 4th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201, via phone at (718) 488-1323, or email at [email protected].
- Website: Long Island University
- Phone: (516) 299-2900
- Directions: Located in suburban Long Island, accessible by LIRR.
Dominican University New York
Dominican University offers a personalized English program that prepares students for careers in literature, education, and public relations.
Curriculum Details:
- Curriculum Structure: Students complete core courses in grammar, expository writing, and research writing, alongside multiple creative writing courses. The program also includes studies in American, British, and World literature, spanning from ancient to contemporary eras.
- Skill Development and Career Preparation: The curriculum emphasizes analytical reading, research, and writing skills, preparing students for careers such as copywriter, editorial assistant, English teacher, lexicographer, journalist, tutor, copy-editor, proofreader, content manager, content writer, and social media manager.
- Website: Dominican University New York
- Phone: (845) 359-7800
- Directions: Accessible by car or public transit.
Hofstra University
Hofstra’s English department features small classes and faculty dedicated to literary studies, creative writing, and rhetoric.
Curriculum Details:
- Undergraduate Programs: The Bachelor of Arts in English offers four concentrations Literatures in English, Creative Writing and Literature, Publishing Studies and Literature, and Children’s and Young Adult Literature providing a broad foundation in literary analysis, writing, and industry-specific skills.
- Career Preparation: The curriculum equips students with analytical and communication skills applicable to careers in education, publishing, journalism, public relations, law, advertising, and marketing.
- Contact: (516) 463-6600
- Website: Hofstra University
- Directions: Easily accessible via LIRR and bus.