Overview

The English and Comparative Literature B.A. at Columbia University provides students with a rigorous foundation in the study of textual production, reception, and theoretical reflection. This programme fosters a deep appreciation for the power of language to shape human thought and represent the world through diverse methodologies. Students engage with significant works of literature while examining the historical and social conditions that influence creative expression across different media and cultures.

Why English and Comparative Literature at Columbia University?

The department is home to world-renowned faculty, including University Professors and leading scholars in fields ranging from Shakespearean studies to the African Diaspora. Students benefit from unique research opportunities such as the Richmond Williams Travelling Fellowship, which supports independent scholarship abroad, and the Humanities Research Scholars Program. The curriculum is uniquely structured around the organizing principles of history, genre, and geography, ensuring a comprehensive exposure to the evolution of literary forms.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 70170 per year
National fee: USD 70170 per year
Local fee: USD 70170 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum requires ten courses, including a mandatory introductory sequence and distribution requirements covering various historical periods and genres. Modules may include:

Approaches to Literary Study
Beowulf
Canterbury Tales
History of Literary Criticism
Shakespeare
Victorian Poetry
American Modernism
Ulysses
African American Literature

Students in their final year may choose to complete a Capstone project, which consists of either an advanced 4000-level seminar or a substantial Senior Essay involving original research and a 10,000-word scholarly argument.

Careers with English and Comparative Literature

Graduates of this programme develop highly transferable skills in critical thinking, precise writing, and complex interpretation that are applicable to a wide range of professional fields. The department provides dedicated information sessions focused on professional development and graduate study pathways. Students are prepared for careers in sectors such as education, publishing, law, media, and international relations, or for advanced academic research in the humanities.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Literary Texts, Critical Methods

Canterbury Tales

Shakespeare

The American Renaissance

Victorian Poetry

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

105

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

Language Studies Literature British Studies View 1013 other Bachelors in Literature in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

105

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Autobiographical information

Lists and descriptions of a student’s achievements, activities, employment and summer activities

Personal essay

An official high school transcript from all high schools attended

One high school counselor’s recommendation and school profile

The completed Mid-Year Report

SAT or ACT

Applicants may self-report their scores

English proficiency examination score (if necessary)

These recommendations must come from teachers who taught you in academic disciplines

For engineering applicants, one must come from a math or science teacher

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Out-of-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year

Living costs

Manhattan

United States

2638 - 5751 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for English and Comparative Literature.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Manhattan

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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