Overview

The Comparative Literature and Translation Studies programme at Columbia University provides an expansive humanistic education that examines literature across historical periods, national boundaries, and diverse cultural traditions. Students explore the relationship between written texts and other creative disciplines, including film, photography, and philosophy, while developing advanced linguistic proficiency.

Why Comparative Literature and Translation Studies at Columbia University?

Students benefit from a unique academic environment that combines intensive language study with a cosmopolitan outlook. The curriculum is designed to resist homogenising globalism by focusing on how literary genres and aesthetic forms evolve as they travel across borders. Under the guidance of core faculty mentors, participants gain access to a wealth of expertise across departments such as Classics, Africana Studies, and Medieval and Renaissance Studies. The university strongly encourages immersion through study abroad opportunities to further enhance cultural and linguistic fluency.

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 emphasises the art of writing and critical philosophical approaches to discourse. Modules may include:

Comparative Literature and Translation Studies
Greek Tragedy
The Novella
Comparative Lyric Poetry and Poetics
Utopia
Translation and Theories of Translation
Adaptation and Transmediality
Global Long-form Photography
Ecological Criticism

Careers with Comparative Literature and Translation Studies

Graduates are prepared for diverse professional paths in a globalised workforce, often securing roles in international business, law, and public policy. The analytical and linguistic skills gained during the programme are highly valued in sectors such as journalism, publishing, and technology design. Many alumni have pursued successful careers as translators, editors, and filmmakers, or have continued their academic development through prestigious fellowships like the Fulbright and Mellon-Mays. Former students also find opportunities in education, medicine, and international relations across the United States, Europe, South America, and Asia.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Comparative Literature
Translation Studies
Utopian Literature
Threes of Knowledge: Ecocriticism and World Literature
City and Country in the Comparative 19th Century Novel
Theatre and Democracy

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

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

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

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

Literature Translation & Interpreting View 63 other Bachelors in Translation & Interpreting 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

Common Application
Barnard Writing Supplement
$75 non-refundable application fee or fee waiver request
Official high school and college transcripts
Secondary school report and high school profile: These are documents that your high school counselor will submit along with your transcript that help our office contextualize your achievements.
SAT or ACT scores
High school counselor letter of recommendation
Two teacher letters of recommendation
Official TOEFL , IELTS, or Duolingo English Test Scores

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 Comparative Literature and Translation Studies.

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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