The Best Colleges For English Majors
Why study English?
There is a widespread misunderstanding that all that students of English language and literature do all day is sitting around and analyze different pieces of literature. As such, some ask why there is a need to study English. Even though this might be true to some extent, the fact is that obtaining a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. For that reason, a growing number of high school graduates are now looking for the best colleges for English majors.
You will hone your written and oral communication skills when you earn a bachelor’s degree in English from one of the best colleges in the country for English majors. This will make you a valuable addition to any company you work for.
When you can articulate your ideas clearly, the sky is the limit for your accomplishments. Therefore, even though it might not appear as though there are that many jobs for English majors outside of the most obvious ones—teacher, professor, and writer—the reality is that there are thousands of potential jobs you might be able to pursue.
How can I tell if a major in English is right for me?
Before searching and deciding on the best colleges for English majors, it is important to distinguish if this course is really for you. An English major could be the right choice for you if you place a high value on clear communication, enjoy spending your free time reading, or dream of becoming a published author one day. Students who want to major in English should be prepared to read and write a lot, but they shouldn’t discount the degree just because they aren’t interested in working as writers after graduation.
A wide variety of professions, from publishing to medicine, call for transferable skills such as critical thinking, the ability to meet strict deadlines, and accurate spelling and grammar. There is a lot of leeway for English majors to explore other areas of interest, thanks to the frequent flexibility in course selection. There is likely a place for you in the English department of your school, regardless of whether you see yourself as a future academic, professional student, or aspiring writer.
Where to find the best colleges for English?
Texas A&M University – College Station
The Texas A&M University-College Station is a great option to check out when considering where to look for the best colleges for English majors. This university has the second-largest student body of any college or university in the United States. This university is a public land-grant research establishment. In addition to this, it is the only university in the state of Texas to hold all three of the government grant designations: land, sea, and space grant institution. This demonstrates the high level of research opportunities made available to this institution’s students.
The study of the cultures, languages, and literature of regions of the world in which English is the primary language focus of the English language and literature department at this university. You’ll have the opportunity to investigate concentrations in fields such as:
- Composition and rhetoric
- English literature
- Film
- Science fiction
- Fantasy studies
Purdue University
Purdue University is an excellent option for you to consider if you are looking for a school that will enable you to pursue your areas of interest because it offers more than 269 majors for students. The English Language and Literature program at Purdue University is one of a kind because students can finish it in just three years.
Even though one year may not seem like much, this accelerated graduation schedule will make it possible for you to enter the workforce earlier, and it will also allow you to begin working toward your goals even sooner. The English major at Purdue University requires students to complete 120 credit hours of coursework and follows a curriculum divided into required, elective, and major areas of study.
The English major at Purdue is designed to give students as many options as possible. Upon completion of this bachelor’s degree program, you will have the opportunity to specialize in one of the following areas of study:
- English Literature
- English Education
- Global Context
University of California – Berkeley
Another one of the best colleges for English majors is the University of California at Berkeley. Established in 1868, this school is home to 14 colleges and schools that offer more than 350 different degree programs. A founding member of the Association of American Universities, it was also the first campus of the University of California system.
There are many different ways to modify the course of study for your English language degree to help you achieve your objectives in this area as well. You have the option of enrolling in a minor in English if you are unsure about whether or not you want to devote yourself entirely to the English major. You also have the option of enrolling in the honors program, which will allow you to complete more difficult coursework and an honors thesis.
In addition to this, you might even be able to earn academic credit for your internship. You will have the opportunity to complete critical and creative work on a topic related to your internship. In addition, you will be able to participate in other extra-departmental coursework, such as education abroad programs, summer session courses, and other opportunities.
University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
The cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, which together form the state of Minnesota’s twin cities, are home to the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. This university, the oldest and largest in the state’s system of universities, comprises a total of nineteen distinct schools, colleges, and academic departments.
The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is recognized as a public Ivy because it provides students with an education that is on par with that which is obtained at an institution that is a member of the Ivy League. You will find one of the best colleges for English majors here at the College of Liberal Arts.
If you already have a degree but want to broaden your horizons further, you can supplement it with elective minors or certificates. The University of Minnesota–Twin Cities offers an honors program, a fantastic certificate in editing and publishing, and a minor in creative writing.
University of California – Los Angeles
The University of California, Los Angeles, one of the first normal schools in the state, was established in 1882 and can be found in the city of Los Angeles, California. The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a good option for students majoring in English because it offers more than 337 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Whether they are majoring in English or not, students have access to a wide variety of classes offered by the Department of English Language and Literature. These classes focus on the literature and cultures of countries and regions worldwide where English is the primary language. If you decide to study at this institution, you have the option of pursuing not only a Bachelor of Arts in English but also a Bachelor of Arts in American literature and culture, as well as a concentration in creative writing.
The English department at UCLA is consistently ranked as one of the country’s top programs of its kind. You will have access to well-established research fields in addition to ground-breaking work in cutting-edge, multidisciplinary methods of approaching literary studies, which this program will make available to you. This college will prepare you for work in various fields and is among the best colleges for English majors.
Now, as you prepare for college, you should also prepare for how to enter one. Some students struggle to enter college. As such, you must get all the help you can get. AdmissionSight is known to be a leader in college admissions, with over 10 years of experience getting students into the best universities in the world. Set up an initial appointment today with AdmissionSight and get the best help with college admission.
