English and Comparative Literature
The English and Comparative Literature Master of Arts program at Columbia University is a one-year, intensive academic experience that invites students to explore literature through both national and global lenses. This interdisciplinary program blends deep literary analysis with comparative methods, encouraging students to engage with texts across cultures, languages, genres, and historical periods. Students examine how literature reflects and shapes societal values, political movements, and cultural identities while developing sophisticated reading, writing, and critical thinking skills.
Housed in one of the most prestigious literature departments in the world, the program offers access to Columbia’s exceptional faculty, extensive library collections, and intellectually rich seminar culture. Students may focus on specific themes such as translation, postcolonial theory, gender and sexuality, or modernism while also refining their understanding of literary traditions from around the world. The program is ideal for those pursuing careers in writing, publishing, education, or preparing for further academic research. Its location in New York City also provides access to museums, literary events, and cultural institutions that enhance the graduate experience beyond the classroom.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: English and Comparative Literature
- Degree Type: Master of Arts
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 28 March 2026
- Location: Columbia University, United States
- Field of Study: Language Studies
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations in Literary Study
- Introduction to Literary and Cultural Theory
- Comparative Approaches to Narrative and Genre
- Modern Literature and Global Contexts
- Research Methods in Literary Scholarship
Semester 2 – Special Topics and Independent Inquiry
- Postcolonial and World Literatures
- Seminar in Translation and Transnationalism
- Critical Studies in Poetry and Drama
- Independent Research Project or Thesis
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program pursue careers in publishing, education, cultural analysis, and media and communications, where advanced interpretive and writing skills are highly valued. Many alumni go on to doctoral studies in literature, cultural studies, or comparative humanities, while others work in editing, literary criticism, or nonprofit arts organizations. The program’s focus on textual analysis, global perspectives, and theoretical frameworks prepares graduates for roles in academic research, curriculum development, and arts administration. With Columbia’s academic reputation and location, students also benefit from access to New York’s vast literary and cultural networks, opening doors to internships and career pathways in both creative and scholarly sectors.
Why Choose This Program
This program is ideal for students who want to engage deeply with literature across cultures, histories, and critical traditions in an intellectually stimulating and globally aware setting. Columbia University’s English and Comparative Literature MA combines rigorous academic training with flexibility to pursue individualized research interests. Students are mentored by renowned faculty and encouraged to participate in a vibrant scholarly community that values both classic literary traditions and emerging global voices. The curriculum fosters analytical clarity, cultural sensitivity, and scholarly confidence—all essential traits for careers in education, research, and the broader humanities. For those passionate about the power of literature to illuminate human experience and shape cultural dialogue, this program offers both depth and direction.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 212 854 1754
Email: admissions@columbia.edu
Address: University of Columbia, Admissions Office, New York, NY, United States
