Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees

Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees

The best English / literature liberal arts colleges are those with rich histories of influence, proven through the work produced by the program’s faculty and alumni. Beyond demonstrating scholarly impact in the field, the best English degree programs maximize your opportunities to interact with outstanding English faculty.

Top 10 Liberal Arts Colleges English Programs

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Key Takeaways

  • The best liberal arts colleges for English majors are recognized for their track record of academic excellence, faculty credentials and influence, and student support services. Their bachelor’s degree programs in the English language and English literature are the training grounds for future teachers, public relations specialists, and authors, among other occupations.
  • Students interested in becoming an English major must possess above-average communication skills, both oral and writing skills. Liberal arts colleges are known for their selective admissions standards and qualified students have been carefully screened.
  • English as a liberal arts degree also demands soft skills like critical thinking and communication skills.

Featured Programs

A bachelor’s degree in English (also referred to as an literature major in many schools) is an excellent starting point for a career in journalism, education, publishing, and a host of other exciting and creative fields. As an English major, you’ll refine your compositional skills, engage in critical reading, and explore the connection between literature and a vast array of other disciplines, including philosophy, history, and business. The best schools for English / literature are those which are regionally accredited, which offer a full array of literature and English concentrations, and which give you the chance to work with the best and most influential professors and classmates.

Degree popularity: English bachelor’s degrees are the 23rd most popular undergraduate degrees across all student demographics, ranking much higher for women at 15th versus 39th for men. It’s most popular among White women for whom it ranks 14th, followed by Hispanic women for whom it ranks 24th, according to the number of degree earners reported by the National Center for Educational Statistics

Exploring English Degrees in Liberal Arts Schools

The best liberal arts colleges for English degrees introduce students to the wide range of literature and other works in the English language. But while there’s the possibility of personal fulfillment and professional success with an English degree, students interested in becoming English majors must also be aware of the challenges.

 

Admission Requirements

The challenge starts with admission into the best bachelor’s degree program of your choice! The best English degree programs have selective admissions criteria and requirements, thus, prospective students must be well-prepared with their academic credentials and documents.

While the admissions criteria (i.e., weight given to each criterion) differs among English degree programs, the common minimum requirements include:

  • A high school or an associate degree with minimum GPA
  • Minimum grades on prerequisite subjects, such as English composition
  • Official transcripts from schools attended
  • Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT)
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Personal statements (In essay form)
  • Current curriculum vitae

Many liberal arts colleges offering English degree programs also conduct interviews with qualified students to further determine their suitability (i.e., oral communication skills). Academic writing samples may also be required as proof of writing skills.

Average Time-to-completion

Bachelor’s degree programs in English typically require students to complete the academic requirements for 60 credit hours or its equivalent. This means an average time-to-completion between four and five years but the actual time-to-completion for each student can vary based on these factors:

  • Number of transfer credits from college-level courses, such as from an associate degree or Advanced Placement courses
  • Part-time or full-time matriculation
  • Internship or practicum hours required, if any

The choice between on-campus and online programs will also affect your level of academic success in an English degree program. Many of the best liberals arts colleges offer students the choice between these formats.

Academic Evaluations and Challenges

Since online and on-campus English degree programs feature the same curriculum, all students must meet the standards for academic excellence. Students must read a broad range of works in English literature, which demands above-average critical reading skills, and submit papers, among other requirements.

The methods for academic evaluations determine the students’ progress in the English degree programs, too. Liberal arts colleges use these evaluation methods:

  • Class participation in lectures, discussions and recitations
  • Assignment submissions including various types of papers
  • Journals and portfolios
  • Quizzes and exams

Academic misdemeanors, such as plagiarism and cheating, can be met with punishments, such as suspension or expulsion.

Internship and/or practicum opportunities may be available in the best liberal arts colleges, too. The hands-on experiences are gained in diverse workplaces, too, from colleges and universities to public relations firms.

Technical and Transferable Skills Development

The beauty of an English degree lies in the set of valuable skills that students develop during the program. Technical skills, such as professional writing skills, creative writing skills, and technical writing skills in the English language, are emphasized. But students also develop transferable skills including:

  • Critical thinking skills
  • Communication skills
  • Storytelling and presentation skills
  • Creativity

No wonder graduates of English degree programs in liberal arts colleges find gainful employment in diverse occupations and enjoy personal fulfillment, too! The bachelor’s degree is also a stepping stone toward a master’s degree and, if you so desire, a doctorate degree in English.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Per-credit costs for an English degree ranges between $180 and $600+ with the actual pre-credit costs depending on the type of institution (whether public or private). Financial aid is available in the form of federal and state financial aid, scholarships, and grants.

Like all other bachelor’s degrees, an English degree from a liberal arts college is what you make of it—leveraging it to your advantage is key to your success.

Frequently Asked Questions About English Bachelor’s Degrees

Mastering the English language has value well beyond the field of literature. Gaining greater depth, versatility and confidence with the English language will make you a better writer, a more confident speaker, and a more perceptive listener. These skills will pay dividends in fields such as public relations, marketing, teaching, and human resources, just to name a few.

In fact, the most influential literary scholars go on to achieve acclaim as bestselling authors, prominent professors, noted historians, and more. Today, top influencers in English are breaking new ground in historical fiction, graphic novels, poetry, and much more.

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Literature is an excellent major because it can provide a pathway into countless fields and career opportunities. If you’re looking for a well-paying and secure job, a literature degree is a great place to start. As an English major, you’ll be doing more than just reading literature. The primary objective of an English major is to achieve greater appreciation and understanding of the written word. This means you’ll learn how to deconstruct literature in search of meaning, character and culture; and to explore the innovative ways that language can be used as a form of expression. In short, you won’t be a passive participant in your reading. As an English major, you will learn to read actively, with thought, insight, and analysis. This means that literature majors bring strong communication, critical thinking, and creativity to a wide range of employment settings.

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Your concentration will determine many of the courses you’ll take as an English major. Likewise, you will be required to take a number of requisite courses on foundational topics such as Literary Critical Analysis and Comparative Literature. However, as an English major, you will also have the chance to develop your curriculum around the themes, cultural traditions, and literary periods that most interest you. Examples of traditional literature courses include:

  • Translating World Literature
  • Narrative Negotiations
  • Dreams and Literature
  • Children’s Literature
  • Creative Writing
  • Rhetoric and Composition
  • The Ancient Greek Hero
  • Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking

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The English degree is actually quite versatile. Earning a degree in literature can qualify you for a number of stimulating jobs in both practical and creative fields. In some cases, you’ll get a chance to use your compositional and communication skills, whereas in other instances, you’ll use what you have learned to help others navigate the English language. The following are among the most popular jobs for literature majors:

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Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degree Programs

If you think a research university may be a better fit for you, see our ranking of the best research universities for a bachelor’s in English.

Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees

  1. #1

    Wesleyan University

    Middletown , CT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    19%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    3K

    Wesleyan University English Major Concentrations:

    • Literature
    • Creative Writing
    Source
  2. #2

    Amherst College

    Amherst , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1495/33

  3. #3

    Williams College

    Williamstown , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

  4. #4

    Swarthmore College

    Swarthmore , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    8%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1467/32

    Swarthmore College English Major Concentration:

    • Creative Writing
    Source
  5. #5

    Barnard College

    New York , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1434/32

    Barnard College English Major Concentrations:

    • American Literature
    • Creative Writing
    • Film Studies
    • Theatre
    Source
  6. #6

    Middlebury College

    Middlebury , VT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1430/32

    Middlebury College English Major Concentration:

    • Creative Writing
    Source
  7. #7

    Pomona College

    Claremont , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    2K

  8. #8

    Wellesley College

    Wellesley , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    16%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1435/32

    Wellesley College English Major Concentrations:

    • English
    • English and Creative Writing
    Source
  9. #10

    Vassar College

    Poughkeepsie , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    20%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/33

  10. #11

    Bowdoin College

    Brunswick , ME
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

  11. #13

    Oberlin College

    Oberlin , OH
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    34%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1315/30

  12. #14

    San Francisco State University

    San Francisco , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1030/19

    SFSU English Major Concentrations:

    • Literature
    • English Education
    • Professional Writing and Rhetoric
    • Linguistics
    Source
  13. #15

    Colgate University

    Hamilton , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1385/31

  14. #16

    Haverford College

    Haverford , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    18%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/33

  15. #18

    Reed College

    Portland , OR
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    44%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    1K

  16. Other Rankings

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1325/30

    West Point English Majors:

    • English
    • Philosophy
    Source
  17. #22

    Davidson College

    Davidson , NC
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $55K

    Acceptance

    18%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1380/31

  18. #24

    Hamilton College

    Clinton , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1445/33

Go to all Liberal Arts Colleges for English programs

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