Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
M.A. in Comparative Literature
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A. in Comparative Literature at UB is a 30-credit hour program designed to provide students with advanced training in literary history, literary theory, criticism, aesthetics, and translation. The program encourages students to engage with literature across linguistic and cultural borders, fostering a sophisticated understanding of how literary periods, genres, and social forms are shaped by diverse languages and cultural contexts. Students are expected to demonstrate a good reading knowledge of at least one foreign language upon admission. The program typically culminates in either an M.A. project (a scholarly paper of 50-75 pages) or an oral comprehensive examination.
Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum for the M.A. in Comparative Literature requires students to complete a minimum of nine intensive seminars, with at least seven of these taught by core faculty members in Comparative Literature. Since Fall 2023, one of these intensive seminars must be "COL 580 Introduction to Theory." Students are strongly encouraged to enroll in at least two courses devoted to national literatures other than English, with the reading conducted in the original language. The program also includes three credit hours of "Masters Project Guidance (COL 598)." The curriculum is designed to allow students to tailor their course of study to reflect their individual interests while ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the field.
Research Focus: The Department of Comparative Literature at UB is known for its strong emphasis on theoretical and philosophical graduate studies in the humanities. Research within the department is characterized by cutting-edge, theoretical-philosophical approaches that frame various fields in literature, politics, and culture. Faculty and student research often delves into interdisciplinary areas, exploring connections between literature and philosophy, cultural studies, and translation studies. The M.A. project, a significant component of the program, requires students to conduct original research, employing scholarly apparatus to contribute new perspectives to current scholarly and methodological debates. The department also supports academic journals and lecture series that contribute to a vibrant research community.
Industry Engagement: While the M.A. in Comparative Literature is fundamentally an academic degree focused on advanced scholarly inquiry, the skills it cultivates are highly valuable across a range of professional sectors. The program's rigorous training in analytical thinking, critical interpretation, research methodologies, and persuasive writing makes graduates highly adaptable. Although formal "industry engagement" through specific partnerships or placements is not a primary explicit feature, the program's outcomes often see graduates pursuing careers where a deep understanding of cultural contexts, complex narratives, and effective communication is paramount. This includes fields such as publishing, journalism, cultural programming, research-oriented roles, and even fields that value strong analytical and communication skills like law or consulting.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in Comparative Literature at UB is inherently global in its very nature, as it studies literature across cultures, languages, periods, nations, and disciplines. The program's distinctiveness lies in encouraging students to engage with a variety of national literatures and the literature of ethnic groups, exposing them to diverse philosophical, modern theoretical, cultural studies, and translation studies from distinctive communicative contexts. The department attracts students from over twenty-five countries who are native speakers of as many languages, creating an international and diverse learning environment. The curriculum encourages students to read literature in the original language and to consider literature within dynamic global exchanges, both historical and contemporary, preparing them for an increasingly interconnected world.
Location
Buffalo, New York
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 28210
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to make education more affordable for talented students worldwide.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UB provides competitive merit scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. Awards such as the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship recognize high-achieving students based on their academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: Graduate international students can apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships which offer tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable teaching and research experience while offsetting the cost of their education.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UB offer scholarships tailored to students in specific programs or fields of study. These awards may consider academic merit, research interests, or financial need.
External Scholarships: UB encourages international students to explore external scholarship options from private organizations, governments, and international foundations that support study in the U.S. The university’s International Student Services office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such funding sources.
A Master of Arts (M.A.) in Comparative Literature from the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB) provides graduates with a deep and rigorous understanding of ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, including their languages, literature, history, and archaeology. This program cultivates highly transferable skills in critical thinking, analytical reasoning, meticulous research, and persuasive communication, making its graduates valuable assets in a diverse range of fields beyond traditional academia.
Translator/Interpreter: With expertise in multiple languages and a nuanced understanding of cultural contexts, graduates are well-suited to work as literary translators, making works of literature accessible to a global audience. They can also work as general translators or interpreters in various professional settings for businesses, government, or international organizations.
Editor/Publisher: The rigorous training in textual analysis, grammar, and clear, concise writing makes Comparative Literature graduates excellent candidates for roles in the publishing industry. They can work as editors, proofreaders, literary agents, or editorial assistants for publishing houses, literary magazines, or online publications.
Journalist/Content Creator: The ability to research complex topics, synthesize information, and articulate ideas effectively is a hallmark of Comparative Literature graduates. These skills are highly valuable in journalism, technical writing, creative writing, or content creation roles for various media outlets, websites, or corporate communications departments.
Academic Researcher/Doctoral Student: For those passionate about scholarly inquiry, an M.A. in Comparative Literature serves as an excellent foundation for pursuing a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature, national literatures, critical theory, or related humanities fields, leading to careers in university-level teaching and research.
Cultural Program Coordinator/Arts Administrator: Graduates can leverage their understanding of diverse cultural narratives and artistic expressions to work in cultural institutions, non-profit organizations, or government agencies. They may develop and manage arts programs, cultural exchange initiatives, or literary festivals.
International Relations Specialist/Cultural Diplomat: The program's inherent global perspective, focusing on literature across national and linguistic boundaries, prepares graduates for roles in international relations. They can work for diplomatic missions, NGOs, or cultural exchange organizations, fostering cross-cultural understanding.
Librarian/Archivist: Comparative Literature graduates possess strong research and organizational skills, which are highly beneficial in archival and library settings. They can work to acquire, preserve, and make accessible diverse collections, including literary manuscripts and international texts.
Marketing and Public Relations Specialist: The ability to understand and interpret cultural trends, communicate effectively, and craft compelling narratives is highly valued in public relations and marketing. Graduates can work for agencies or in-house departments, shaping public perception and connecting with diverse audiences, often with a global or multicultural focus.
Policy Analyst (Cultural or Social Policy): Graduates can apply their critical analysis of social structures and historical contexts to research and evaluate public policies, particularly those related to culture, education, or social justice. They may work for think tanks, advocacy organizations, or government bodies.
Curriculum Developer/Educational Consultant: With a deep understanding of literary traditions and pedagogical approaches, graduates can contribute to curriculum development for educational institutions or organizations. They may also work as educational consultants, designing learning materials or programs.
