B.A. in Women & Gender Studies
Queens College offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across variou...
B.A. in English
New York City, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.A. in English at Queens College is at the heart of a liberal arts education, emphasizing the study of literature as a means to probe rhetoric, emotion, morality, and various points of view that enrich both life and the arts. The program encourages students to become sophisticated interpreters of complex texts and effective communicators through extensive reading and writing. It covers a vast range of literary periods, genres, and critical approaches, from foundational works to contemporary and global literatures. Students develop superior abilities in close reading, critical analysis, research, and persuasive writing, which are highly valued in numerous professional fields and graduate programs.
Curriculum: The curriculum is comprehensive and designed to provide a solid grounding in the discipline while allowing for specialization. Introductory courses focus on rhetoric and composition, providing a strong foundation in academic writing and critical approaches to fiction, drama, and poetry. As students progress, 200-level courses include intermediate electives in writing and literary research methods, along with historical surveys of British, American, and other literature written in English. At the advanced 300-level, students delve into specialized electives in creative writing, historical studies of specific periods, literary theory, studies of major literary figures (like Chaucer, Shakespeare, and Milton), and courses in minority, ethnic, postcolonial, and global literatures. Many courses are writing-intensive, reinforcing the program's commitment to developing strong written communication skills.
Research Focus: The Department of English at Queens College is home to a diverse and accomplished faculty with active research interests spanning a wide array of literary periods, critical theories, and interdisciplinary fields. Faculty research areas include medieval studies (e.g., Chaucer, global Middle Ages), early modern literature (Shakespeare, Renaissance), 18th- and 19th-century British and U.S. literature, contemporary U.S. poetry, postcolonial studies, gender and sexuality studies, disability studies, science fiction, film and media studies, digital humanities, and various ethnic literatures (e.g., African American, Asian American, Latino/Latina, Irish, Caribbean). This vibrant research culture directly informs the curriculum, exposing students to cutting-edge scholarship and methodologies. While formal undergraduate research may vary, students are encouraged to engage in independent study and in-depth textual analysis under faculty mentorship, especially in senior seminars and honors programs.
Industry Engagement: While an English degree does not have direct "industry partners" in the same way a vocational program might, the B.A. in English at Queens College is highly effective in preparing students for a wide array of careers by cultivating universally valuable skills. The program emphasizes excellent writing ability, critical reading, and the interpretation of complex texts, which are essential in fields such as publishing, journalism, public relations, advertising, and education. The college's Center for Career Engagement and Internships plays a crucial role in connecting students with experiential learning opportunities in various industries across New York City. Alumni often find success in roles that demand strong communication, analytical thinking, and the ability to articulate nuanced ideas, demonstrating the broad applicability of an English degree.
Global Perspective: The B.A. in English at Queens College inherently fosters a robust global perspective. The curriculum includes extensive coursework in "Global Literatures in English," "African Literature and Culture," "Asian American Literature," "Latino/Latina Literature," "Caribbean Literature," and "Transnational/Postcolonial/Global Literature." This broad scope encourages students to engage with diverse voices and cultural contexts from around the world. Furthermore, Queens College itself is renowned for its exceptional cultural and linguistic diversity, with students representing over 96 languages and countless national backgrounds. This multicultural environment enriches classroom discussions, allowing students to consider literary works through varied cultural lenses and preparing them to communicate effectively in an increasingly interconnected global society.
Location
New York City, New York
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 19207
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 44 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
Queens College, United States of America, is supporting international students through various scholarship opportunities designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Queens College offers a range of merit-based scholarships specifically available to international students. These awards are typically granted based on academic achievement, standardized test scores, and overall potential. Some scholarships are automatically considered during the admissions process, while others may require separate applications.
Queens College Foundation Scholarships: The Queens College Foundation administers several scholarships funded by alumni and donors. These scholarships reward outstanding academic performance and community service. International students are encouraged to explore these opportunities and apply early to maximize their chances of receiving aid.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at Queens College provide scholarships for students excelling in their respective fields. International students can inquire within their chosen department about specialized awards, grants, and assistantships that may be available during their studies.
External Scholarships: Queens College encourages international students to seek external scholarships offered by governments, private organizations, and international education foundations.
Queens College, a significant liberal arts institution within the City University of New York (CUNY) system, offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English.
Editor/Proofreader: This is a classic and highly suitable career path. English majors are meticulously trained in grammar, syntax, style, and content, making them ideal for roles in publishing houses (books, magazines), digital media companies, marketing agencies, or corporate communications departments. They ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency in written materials.
Journalist/Reporter: With strong research, analytical, and writing skills, English graduates can pursue careers in traditional journalism (newspapers, magazines), broadcast journalism (TV, radio), or digital media. They investigate stories, conduct interviews, and craft compelling narratives for various audiences.
Content Writer/Strategist: In the digital age, businesses and organizations constantly need engaging content. English majors excel at creating website content, blog posts, articles, marketing materials, and social media copy. They can also work as content strategists, planning and overseeing content creation to meet specific organizational goals.
Public Relations Specialist: English majors' ability to craft persuasive messages, manage public perception, and communicate effectively makes them well-suited for public relations. They work to build and maintain a positive image for individuals, companies, or organizations through media relations, press releases, and strategic communications.
Technical Writer: This role involves translating complex technical information into clear, concise, and user-friendly documents such as manuals, guides, and reports. English graduates, with their analytical skills and ability to simplify intricate concepts, are highly effective in this specialized field across various industries like software, engineering, and healthcare.
Educator (K-12 or ESL): Many English majors are drawn to teaching. With additional certification, they can become English teachers at the middle or high school level. They are also well-prepared to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) both domestically and abroad, leveraging their deep understanding of language structure and literature.
Marketing and Advertising Professional (Copywriter, Brand Strategist): The persuasive writing and critical thinking skills honed in an English program are invaluable in marketing and advertising. Graduates can work as copywriters, creating compelling text for campaigns, or as brand strategists, developing narratives that define a company's identity and connect with consumers.
Librarian/Archivist (with further education): For those passionate about information organization and access, an English degree provides an excellent foundation for a Master's in Library Science (MLS). Librarians and archivists manage collections, assist researchers, and preserve cultural heritage.
Lawyer/Paralegal (with further education/certification): The rigorous analytical thinking, argumentation, and extensive reading and writing required in an English degree are highly advantageous for a career in law. Many English majors go on to law school or work as paralegals, supporting legal professionals with research, drafting documents, and case preparation.
Human Resources Specialist: English majors' strong communication skills, empathy, and understanding of human interaction make them effective in human resources. They can work in areas like recruitment, employee relations, training and development, and internal communications, helping to foster positive workplace environments.
