Which New York Schools Offer an English Major?

Would you like to pursue an undergraduate degree in English? If so, New York City has plenty of great school options, whether your interest lies in technical writing or creative writing.

What You Need to Know

English bachelor's degree programs are available in New York at 4-year private and public universities throughout the state. These 4-year programs may come with a possible focus, such as creative writing. Many programs allow you to choose a particular English topic to examine through seminar courses or a research project. Keep reading for more detailed info on English bachelor's degree programs in New York, so you can find the right school for you.

Bachelor's Degree Programs in New York

Alfred University

The undergraduate English program at Alfred University offers standard topics in canonical literature and poetry, and it also features courses in playwriting, creative writing, composition, autobiography and works that emerge from various cultures and minority groups. After completing foundational courses, you can customize your study plan in order to focus on a specific historical period, literary genre or culture. You may also choose to specialize in creative writing.

• Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in English
• Program Length: Four years
• Tuition and Fees: $29,188 per year (full-time for 2018-2019)
• School Type: 4-year, private not-for-profit; 1,671 undergraduate and 631 graduate students

New York University (NYU)

Located in New York City, the Department of English at NYU offers courses in established literature, theatre, literary history and literary criticism. In addition, this program features topics that diverge from standard curricula, such as Caribbean literature, science fiction and queer literature. You may also participate in an honors program, in which you can work closely with a professor and compose an original thesis. The department is affiliated with a number of research projects, and it regularly invites speakers from around the world to participate in seminars and colloquia.

• Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in English
• Program Length: Four years
• Tuition and Fees: $51,828 per year (full-time for 2018-2019)
• School Type: 4-Year, private not-for-profit; 26,733 undergraduate and 25,114 graduate students

Stony Brook University

The English department at Stony Brook University offers courses in literature, poetry and dramatic works from a range of historical periods. In addition to developing an informed and critical disposition toward literary works, you can cultivate an awareness of the socio-cultural context from which major literary genres have emerged. The major includes courses that survey American and British literature. You can also study works by specific authors, such as Shakespeare, as well as take classes in literary analysis and composition. You will also be required to study a foreign language of your choice.

• Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in English
• Program Length: Four years
• Tuition and Fees: $9,625 per year for residents, $27,295 per year for non-residents (full-time for 2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: Recommended high school coursework in math, social studies, science and foreign language
• School Type: 4-Year, public; 17,522 undergraduate and 8,734 graduate students

SUNY Buffalo State

The Department of English at Buffalo State supports a large faculty and features courses that cover a generous range of topics. Some courses may focus on authors, such as Shakespeare, Milton and Chaucer. Many courses explore particular historical periods, such as the Renaissance, or the literature of a particular culture, such as Irish, British, American and Latino. You may also focus on specific literary genres, including poetry, fiction, comedy and drama. This program features a special concentration in creative writing in which you can learn to create your own fiction and poetry.

• Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in English
• Areas of Concentration: Creative writing focus
• Program Length: Four years
• Tuition and Fees: $8,210 per year for residents, $17,990 per year for non-residents (2018-2019)
• School Type: 4-year, public; 8,082 undergraduate and 1,036 graduate students

In summary, Alfred University, NYU, Buffalo State, and Stony Brook University all offer 4-year Bachelor of Arts in English degree programs.