University of Chicago

What you'll study

The English major at the University of Chicago centres on careful reading and sustained writing about literature in English from a wide range of periods, places and genres. The curriculum typically mixes required core courses that introduce methods of literary analysis and critical theory with a sequence of period and topical seminars. Students study medieval and early modern literature, eighteenth- and nineteenth-century prose and poetry, twentieth- and twenty-first-century literature, as well as transnational, postcolonial and diasporic writing.

Typical modules and course themes include:

• Foundations in literary analysis and the history of literary criticism
• Courses in rhetoric, stylistics and the history of the English language
• Period surveys (e.g. Renaissance, Romanticism, Victorian, Modern and Contemporary)
• Theory and methodology courses covering structuralism, post-structuralism, Marxism, feminism, queer theory and ecocriticism
• Genre studies such as poetry, the novel, drama and the short story
• Interdisciplinary electives linking literature to philosophy, history, art history, anthropology and media studies
• Advanced seminars emphasising student-led discussion, archival research and sustained original writing

Students are expected to develop substantial writing and research projects; those pursuing honours or special research options work closely with a faculty adviser on a capstone thesis or long-form essay. The programme encourages participation in literary events, reading groups and internship opportunities to connect classroom learning with public-facing work.

Entry requirements

Admissions to the University of Chicago are selective and take a holistic view of applicants. Successful candidates for the English programme typically demonstrate strong preparation in writing and critical reading through their secondary-school transcripts and submitted writing samples. Typical application elements include a personal statement, academic references and examples of analytical writing.

Recommended preparation includes rigorous coursework in literature, history and composition, and for international applicants, evidence of proficiency in English. While there are no programme-specific standardised score cut-offs published here, applicants often strengthen their file with advanced coursework (for example, A-levels, IB, or other national qualifications) and extracurricular activities that show sustained intellectual engagement with reading, writing or public communication.

Career prospects

A degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Chicago develops transferable skills prized by employers: critical thinking, persuasive writing, close textual analysis and the ability to synthesise complex information. Graduates move into a broad range of careers, including:

• Publishing and editorial work (books, magazines, and digital media)
• Journalism, copywriting and content strategy for corporate or digital organisations
• Education at secondary and tertiary levels, often following teacher training or graduate study
• Law, public policy and consulting, where analytical argumentation and rhetoric are central
• Arts administration, cultural institutions and non-profit communications
• Further academic study in literature, comparative studies, linguistics or related humanities disciplines

Many graduates combine the degree with internships or complementary minors to prepare for specific professions, and some pursue postgraduate training to enter specialised fields.

Why study at University of Chicago

The University of Chicago is known for its emphasis on rigorous inquiry and interdisciplinary conversation, and the English programme reflects that intellectual culture through seminar-based teaching and close faculty mentorship. Small classes foster intensive discussion and frequent written work, allowing students to refine analytical and rhetorical skills.

Students benefit from access to exceptional research resources, including the Regenstein Library and special collections, as well as a lively literary scene on campus and in Chicago more broadly. The department offers opportunities for undergraduate research, publication in student-run journals, and collaborations across humanities and social-science departments, making it an attractive choice for students who want both breadth and depth in literary study.