Ithaca College

What you'll study

The programme combines historical surveys of literature with focused study in language, genre and theory. Core topics typically include British and American literature from medieval to contemporary periods, literary theory and criticism, history of the English language, and advanced academic and creative writing courses.

• Survey courses: introductions to medieval, renaissance, eighteenth- and nineteenth-century, and modern and contemporary literatures.
• Theory and criticism: courses in literary theory, cultural criticism, and methods of close reading and scholarly research.
• Language and linguistics: history of English, sociolinguistics, and semantics/pragmatics options.
• Genre and special topics: poetry, drama, the novel, short fiction, women’s and gender studies, postcolonial literature, and ethnic studies.
• Writing workshops: creative writing in fiction, poetry and nonfiction, as well as professional writing and advanced composition.
• Capstone and research: independent research projects, honours theses or capstone seminars that synthesise study and demonstrate disciplinary research skills.
• Experiential learning: internships, community partnerships, and opportunities for undergraduate research and study abroad to apply skills in real-world settings.

Entry requirements

Admission is typically through Ithaca College’s undergraduate application process. Successful applicants present a strong high school record with emphasis on English and humanities coursework. Typical evidence of readiness includes strong writing samples, teacher recommendations and participation in extracurricular activities that demonstrate communication skills.

• Academic background: secondary-school diploma with college-preparatory coursework, particularly in English and writing.
• English proficiency: international applicants must meet the college’s English-language proficiency standards through recognised tests or alternative evidence of language ability.
• Portfolio or sample writing: applicants may be asked for or benefit from submitting a writing sample (essay, creative work, or analytical paper) to demonstrate strength in composition and critical thinking.
• Additional requirements: standard application materials including transcripts, personal statement and letters of recommendation; specific programme advising can clarify any additional expectations.

Career prospects

Graduates with a degree in English Language and Literature develop transferable skills in research, analytical thinking, written and oral communication, and project organisation. These are valued across many sectors.

• Publishing and editing: roles in editorial work, copyediting, proofreading and literary agencies.
• Writing and content roles: journalism, technical and content writing, digital media, marketing and social media management.
• Education and academia: secondary teaching (with appropriate certification), higher education and graduate study in literature, creative writing or related fields.
• Professional and public sectors: law (with further study), public relations, nonprofit communications, and policy research.
• Creative careers: creative writing, screenwriting, dramaturgy and arts administration.

Why study at Ithaca College

Ithaca College offers a small-campus liberal arts environment where students typically benefit from close faculty mentorship, small seminar classes and hands-on learning. The college emphasises communicative and creative skills, giving English majors access to internships, undergraduate research, and collaborative projects across disciplines.

• Faculty engagement: opportunities for one-to-one mentorship and directed-study projects with faculty who work in a range of literary and linguistic specialties.
• Practical experience: connections to internships locally and in regional cultural centres, plus support for publishing and performance opportunities for creative writers.
• Campus resources: writing centres, libraries with relevant special collections, and co-curricular activities that support writing, theatre and media production.
• Location advantage: situated in the Finger Lakes region with access to regional arts communities and reasonable proximity to major metropolitan areas for internships and career networking.