Mercy College

What you'll study

The BA in English Literature combines historical survey courses with specialised modules in literary genres, theory and composition. Core study typically covers major periods such as medieval and early modern literature, the nineteenth-century novel, twentieth-century and contemporary writing, and American literature, alongside courses in literary criticism and theory.

• Foundations of Literary Study — close reading, research skills, and introduction to major critical approaches.
• Period and Genre Courses — modules on Shakespeare and early modern drama, Romantic and Victorian literature, the modernist novel, contemporary fiction, poetry workshops, and drama studies.
• Literary Theory and Criticism — approaches such as formalism, feminism, postcolonialism, Marxism and ecocriticism.
• Creative Writing and Composition — fiction, non-fiction or poetry workshops, and professional writing courses to develop practical writing skills.
• Electives and Interdisciplinary Options — film adaptation, digital humanities, cultural studies, or courses linking literature to history, philosophy or media studies.
• Capstone or Senior Project — a substantial research paper or creative portfolio completed under faculty supervision.

Students will engage in seminars, lectures, and small-group tutorials, and are encouraged to present research, participate in literary events, and take advantage of internship opportunities with local publishers, schools or cultural organisations.

Entry requirements

Admissions typically require a secondary-school diploma or equivalent with good grades in English or humanities subjects. Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong reading and writing ability through personal statements and, where requested, writing samples. International applicants must meet Mercy College's general English language requirements.

Those with prior college credits, transfer students or mature applicants should provide transcripts; relevant work or extracurricular experience in writing, editing or community arts may strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BA in English Literature pursue a wide range of careers that value critical thinking and communication. Common pathways include:

• Teaching and education (with additional certification where required)
• Publishing, editing and literary agencies
• Journalism, content strategy and digital media
• Public relations, marketing and communications
• Library and archival work
• Graduate study in literature, creative writing, law, library science or other professional fields

Students often build employability through internships, campus writing centres, student publications and networking with alumni in New York’s cultural and media industries.

Why study at Mercy College

Mercy College offers a close-knit learning environment with faculty who are active scholars and experienced teachers. Class sizes allow for discussion-based seminars and individual mentorship for research and creative projects.

The college’s location provides access to cultural institutions, publishing houses and internship opportunities in the surrounding metropolitan area. Support services such as writing centres, career counselling and study-abroad programmes help students gain practical experience and prepare for a variety of post-graduate paths.