Published September 01, 2023
Unlocking the World Through Words: Studying English at NYU
When it came to pursuing an English major, NYU always stood out for me. Graduating high school, I knew that English literature would be my undergraduate path. As a college student, I find that literacy is one of the most valuable skills a person can have. To be sure, strong reading and writing skills open up many opportunities in fields like law, journalism, and education. And with incredible faculty and extensive course offerings, NYU’s English program offers students an unmatched experience in the heart of one of the world’s literary capitals.
Throughout my life I’ve always appreciated the power of stories. I was a huge reader as a kid and my teachers commended my passion for interpreting novels, poetry, and prose. If you feel similarly, read on to learn why I love studying English at NYU and why I think it’s the best college for aspiring literary scholars and writers.

A Diverse Faculty and Course Load
At NYU, talented and engaging faculty support the English department. I love that many of my professors have backgrounds in writing and publishing. This is especially helpful in making learning feel personalized and tailored to students’ interests. The incredible faculty brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom. As a result, students are inspired to delve deeper in their studies.
Additionally, NYU’s English program offers a range of courses covering various genres, periods, and traditions. From Shakespearean classics to contemporary literature and Latinx literature to postcolonial studies, students can adjust their curriculum to suit their academic goals. Because of the array of courses, students gain a well-rounded understanding of literature.

Global Literary Perspectives
Moreover, English majors have unique opportunities to study around the world. At NYU London, English majors immerse themselves in British culture, history, and literary traditions. Students can attend theatre productions, visit museums, and explore historical sites. These trips provide enriching experiences for students, putting literature they are studying within its historical and geographical context.

A Range of Opportunities
During my studies I have found many new interests in literature. One of my favorite professors, María Josefina Saldaña-Portillo, introduced me to Latinx and Indigenous literary genres. Her course included novels written in original Spanish while also exploring the history of various Latin American novelists.
After the class finished, she offered me a research position. We wrote about Indigenous Mexicans and their cultural production in Los Angeles. The article was later published as my first year at NYU came to an end. I am so grateful that research opportunities like this for English majors exist.
