Studying literature in the USA will provide you with a comprehensive exploration of the world’s literary heritage, encompassing everything from classic literature to contemporary literary trends. You will learn how to analyze and interpret a wide range of literary texts. Additionally, you will gain a deep understanding of language, culture, and storytelling.

Studying literature in the USA will prepare you to be proficient in various career paths. You can thrive in careers such as writing, editing, teaching, publishing, and more.
Studying literature in the USA will give you the best education and skills to start a successful career as a literary professional. However, there are certain criteria you have to meet before you can study literature in the USA. You must have the right academic qualifications and documents.

In this piece, I will guide you through the academic requirements and documents that are needed for studying literature in the USA.

Requirements for studying Literature in the USA

  1. Complete your Higher Secondary Education

    You need to complete your Secondary Education to be able to study literature in the USA. You should have completed your education to the 12th grade. Additionally, the minimum aggregate marks for literature in the USA is 50%. However, some universities may have higher or lower requirements.

  2. High School Academic Transcripts

    You need to submit your high school academic transcripts while making your applications. This should contain all your grades as well as the subjects you studied till your 12th grade.

  3. Write the SAT/ACT

    This test is required by most universities in the USA. It is used to test every applicant’s ability before they are given admission. Therefore, you need to take this test if you want to study literature in the USA.

  4. English Language Proficiency

    International students are required to take and pass an English language proficiency test for admission to most US universities. This is required for both undergraduate and master’s degrees. You can take tests such as the IELTS and TOEFL. Additionally, the minimum required scores vary depending on the university. The minimum score for IELTS is 6.5 – 7.0. Additionally, the minimum score for TOEFL is 79 – 100.

  5. Statement of Purpose

    You should submit an essay that explains your experience, your interest in literature, your passion for literary studies as well as your goals. Additionally, you should also include your reason for choosing to study literature in the USA.

Requirements for Obtaining a Masters in Literature in the USA

  1. Have a Bachelor’s degree

    If you are applying to study a master’s program in literature in the USA, you need to have a bachelor’s degree. You must have a bachelor’s degree in a field related to literature. Additionally, your CGPA must be a minimum of second-class upper from a recognised college or university. A minimum of GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

  2. Write the Graduate Record Examination(GRE)

    This is a standardised exam that is required for applicants who are applying for a graduate degree in the USA. The minimum score for this examination ranges from 300 to 330. However, this is not a compulsory requirement for all schools.

  3. Submit a Letter of Recommendation

    You need to have at least two recommendation letters. These letters must be obtained from an employer or a previous lecturer. Therefore, recommendation letters from a friend or family will be rejected.

  4. Statement of Purpose

    You must submit a statement of purpose or essay outlining why you want to study literature in the USA. Additionally, you should explain your passion for literature, what your career aspirations are, and how your academic and personal experiences have prepared them for this field of study.

  5. Submit your Academic Transcripts

    You need to submit your academic transcripts while submitting your application. This should include all your previous education as well as all the grades and the courses. Additionally, your transcript should be written in English.

  6. Resume/CV

    You may be asked to submit a copy of your resume/CV especially if you are applying for a master’s program. Therefore, you need to submit an updated resume or curriculum vitae showcasing your work experience. Additionally, you can add your professional certifications and include the skills you have.

How to Apply

You can apply to literature in the USA by filling out an online application. Therefore, you need to visit the university’s website and fill out the online application. You may be required to pay an application fee. Additionally, you should make sure that you submit all the documents while filling out the online application.

Duration

The duration of studying literature in the USA depends on the degree you are applying for. The bachelor’s program takes about four years to complete. Additionally, the master’s degree takes one to two years to complete.

Tuition Fee

Generally, the tuition fee for literature in the USA ranges between 15,000 USD to 40,000 USD per year. However, this may vary based on the university that you choose to study in. Additionally, international students pay higher than home students.

Universities in the USA to study Literature

  1. Stanford University, California
  2. Cornell University, New York State
  3. University of California – Berkeley, California
  4. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, Michigan
  5. Harvard University, Massachusetts
  6. Columbia University, New York State
  7. University of Texas at Austin, Texas
  8. University of California – Los Angeles, California
  9. Yale University, Connecticut
  10. University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign, Illinois
  11. Ohio State University, Ohio
  12. University of Washington – Seattle, Washington
  13. University of Wisconsin – Madison, Wisconsin
  14. Pennsylvania State University, Pennsylvania
  15. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Massachusetts
  16. University of Chicago, Illinois
  17. New York University, New York State
  18. Princeton University, New Jersey
  19. University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania
  20. University of Maryland – College Park, Maryland
  21. University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, Minnesota
  22. University of Southern California, California
  23. University of Virginia, Virginia
  24. University of Arizona, Arizona
  25. Rutgers University – New Brunswick, New Jersey
  26. University of California – Santa Barbara, California
  27. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina
  28. Arizona State University – Tempe, Arizona
  29. University of California-San Diego, California
  30. University of California – Davis, California
  31. Michigan State University, Michigan
  32. Carnegie Mellon University, Pennsylvania
  33. Northwestern University, Illinois
  34. University of Florida, Florida
  35. University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

In Conclusion, studying literature in the USA will give you the right foundation to start your career as a literary professional. There are numerous benefits that come with obtaining your education in the United States. Therefore, you have to make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria to have this opportunity. You should visit the university’s website and ensure that your qualifications align with the requirements before submitting your application. Feel free to reach out for inquiries or assistance.

Good luck!

Related articles

Click to discover an extensive list of local and international schools offering courses and programs in various career path
Share This Post: If you think this post can be helpful to somebody else, please share it using the buttons below!