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CIP 23.1401 English Language and Literature

General Literature

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

Total graduates

446

2025 · 51 schools

International share

4.7%

21 international students

Bachelor's degrees

325

6.2% international

Master's degrees

45

2.2% international

Overview

General Literature is an interdisciplinary field that encompasses the study of various forms of written works, including novels, poetry, drama, and essays from diverse cultures and historical periods. This major encourages students to engage critically with texts, exploring themes, genres, and literary movements while developing an appreciation for the nuances of language and storytelling.

Students in General Literature programs often analyze works from both canonical authors and contemporary voices, fostering a deeper understanding of the social, political, and cultural contexts in which these texts were produced. The curriculum typically includes courses in literary theory, comparative literature, and specific genres or periods, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests.

Furthermore, General Literature promotes essential skills such as analytical thinking, effective communication, and creative expression. Students are often required to write essays and research papers, honing their ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively. This major also prepares graduates for a wide range of career paths, including education, publishing, journalism, and creative writing, as well as for advanced study in graduate programs.

Overall, General Literature is a dynamic and enriching field that not only deepens one's understanding of literature but also promotes critical thinking and cultural awareness, making it a valuable area of study in today's increasingly interconnected world.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2010 to 2025, graduates grew 137% and the international share went from 2.7% to 4.7%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
68.6%
Asian
2.7%
Hispanic
12.3%
Black
4.7%
Other
7.0%
Intl.
4.7%

Colleges that award this degree

In 2025, 51 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
#7 University of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania 6 1
#8 Duke University North Carolina 2 0
#49 University of Washington-Seattle Campus Washington 3 0
#69 University of California-Merced California 6 0
#90 Yeshiva University New York 2 0
#95 American University D.C. 33 1
#133 Miami University-Oxford Ohio 12 0
#179 University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Ohio 3 0
#227 The New School New York 50 6
#236 Pacific University Oregon 4 0
#262 George Fox University Oregon 5 0
#276 Northern Arizona University Arizona 14 0
#299 Boise State University Idaho 20 0
#299 Concordia University Wisconsin Wisconsin 1 0
#342 Mississippi College Mississippi 3 0
#353 University of Michigan--Flint Michigan 1 0
#365 Liberty University Virginia 22 0
LAC #14 Hamilton College New York 5 0
LAC #49 The University of the South Tennessee 27 0
LAC #85 Allegheny College Pennsylvania 3 0
LAC #128 Cornell College Iowa 3 0
LAC #132 Bennington College Vermont 21 3
— Connecticut State Community College Connecticut 37 0
— Grove City College Pennsylvania 24 0
— Ave Maria University Florida 11 0
— Estrella Mountain Community College Arizona 7 0
— Glendale Community College Arizona 6 0
— Erie Community College New York 6 0
— Nassau Community College New York 6 0
— Chandler-Gilbert Community College Arizona 5 0
— Loyola University New Orleans Louisiana 4 0
— Lubbock Christian University Texas 4 0
— Mesa Community College Arizona 3 0
— Florida Southern College Florida 3 1
— Illinois Wesleyan University Illinois 3 1
— Eastern Michigan University Michigan 3 0
— Linfield University Oregon 3 0
— Saint Martin's University Washington 3 0
— Phoenix College Arizona 2 0
— Rio Salado College Arizona 2 0
— Minnesota State University-Mankato Minnesota 2 0
— Carroll College Montana 2 0
— Queens University of Charlotte North Carolina 2 2
— South Mountain Community College Arizona 1 0
— Dordt University Iowa 1 0
— Simon's Rock at Bard College New York 1 0
— Rocky Mountain College Montana 1 0
— Marymount Manhattan College New York 1 0
— Wilberforce University Ohio 1 0
— York College of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania 1 0
— Paradise Valley Community College Arizona 1 0

Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.

Related jobs and pay

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean annual wage
Editors 91,690 $43.30 $90,060
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary 57,720 — $89,580
Writers and Authors 47,940 $41.39 $86,090

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2010–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.