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CIP 23.1404 English Language and Literature

English Literature (British and Commonwealth)

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

Total graduates

250

2025 · 9 schools

International share

6.8%

17 international students

Bachelor's degrees

165

3.6% international

Master's degrees

59

15.3% international

Overview

English Literature (British and Commonwealth) is an academic discipline that explores the rich tapestry of literature produced in Britain and the Commonwealth nations. This field encompasses a wide range of texts, from the medieval period to contemporary works, reflecting diverse voices, cultures, and experiences. Students engage with the writings of iconic authors such as William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Virginia Woolf, as well as exploring postcolonial literature from Commonwealth countries like India, Nigeria, and Canada.

The study of British and Commonwealth literature not only focuses on literary analysis but also encourages critical thinking about the social, political, and historical contexts that shape these works. Through examining themes such as identity, power, and resistance, students gain insights into the complexities of language and culture across different eras.

Moreover, this discipline often incorporates interdisciplinary approaches, drawing from history, philosophy, and cultural studies. Students may analyze poetry, novels, drama, and essays, honing their analytical and writing skills in the process.

In addition to traditional literary criticism, there is a growing interest in digital humanities and new media, allowing scholars to explore literature through innovative methods. Graduates with a degree in English Literature (British and Commonwealth) are well-prepared for various career paths, including education, publishing, journalism, and beyond, as they possess strong communication skills and a deep understanding of cultural narratives. Overall, this field fosters a profound appreciation for literature's role in shaping human experience and thought.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2010 to 2025, graduates fell 59% and the international share went from 1.5% to 6.8%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
51.6%
Asian
5.6%
Hispanic
19.6%
Black
6.0%
Other
10.4%
Intl.
6.8%

Colleges that award this degree

In 2025, 9 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
#31 New York University New York 115 11
#59 University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Pennsylvania 33 0
#121 George Mason University Virginia 22 3
#179 CUNY Hunter College New York 7 1
#208 Ohio Northern University Ohio 1 0
#250 Pace University-New York New York 40 2
— Tyler Junior College Texas 19 0
— University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg Pennsylvania 4 0
— University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown Pennsylvania 3 0

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

Related jobs and pay

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean annual wage
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary 57,720 — $89,580

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.