Top English Graduate Programs

The ranking of graduate programs in English by U.S. News & World Report in 2010 reveals a remarkable array of esteemed institutions, each of which has long been known for producing some of the most accomplished scholars, writers, and thinkers in the field of English literature and language. The top five universities in this particular ranking—University of California, Berkeley; Stanford University; Yale University; Columbia University; Harvard University; and the University of Pennsylvania—represent a powerful convergence of academic excellence, historical significance, and intellectual innovation. These universities are consistently at the forefront of English graduate education, each one contributing in unique ways to the development of literary criticism, cultural studies, linguistics, and creative writing. The comparative strengths of these institutions lie not only in their long-standing academic traditions, but also in their capacity to evolve with the changing landscape of English studies, adapting to new theoretical perspectives and shifting cultural dynamics.

At the pinnacle of this prestigious list is the University of California, Berkeley, which earned the top spot in the U.S. News rankings for 2010. Berkeley has long been considered one of the best institutions for graduate study in English, with its faculty composed of leading scholars whose work spans a broad range of topics, including literary theory, American and English literature, gender studies, postcolonial theory, and environmental humanities. Berkeley’s English program stands out for its rigorous intellectual environment, offering a diverse range of courses that allow students to engage deeply with the history of literature while also exploring contemporary theoretical approaches. The university's vibrant intellectual culture fosters an environment where students are encouraged to push boundaries and engage in interdisciplinary research. Its emphasis on intellectual freedom and diversity of thought has made Berkeley a magnet for aspiring scholars in English, and the program’s robust research output ensures that the university remains a leader in shaping the future of literary studies.

Stanford University and Yale University tie for second place in the U.S. News 2010 rankings, and both institutions are widely regarded as two of the most prestigious centers for graduate study in English, with long histories of academic excellence and a reputation for attracting some of the brightest minds in the field. Stanford's English department is known for its cutting-edge research in areas such as 20th and 21st-century American literature, postmodernism, literary theory, and comparative literature. The program encourages interdisciplinary work, often bringing together scholars from diverse fields like philosophy, history, and cultural studies to provide a more holistic understanding of literature’s role in society. Stanford’s faculty members are prominent figures in contemporary literary criticism, and the program’s innovative approach to the study of literature ensures that it remains at the forefront of scholarly inquiry. Students at Stanford benefit from a rich array of resources, including access to the university’s world-class libraries and archives, as well as the opportunity to collaborate with experts in fields such as digital humanities, gender studies, and visual culture.

Similarly, Yale University’s English department is renowned for its historical depth and intellectual rigor. Yale has produced some of the most influential scholars and critics in English studies, and its program continues to attract students who are interested in exploring the intersections of literature, culture, and history. The university is particularly known for its strengths in literary theory, critical theory, and the study of Renaissance literature. Yale’s faculty includes some of the most respected figures in English and American literary studies, and the department is known for its focus on developing graduate students' abilities to engage critically with texts while also fostering creative and innovative scholarly approaches. Yale’s commitment to interdisciplinary work allows its students to draw on resources from a wide variety of disciplines, including philosophy, history, and social sciences, which further enriches their understanding of literature and its role in shaping human thought.

Columbia University and Harvard University share the fourth spot in the U.S. News rankings, a reflection of their equally prestigious and influential positions in the field of English graduate education. Columbia's English department is a leader in literary criticism and theory, with particular strengths in areas like modernism, contemporary literature, postcolonial studies, and the study of gender and sexuality. The program’s interdisciplinary focus, combined with its emphasis on historical and cultural context, allows students to develop a well-rounded understanding of literature and its role in society. Columbia's faculty includes a range of prominent scholars who are engaged in cutting-edge research in diverse areas of English studies, and the department’s focus on intellectual engagement ensures that students are prepared to contribute to the ongoing evolution of literary studies.

Harvard University, a perennial powerhouse in higher education, also ties for fourth place in the U.S. News rankings. Harvard's English department is one of the oldest and most renowned in the world, with a history of producing groundbreaking scholars and critics. The university's strengths lie in its diverse faculty, which includes experts in areas such as early modern literature, Romanticism, American literature, and contemporary theory. Harvard’s focus on close textual analysis, combined with its emphasis on theoretical and interdisciplinary approaches, ensures that students are well-equipped to engage with a wide range of literary traditions. The university also provides a wealth of resources, including access to some of the world’s most comprehensive libraries and archives, as well as opportunities for students to collaborate with scholars across different disciplines. Harvard’s reputation for academic excellence, rigorous scholarship, and innovation in literary studies makes it a natural home for graduate students seeking to make significant contributions to the field of English.

Ranking of Top English Graduate Programs:

1 University of California--Berkeley
2 Stanford University
2 Yale University
4 Columbia University
4 Harvard University
4 University of Pennsylvania
7 Cornell University
7 Princeton University
7 University of Chicago
10 Duke University
10 University of California--Los Angeles
10 University of Virginia
13 Brown University
13 Johns Hopkins University
13 University of Michigan--Ann Arbor
16 University of North Carolina--Chapel Hill
17 Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey--New Brunswick
17 University of Texas--Austin
17 University of Wisconsin--Madison
20 New York University
20 Northwestern University

Source: US News & World Report 2010