About Majoring and Minoring in English...
How do I major in English (how do I declare my major)?
If you are an NYU CAS student, simply declare online! If you are an NYU student who isn't in CAS, ask your home school advisor to help you declare (usually they give you a form for us here in the English dept. to sign). If you aren't an NYU student, first seek admission to NYU, then declare your English major!
Why should I major in English?
That will differ for each individual, but you may want to sift through our English Major of the Month Page--each student lets the world know why they chose to major in English. You can also feel free to stop by and chat with us if you think you might be interested in majoring but want to learn more first.
How many courses do I have to take for the English major?
10 courses: ENGL-UA 101 Introduction to the Study of Literature, three of the four Literatures in English (ENGL-UA 111,112,113,114), one Pre-1800 course, one Critical Theories and Methods course, one Senior Seminar (ENGL-UA 950-976), and three ENGL-UA electives.
What is the course load difference between the major and the minor?
The minor is only 5 courses: ENGL-UA 101 Introduction to the Study of Literature, one of the four Literatures in English (ENGL-UA 111,112,113,114), and three ENGL-UA electives.
What if I declare a minor and decide I would rather major, or vice versa?
You can change it later, no worries. Just let us know and we can help swap that around!
What exactly should I major in?
We have three distinct major paths in the English department: English Literature, English Literature with a Creative Writing Concentration, and Dramatic Literature. You can find what courses the English majors require here, and the Dramatic Literature requirements here.
How is the Creative Writing Track different than the regular English major?
The Creative Writing Track in the English major is a 12 course major, with an added focus on creative writing. It culminates in a polished creative writing project you work on during your senior year.
ENGL-UA 101 Introduction to the Study of Literature, three of the four Literatures in English (ENGL-UA 111,112,113,114), ENGL-UA 201 Reading as a Writer, one Pre-1800 course OR one Critical Theories and Methods course, one Senior Seminar (ENGL-UA 950-976), two ENGL-UA electives, two consecutive CRWRI-UA workshops, and your final Creative Writing Capstone Project.
Are the Creative Writing Track and Creative Writing Minor different?
Yes! You can learn more about the minor here. The minor in creative writing consists of 4 CRWRI-UA workshops, and is managed by the creative writing program, which is a separate program from English. The English major with the creative writing track, is just that: a major, in the English department! We recommend doing the minor if you do the major, so you can get the most out of your major.
What does the major/minor in Dramatic Literature look like?
The Major is 10 courses and the minor is 4 courses. For more info about the Dramatic Literature Program and the major/minor, check out our devoted pages.
When should I declare my major?
As soon as you want! There is no specific deadline, but if you want the best advisement and to take major classes, the sooner the better.
Who can I talk to if I want to know more about the major?
The Director of Undergraduate Studies, the Directors of the Drama Lit program and/or Creative Writing Track, and/or the Undergraduate Administrator, Mary Mezzano.
I declared my major--now what?
Stay in contact! Read the emails the department sends out--your NYU email inbox is the official means of communication between you and the English department. Meet regularly with your English major advisors and your English professors. We are here to help!
Will my English advisor clear me to register for classes?
Once you declare, you come to your major department for pre-registration clearance and advising. The specific dates and times for this advising will be sent out via email!
Can my AP or IB credits count toward the major?
The English department does not count AP or IB credits toward the major. However, CAS may take them and apply them toward CAS credit. Talk to your CAS Advisor about counting AP or IB credit toward CAS requirements.
Can I count my Text and Ideas course toward the major?
Yes, but only if it was taught by an English Professor.
Can I count my Freshman Seminar toward the major?
Maybe, but only if it was taught by an English Professor. You will need to discuss that approval with your English Advisor.