BA Comparative Literature at University of Massachusetts Amherst

Programme overview

Comparative Literature at UMass Amherst studies literature in its cultural, national and global contexts across time, drawing on philosophy, history, linguistics, sociology and media. Students read texts in translation from many national traditions, including graphic novels, comics and film.

Faculty: College of Humanities & Fine Arts | Department: Languages, Literatures, and Cultures / Comparative Literature Program | Study mode: full-time | Location: Amherst, MA, United States

What you will study

Close reading of contemporary and historical texts from multiple traditions, the relationships between literature and other arts, and focus areas such as translation, comparative literature theory and media.

Career pathways

Graduates pursue careers in translation, media, law, public service, the nonprofit sector, international business and diplomacy, education and academia.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

UMass Amherst first-year applicants (all undergraduate majors): complete Common Application including the UMass questions, official high school transcript (grades 9-11), official transcripts for any college coursework, a letter of recommendation and a $90 application fee; SAT/ACT scores are optional (test-optional policy). Minimum high school units: English 4; Mathematics 4 (Algebra II minimum, including math in senior year); Natural Science 3 (with labs); Social Science 2 (one course in US history); Foreign Language 2 of the same language; Electives 2. Non-native speakers of English must demonstrate English language proficiency.

Requirements published at faculty level.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

First-year applicants: the Common Application opens August 1; the Early Application deadline is November 5; the Regular Decision deadline is January 15; the FAFSA priority deadline is March 1.

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities