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The Department of English and Comparative Literature has been influential in shaping literary scholarship both in the U.S. and internationally since its founding. Boasting an extensive faculty of distinguished academics and committed educators, the department provides diverse course offerings spanning both conventional and evolving areas of literary and cultural studies. Prospective students should note that the independent program doesn't allow progression beyond the MA within Columbia's English and Comparative Literature department, as it's designed as a final degree. During their MA studies, candidates must complete eight courses, including the mandatory Master's Seminar and Theory and Method Colloquium. Additionally, MA candidates are required to submit a Master's Essay and show competence in a foreign language. Credit for graduate work done at other universities cannot be transferred toward the MA requirements.
Applicant must have the equivalent of the U.S. baccalaureate degree with a superior examination record and can understand rapid idiomatic English and can speak, write and read English with a high degree of facility are eligible for admission.
Applicant must have TOEFL score of 600 on paper-and-pencil test, 100 on the internet-based test and IELTS score of 7.5