Introduction
For students passionate about reading, writing, culture, history, or storytelling, studying Arts and Literature can lead to a deeply fulfilling academic and professional journey. After high school, the U.S. higher education system offers a wide range of pathways to pursue degrees in subjects like English, Creative Writing, Literature, Philosophy, History, Fine Arts, and more.
This guide explains your education options, how to choose the right college, navigate the admission process, and what career paths are available to graduates of arts and literature programs.
1. Education Pathways in Arts and Literature
A. Associate Degrees (Community Colleges)
- Duration: 2 years
- Degree: Associate of Arts (AA)
- Subjects: English, literature, liberal arts, humanities
- Purpose: Transfer to a four-year university or enter entry-level roles in communication, education support, and clerical fields
B. Bachelor’s Degrees (Colleges and Universities)
- Duration: 4 years
- Degree: Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
- Majors: English Literature, Creative Writing, Art History, Theatre, Philosophy, Comparative Literature, History
- Curriculum: General education + major-focused coursework (e.g., modern poetry, Shakespeare, visual studies, screenwriting)
C. Optional Minors and Double Majors
Many students choose to combine interests such as:
- English + Psychology
- History + Political Science
- Literature + Journalism
- Philosophy + Economics
This offers broader career opportunities and a more interdisciplinary skill set.
2. Types of Colleges to Consider
Community Colleges
- Offer two-year degrees at affordable costs
- Open admission policy (no entrance exams or high GPAs required)
- Designed for easy transfer to four-year colleges through articulation agreements
Liberal Arts Colleges
- Emphasize undergraduate teaching, small class sizes, and critical thinking
- Ideal for literature, history, philosophy, and writing-focused students
- Examples: Amherst College, Kenyon College, Reed College, Sarah Lawrence College
Public State Universities
- Large institutions with diverse programs and research opportunities
- More affordable for in-state students
- Examples: University of Michigan, University of Wisconsin, University of North Carolina, University of Oregon
Top-Tier Private Universities
- Highly competitive admissions
- Excellent academic reputation and faculty
- Strong alumni networks and graduate outcomes
- Examples: Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Columbia, Stanford, University of Chicago
Specialized Art and Design Schools
- Ideal for students interested in visual arts, performance, or creative writing
- Examples: Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Parsons School of Design, California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
3. Admissions Process: What You Need to Apply
Common Application Materials
- High school transcript with strong performance in humanities and English
- Personal essay (especially important in arts programs)
- Letters of recommendation (from teachers who know your writing or creative abilities)
- Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) – optional at many schools
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo) – required for international students
- Creative portfolio (only for fine arts, writing, theater, or film programs)
Mid-Tier College Admissions
You don’t need to target Ivy League schools to receive a quality education. Many mid-tier colleges have strong liberal arts departments, flexible admissions, and affordable tuition. These schools often:
- Accept between 40–80 percent of applicants
- Offer strong advising and faculty attention
- Provide merit-based or need-based scholarships
Examples include:
- University of Iowa (noted for creative writing)
- Emerson College
- The New School
- University of Oregon
- SUNY Geneseo or SUNY Purchase
- San Francisco State University
- Temple University
4. Career Paths with an Arts or Literature Degree
While some may assume that these degrees lead to limited career options, the reality is that the skills gained—communication, analysis, writing, creativity—are highly valuable across many sectors.
Common Career Options
Writing and Publishing
- Journalist, editor, novelist, content writer, technical writer, grant writer
Education and Academia
- High school teacher (requires teaching certification)
- College professor (requires master’s or PhD)
- Academic researcher or education coordinator
Creative and Performing Arts
- Playwright, screenwriter, stage actor, director, filmmaker, theater producer
Communication and Public Relations
- Public relations specialist, brand manager, media strategist, copywriter
Library and Information Science
- Academic librarian (requires MLIS degree)
- Archivist, museum curator
Law and Public Policy
- Many arts and literature graduates go on to law school or work in policy, think tanks, or NGOs
Corporate Roles and Marketing
- Roles in customer insights, user experience writing, corporate communications, brand storytelling
5. Key Strategies for Success
Build a Strong Portfolio
If applying to programs in creative writing, screenwriting, or fine arts, prepare a portfolio of your best work—such as poems, essays, short stories, scripts, or artwork.
Focus on Extracurriculars
Involvement in writing clubs, drama groups, debate teams, school newspapers, or community volunteering can strengthen your college application.
Apply for Scholarships
Look for national and institutional scholarships based on:
- Academic merit
- Financial need
- Leadership or artistic achievement
International students should also explore programs like:
- EducationUSA scholarships
- Fulbright (for postgrad)
- University-specific funding options
Consider Honors Programs
Many public universities offer honors colleges with enriched courses in liberal arts, small seminar formats, and mentorship—great for students serious about academic writing or research.
6. Sample Undergraduate Majors and Coursework
| Major | Sample Courses |
|---|---|
| English Literature | Shakespeare, Modern Fiction, Literary Criticism, Poetry |
| Comparative Literature | Global Literature, Translation, Theory of the Novel |
| Creative Writing | Fiction, Non-fiction, Playwriting, Poetry Workshops |
| Philosophy | Ethics, Logic, Existentialism, Political Philosophy |
| History | American History, Ancient Civilizations, World Empires |
| Art History | European Art, Islamic Art, Visual Theory |
| Theater Studies | Acting, Stage Design, Directing, Theater History |
7. For International Students
The U.S. welcomes international students into liberal arts and humanities programs. To apply successfully:
- Narrow your list based on location, cost, and curriculum
- Prepare well-written essays that explain your goals and love for literature, art, or writing
- Start applications early—most deadlines for Fall intake are between November and January
- Make sure to understand visa procedures and student housing options
Final Thoughts
Pursuing arts and literature after high school opens up a world of creativity, intellectual exploration, and real-world opportunities. Whether you start at a community college, attend a liberal arts college, or aim for a state university or Ivy League school, there’s a path for you.
These programs teach you how to think critically, write persuasively, and express ideas with depth—skills that are not only timeless but also deeply valued in today’s economy and culture.