Looking for the Best Public Colleges for English Majors

Hey everyone, so I've been doing some research and trying to decide on which public colleges would be a good fit for me as I plan to major in English. Anyone have any recommendations on what are some of the best ones for English majors specifically?

First off, good for you for knowing what you want to major in. When it comes to quality English programs at public universities, a few really stand out:

1. University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley): UC Berkeley's English department is regularly ranked among the best in the nation. Their program emphasizes traditionally recognized areas of study in English (i.e., literature) but also encourages students to explore other related disciplines, like film studies, which could give you a unique edge and expand your career options.

2. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA): UCLA's English department offers a comprehensive curriculum ranging from Chaucer to contemporary literature. Students are given ample research opportunities, which you might find enriching.

3. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (UMich): UMich boasts a well-rounded English program with a supportive community and excellent faculty. Fields of specialties range from Early Modern and Renaissance Studies to Science Fiction and Literary Theory.

4. University of Virginia (UVA): UVA offers a distinct English major track, the Area Program in Literary Prose (APLP), allowing students to focus on their own creative writing along with traditional literary studies.

5. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC Chapel Hill): Their English program boasts strong faculties in American Literature, Postcolonial Theory, and Gender Studies, among others.

When looking at these programs, you might want to think about factors such as faculty qualifications, class sizes, course offerings and even the local literary scene, all of which can contribute to your overall experience as an English major. Also, it's always a good idea to consider what the specific university can offer outside of just the major you're interested in, including general campus culture, extracurricular opportunities, etc. Best of luck in your college search!