Best New York City Colleges for a Humanities Degree If English is Your Second Language October 10, 2018

Your time at the New York English Academy has probably prepared you for all sorts of things. Perhaps it’s your first time away from home, and you’re being forced to learn your own version of independence. By staying in New York City, you’ve probably also learned a completely different lifestyle than you’re used to—after all, there’s no place like the Big Apple, and everyone that moves here has to adjust on their own terms and in their own way. Another transition, and probably the most important, that you’re adjusting to is the new language. That’s why you came to this institution after all, right?

From classroom studies to real world application, my hope with this blog was to help you incorporate your learned skills into the world in which people interact with one another with the English language. You might have found that some experiences were easier than others, and part of that was probably due to your own self-imposed insecurities and intimidations. I wanted to keep reminding you that so many other people living in this great city have come from other countries as well and have learned to adapt as a bilingual citizen. New York City, as I have mentioned multiple times over the months, is a cultural melting pot full of various backgrounds and other languages. So never be afraid to ask for help or guidance.

If you’re thinking about your next move after your time with the New York English Academy is complete, you may be pondering furthering your education at a four-year university. Many students come to New York City with the hopes of pursuing a degree in the humanities. Since there is a huge focus on the arts here, like dance, music, the performing arts, and even fashion, many of the schools here have included these areas of studies in their portfolio. I’ve rounded up some of the best institutions that offer humanities programs so you can start thinking about your next move in New York City.

1. Columbia University in the City of New York, Upper West Side

While this school is a private university, I included this institution at the top of the list because of the tremendous programs it offers. With over 25 humanities programs available from Art History, French Philology, Religion, and foreign languages, you can easily enhance your collegiate study with one of the programs offered at this university. Whether you’re looking for a Certificate program or looking to advance further with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or even a Doctorate, Columbia will guarantee you a quality education in the humanities.

2. Barnard College, division of Columbia University, Upper West Side

This academic center is another great option for you if you’re considering an education in the humanities. You can choose to minor or major in the concentrations of Women’s Studies, Spanish & Latin American Cultures, Music, English, or even Dance. If you speak with an advisor, you can discuss how you can diversify your education by choosing separate minors and majors. (When I went to college, I started with a separate minor and major, but then as I went along, I chose to bump my minor to a major, so I double-majored, which only helped my qualifications when I start the job-hunting process. Your options are quite broad!)

3. Fordham College, Lincoln Center

This is another great option if you’re thinking about pursuing a degree in the humanities. With similar fields of concentration in which you can minor or major in, you can feel the freedom to really explore your options and dive into studies that you never thought possible. Did you know you can minor in Fashion Studies? How about getting a degree in Film and Television? Since this institution’s location is in one of the most fashion-forward and art-centered areas of New York City, it’s no wonder this school develops their programs to reflect this cultural hub. Might as well take advantage of it!

Education is one of the greatest gifts we can give yourselves. With a variety of financial options available depending on your level of need, you can easily entertain the thought of a certificate program, a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree, or even an advanced Doctorate. All it takes is a phone call to the admissions office to set up an appointment. With this conversation, you can ask about areas of study, the application process, timing, cost of living, etc., so you can be fully prepared if this is your next step.