The UC Merced Literatures in English Program (formerly just called "English") teaches students the story of how stories are made, how they make a difference in the world, and how they form the foundation of knowledge itself.

Stories allow the marginalized to be heard by the powerful: they help humans understand each other’s past and present, and they help us imagine different futures.

At UC Merced, Lit in English majors and minors take 24-person seminars throughout their time on campus. Our small class sizes, supportive professors, and brilliant, kind students make our program one of the most nurturing on campus, and in the UC system. There's a reason our Literatures in English majors talk about our program as a "family"! (Hear from two of them in this recent panel about our program).

The skills of critical thinking, interpretation, and writing that are developed in English classes are valued by multiple professions, including law, education, medicine, business, technology,  journalism, politics, and social work.

The Literatues in English program now offers two optional emphasis tracks within the major: one in Literature and Social Justice, and another in Literature and the Environment.

Click to learn more about our programs! 

Students, prospective students, and alumni: follow us on Instagram @ucmercedenglish