The program attracts students with wide-ranging interests in literature, theory, cultural and media studies, and who wish to read literature in the original language as well as in translation.

Comp Lit offers a major as well as a minor. Students generally begin with "Literature across Borders" (201) before taking other 200- and 300-level courses in Comp Lit and other programs. Since every student has different preparations and interests, no two pathways through the major or minor are identical.

Comparative Literature faculty are accomplished scholars and devoted teachers. Many have won awards from Rutgers and around the world. The major and minor programs offer students the opportunity to work closely with these professors, who come from a wide variety of departments, including African, Middle Eastern, and South Asian Languages and Literatures (AMESALL); Asian Languages and Cultures; English; French; German, Russian, and East European Languages and Literatures (GREELL); Italian; Latino and Caribbean Studies; and Spanish and Portuguese. Core faculty are available to mentor students and serve as advisors of honors theses.