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Earn Your Bachelor of Arts in English

“…In reading great literature I become a thousand men and yet remain myself. Like the night sky in the Greek poem, I see with myriad eyes, but it is still I who see. Here, as in worship, in love, in moral action, and in knowing, I transcend myself; and am never more myself than when I do.” –C.S. Lewis, An Experiment in Criticism

C.S. Lewis describes the capacity of great literature to introduce readers to experiences vastly different from their own. OBU English majors have the opportunity to experience what Lewis describes, as they analyze literature from classical antiquity to the contemporary era, and from the far reaches of the globe to right here in Oklahoma. Faculty and students engage with literature as the varied expression of human thought, culture and belief. Together they consider how the study of literature can cultivate Christian love and moral action.

What makes an OBU English degree special?

The English degree is uniquely designed for students to embark on a sequential study of many of the world’s greatest works of drama, poetry and prose. The journey begins with the study of classical Greek and Roman literature, then leads to formative works of Western Civilization from the early Middle Ages through the present. With this vital foundation, English majors go on to take survey courses in British and American literature, as well as classes on major authors, courses on literary theory and creative writing workshops. OBU English majors have the opportunity to engage the breadth of the literary canon, and also to enjoy the focused study of specialized genres. Students can also choose from upper-level special topics classes on culture, fiction, poetry, drama and film. Recent topics courses include “Medieval Roots of The Lord of the Rings,” “Happy and Unhappy Families in the Novel,” “The Romantic Epic,” and “Irony, Spectacle, and Authenticity in Contemporary Culture.”

In each English course, professors and students explore the integration of faith and learning. Ongoing discussions of literature and the writing process in light of Christianity take place in class, reflecting the English Department’s commitment to OBU’s Mission Statement: As a Christian liberal arts university, OBU transforms lives by equipping students to pursue academic excellence, integrate faith with all areas of knowledge, engage a diverse world, and live worthy of the high calling of God in Christ.

Program Options

Program Option Degree Plan
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English PDF
Minor in English PDF
Minor in Professional Writing and Editing PDF
Minor in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of a Second Language) PDF

Faculty Roster

For a school its size, OBU has a sizable English department. Nearly a dozen faculty members specialize in topics ranging from medieval studies to modern literature, from creative writing to Shakespeare. They are actively engaged in their fields, presenting at conferences and publishing both books and scholarly articles.

Learn more about our Language and Literature faculty.

Student Spotlight

Student Chloe Harrison in front of the cliffs of Moher.

Chloe Harrison of Duncan, Oklahoma is a senior English major with a minor in Literary Professional Editing. She is interested in every area of writing—whether it be creative, professional, or academic—and is currently writing a thesis on the role of the editor in American book publishing. In the summer of 2018, Chloe had the opportunity to study abroad with the Honors Program in London, England. This experience, along with her work on the Scriblerus, has led to an interest in pursuing a publishing career in London after graduation. Chloe is currently applying for job positions and graduate programs in publishing, hoping to learn more about the art of editing in the city she loves.

What are OBU grads doing with their English degrees?

A degree in English opens the doors to a multitude of career opportunities. OBU English majors have gone on to be:

Opportunities for OBU English Majors


This program is offered through the Division of Language and Literature.

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