English

The Department of English provides an education in literature, criticism and language that teaches students to write effectively and expressively, to think critically, to weigh values and to communicate ideas. These skills, essential to today's global market, prepare English students for a wide variety of career options, including in the fields of public relations, communication, business, law, journalism and education.

English students can choose between two tracks in the program: Literary and Cultural Studies or Writing. In Literary and Cultural Studies, students study literary works, movements, genres, themes and writers within their cultural contexts. Courses in this track emphasize reading, story, communication, language and historical and cultural events. Within the Writing track, students may focus on creative writing (poetry, fiction, nonfiction), composition, rhetoric and literacy (CRL) or a combination of both. Students study theories of written communication; they practice them extensively in various writing contexts and explore issues concerning creativity, literacy, language and the relation of writing to different cultures and the Internet.

An English student has several degree options. Students may graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree or for those who apply and are accepted, an accelerated BA/MA degree in five years. Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees are also offered in various literary focus areas, and minors are available in both the Literary and Writing tracks. Qualified students may also enroll in a TE+ program for teacher certification in language arts.

English students typically have interests in:

• Writing
• Audience analysis
• Reading
• Literature analysis
• Creative thinking
• Generating ideas
• Using informational resources

At OU, English students can participate in prestigious programs, including one of the few curricula worldwide in Native American literature and a highly developed focus on literary criticism. Special “Dream Courses” offered each semester allow students to work with accomplished professionals in their fields, such as the recent “Four Roads Through Shakespeare” course in which prominent dramatists gave lectures and worked with students to produce exceptional performances of Shakespeare's works.

At World Literature Today, a magazine produced at the University of Oklahoma and distributed worldwide, students work hands-on in the writing and publishing process. Through an internship course, students gain valuable practical experience in manuscript editing, the printing process, event planning, marketing and promotion, magazine design and Internet and library research. Interns can assume even greater responsibility helping to host internationally prominent authors on campus.

OU has numerous study abroad opportunities for students of all majors. Whether you want to take electives, lower-division courses, or major requirements, be sure to check out what education abroad opportunities are available to you through the College of International Studies. 

Visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ website to explore the median pay for jobs you can pursue with this degree. 

Department of English
Phone: (405) 325-2004
Email: brett.burkhart@ou.edu
Website: cas.ou.edu/english