English

An English degree from OBU is both valuable and versatile in many ways, providing you a well-rounded education grounded in Christian faith. As you study the world’s greatest works of drama, poetry and prose you will expand your mind and deepen your appreciation for the various types of literature and language.

Your mind will be transformed by the Great Books and your outlook enlarged as you gain a deeper understanding of cultural and historical contexts. Employers value the skills of analysis and communication you will acquire, which apply to a broad range of careers.

Max Petersen

Class of 2024

“ The OBU English program has led me through the exploration of the human experience with the study of so many pieces of literature. The professors do much more than simply explain books and teach how to write; they guide you along the journey of engaging a diverse world.”

Benefits of OBU English Program

Exceptional Faculty

An accomplished and gifted lineup of faculty are at the heart of OBU’s English program. Our faculty members teach in a small class setting and 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. You will enjoy regular and direct interaction with faculty who instill a solid foundation of faith and biblical perspective through their teaching and their personal lives.

Key Enrichment Events

OBU hosts the annual Lamppost Literary Conference and the Visiting Writer Seminars, events where you can interact with contemporary and renowned writers and thinkers and be inspired by a robust community of readers and storytellers. The Lamppost Conference features keynote speakers, panels and breakout sessions and a student writing competition. The Visiting Writer Seminars bring a nationally-known writer to campus each year.

Incredible Education, Affordable Cost.

OBU provides a minimum $10,000 per year scholarship to every incoming first-time freshman and $8,000 to every incoming transfer student. And you could qualify for even more financial aid! Many of our students also receive money through federal Pell grants and OBU Bison Grants.

To get an estimate of what your cost to attend OBU might be, please check out our Net Price Calculator. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with how affordable an OBU education really is. Especially considering the incredible academic quality, personal mentor relationships with faculty and staff, and strong Christian commitment you will experience at OBU.

You won’t find an experience like this anywhere else!

Program Information

Student Organizations

Sigma Tau Delta

Sigma Tau Delta is a long-established international English honor society dedicated to academic excellence and literacy. OBU students attend the annual convention nearly every year, often presenting their research or creative works. Several of our students have served as regional representatives to Sigma Tau Delta’s national Board, and gained valuable leadership experience as they network with other students across the nation. OBU’s chapter is active on campus and in the community and is also a way to build strong relationships between English or Creative Writing majors and faculty.

Study Abroad

The English program partners with programs in countries across the globe. English majors have found study abroad especially rewarding, embracing opportunities to learn in Rome, London, Ecuador, Oxford and beyond. Through various cultural and community service opportunities, coupled with coursework, students are enriched, educated and encouraged through these experiences.

Double Major or Minor

English majors must declare a minor area of study and also have twelve elective hours in their degree plan. As a result, students often seek a double major or double minor to enhance career prospects. An English major may be paired with any other Bachelor of Arts major; students may select any minor(s) that OBU offers. Minors found within the Language and Literature division include Spanish, TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), Professional Writing and Editing, English and Creative Writing.

Extended Opportunities for Study

As an English student, you may choose to enroll in an independent study course. In doing so, you will work one-on-one with a professor to pursue a deeper understanding of a topic of mutual interest. Oftentimes, independent study will lead to a thesis project.

English majors can also apply to join OBU’s Honors Program. As an honors student, you can complete a thesis project during your final year at OBU.

Faith Integration

In each English course, professors and students explore the connection of faith to learning. Ongoing discussions take place in class. While we integrate faith in all our courses, our capstone Theology, Literature and Writing course ensures students graduate with a robust understanding of how Christian faith relates to our discipline. Faculty members in each course instill a solid foundation of faith and biblical perspective through their instruction and personal lives.

Job Opportunities and Outcomes

A degree in English opens the doors to a multitude of career opportunities including lawyers, editors, novelists, research specialists, web content specialists, librarians, counselors and teachers in public or private schools. Graduates may also choose to work in humanitarian aid, in ministry, as grant writers or as a university professor or in communications or marketing.

Employers of recent graduates include:

Aristoi Classical Academy
Mentoring Alliance Summer Camp
The Academy of Classical Christian Studies
Reaching Souls International
OBU Library
Second Baptist Church, Houston, TX
National American Insurance Company
Many public and private education institutions

Graduates have continued on to graduate school at these institutions:

Grand Canyon University (graduate program in English Education)
University of Arkansas (graduate program in English)
University of Oklahoma (graduate programs in English, Library and Information Science)
University of Nottingham (graduate program in English)
University of Louisiana-Lafayette (graduate program in English)
University of Mississippi (graduate program in English)
University of North Texas (graduate program in Library and Information Science)
University of St. Thomas (graduate program in Creative Writing)
University of Tulsa (graduate program in English)
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (graduate program in Literature and Cultural Theory)
Wake Forest University (graduate program in English Education)

Program Options

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

English

Minors

World-Class Faculty

OBU faculty are experts in their fields and will be with you every step of the way.