Combined Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts
English

Craft your voice, refine your writing and communication skills, and confidently articulate your ideas with a combined English major.

Imagine dissecting Jane Austen’s social commentary then weaving your insightful analysis. The Oakland University Bachelor of Arts in English to Master of Arts in English program takes you on a literary odyssey, where you’ll explore the works of masters like Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson and John Steinbeck alongside modern icons like Amanda Gorman, Celeste Ng and Toni Morrison. 

As an OU English major, you’ll analyze the political undercurrents of dystopian fiction, unpack the emotional resonance of poetry and explore the power of storytelling across cultures. Our bachelor’s to master’s degree in English isn’t just about literary giants; it equips you with skills that empower you to become a persuasive writer, a critical thinker and a clear communicator — assets that make you valuable in every career path — all in an accelerated degree program.

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Imagine dissecting Jane Austen’s social commentary then weaving your insightful analysis. The Oakland University Bachelor of Arts in English to Master of Arts in English program takes you on a literary odyssey, where you’ll explore the works of masters like Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson and John Steinbeck alongside modern icons like Amanda Gorman, Celeste Ng and Toni Morrison. 

As an OU English major, you’ll analyze the political undercurrents of dystopian fiction, unpack the emotional resonance of poetry and explore the power of storytelling across cultures. Our bachelor’s to master’s degree in English isn’t just about literary giants; it equips you with skills that empower you to become a persuasive writer, a critical thinker and a clear communicator — assets that make you valuable in every career path — all in an accelerated degree program.

Request Info Visit Apply Program Requirements

Combined Bachelor to Master of Arts in English: The Oakland University Advantage

Explore your passion for literature while accelerating your academic journey. Our bachelor’s to master’s degree in English is perfect for students who are eager to analyze great works of literature — such as Shakespeare’s plays, modern American novels and postcolonial literature — while developing the skills and knowledge to become strong communicators and critical thinkers ready to excel in any field

This program will offer you the following:

  • Streamline your degree. Earn your Bachelor of Arts in English alongside your master’s degree in English. Challenge yourself with rich, graduate-level work, potentially saving valuable time and reducing tuition costs.
  • Develop in-demand communication skills. Go beyond the mechanics of grammar with your accelerated degree program. Sharpen your analytical thinking, hone your research skills and become a persuasive writer. These skills are highly sought after by employers across all industries, from marketing and law to education and technology.
  • Learn from expert scholars. Our dedicated faculty members are passionate about literature and are experts in the field. Engage in stimulating discussions, receive personalized mentorship and gain valuable insights from professors at the forefront of literary study.
  • Deepen your understanding through diverse perspectives. Explore the vast world of literature in your Master and Bachelor of Arts in English, delving into different genres, eras and critical approaches. Study abroad and immerse yourself in the cultural foundations of English language and literature in our British Studies at Oxford program. 
  • Refine your voice and gain confidence. Hone your writing style and master crafting clear and concise arguments. Develop the confidence to express your ideas with impact. This program empowers you to find your unique voice and use it to make a difference in the world.

What Can You Do With a Bachelor and Master of Arts in English?

There’s little you can’t do as an English major. The challenge is in narrowing down the possibilities. With the skills you’ll learn from Oakland University’s combined Master and Bachelor of Arts in English, including literary expertise, masterful critical thinking, creative communication and in-depth research skills, you’ll be a valuable asset in any industry:

  • Arts and cultural organizations
  • Education
  • Government
  • Journalism
  • Law
  • Marketing
  • Medicine and health care
  • Publishing
  • Social services
  • Digital media
  • Business management

Top Courses for English Majors

Oakland’s combined English degree program offers a streamlined path to journey into the world of literature while refining your writing skills to a masterful level. Applications are typically open to students beginning in the junior year. Once admitted to the program, you’ll seamlessly integrate graduate coursework into your undergraduate studies. 

You’ll take up to 12 credits (3 courses) at the 5000 level, which counts toward both your B.A. and M.A. degrees, accelerating your progress and enabling you to benefit from graduate-level instruction while paying undergraduate tuition rates.

Our accelerated degree program emphasizes literature’s relationship to social change, with new course offerings in areas like disability studies and literature and the environment. Courses include global and ethnic literature, British and American literary history, and critical and cultural approaches to literature. Electives for English majors cover a vast spectrum: 

  • African American Literature
  • Biography
  • Contemporary Poetry
  • Ethnic Literature
  • Modern Drama
  • Modes of Self-Narrative
  • Postcolonial Literature
  • The Bible as Literature
  • Trans-Atlantic Traditions

Combined English Degree Program Resources

Programs Related to the Combined English Major

Not sure if our combined English degree program is right for you? Check out these other degree programs at Oakland and contact our admissions team to discuss your options:

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