English Concentration
Program Description
The Associate in Arts (A.A.) in Humanities and Cultures – English Concentration is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree in English, literature, writing, or a related humanities field.
This concentration develops advanced skills in critical reading, analytical writing, research, and interpretation. Students explore literature from diverse historical periods and cultural traditions while examining how language shapes ideas, identity, and society. Coursework emphasizes close textual analysis, persuasive and research-based writing, and thoughtful engagement with complex issues.
The program provides a broad liberal arts foundation while allowing students to focus on areas such as literary studies, creative writing, rhetoric, and cultural analysis. Students strengthen communication skills that are highly valued across professions.
Transfer Information
The English concentration is structured to align with bachelor’s degree programs in English and related fields such as communications, journalism, publishing, creative writing, education, and law.
Students are encouraged to work closely with faculty and Advising & Transfer Services to ensure course selection aligns with the requirements of their intended transfer institution. Students planning to transfer within New Jersey should explore the “Transfer Programs” feature on NJ Transfer (www.njtransfer.org) to review articulation agreements and institutional requirements.
Early academic planning is recommended, particularly for students considering teacher certification, pre-law pathways, or graduate study.
Career Information
The A.A. in Humanities and Cultures – English Concentration is designed primarily for transfer. A bachelor’s degree is typically required for professional roles in English-related fields, and some careers may require graduate study.
With further education, graduates may pursue careers such as:
- Writer or Editor
- Communications Specialist
- Public Relations Professional
- Journalist
- Technical Writer
- English or Language Arts Teacher (with certification)
- Law, Public Policy, or Graduate Study
Students are encouraged to consult with faculty and Career Services as they explore long-term academic and career goals. OCC students may also use Focus2 Career through Ocean Connect to research degree pathways and related professions.
| Fall One | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| STSC 150 | Student Success Seminar | 2 |
| ENGL 151 | English I | 3 |
| COMM 154 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| Mathematics Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Any 100 Level History Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Spring One | ||
| ENGL 152 | English II | 3 |
| ENGL 251 or ENGL 252 | American Literature Through the Civil War or American Literature Post Civil War | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| The History and Grammar of English | ||
| Creative Writing | ||
ENGL 2XX | Any 200 Level ENGL course | |
| Lab Science Gen. Ed. Requirement | 4 | |
| Any 100 Level History Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Fall Two | ||
| ENGL 255 or ENGL 256 | World Literature Ancient through 1600 or World Literature 1600 to Present | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| The History and Grammar of English | ||
| Creative Writing | ||
ENGL 2XX | Any 200 Level ENGL course | |
| Technology Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Social Science Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Humanities Gen. Ed. Requirement 1 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Two | ||
| ENGL 260 | The Shakespeare Plays I | 3 |
| Social Science Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Lab Science Gen. Ed. Requirement | 4 | |
| Humanities Gen. Ed. Requirement 2 | 3 | |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Poetry | ||
| Introduction to Drama | ||
| The Short Story | ||
| The Short Novel | ||
ENGL 2XX | Any 200 Level ENGL course | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 61 | |
- 1
Recommended: Any Humanities General Education THTR, FILM, or 200-Level ENGL course
- 2
Recommended: Any Humanities General Education ARTS, MUSC, or PHIL course