English Education Concentration
Program Description
The Associate in Arts (A.A.) in Humanities and Cultures – English Education Concentration is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree in English education or a related field leading to teacher certification.
This concentration provides a strong foundation in literature, writing, and critical analysis while preparing students for future coursework in teacher preparation programs. Students study diverse literary traditions and strengthen their skills in academic writing, research, and communication. Emphasis is placed on understanding how language and literature shape culture, identity, and civic engagement—core competencies for future educators.
The program combines a broad liberal arts education with intentional preparation for transfer into secondary education programs in English or language arts.
Transfer Information
The English Education concentration is structured to align with bachelor’s degree programs in English education and related teacher preparation pathways. Students intending to pursue teacher certification should work closely with faculty and Advising & Transfer Services to ensure coursework meets transfer and certification requirements at their intended 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.
Because teacher preparation programs often have specific GPA standards, course prerequisites, and admission requirements, early and intentional academic planning is strongly recommended.
Career Information
The A.A. in Humanities and Cultures – English Education Concentration is designed primarily for transfer. A bachelor’s degree and completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program are required to become a certified English or language arts teacher.
With a bachelor’s degree and certification, graduates may pursue careers such as:
- Middle School Language Arts Teacher
- High School English Teacher
- Literacy Specialist (with advanced study)
- Curriculum or Instructional Support Specialist
- Educational Program Coordinator
Students are encouraged to consult with faculty and Career Services early in their academic journey to map out transfer requirements and certification pathways. OCC students may also use Focus2 Career through Ocean Connect to explore career options connected to education and the humanities.
| Fall One | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| STSC 150 | Student Success Seminar | 2 |
| ENGL 151 | English I | 3 |
| HIST 1XX | Any 100 Level GHIS Course | 3 |
| COMM 154 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| MATH 151 | A Survey of Mathematics | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Spring One | ||
| ENGL 152 | English II | 3 |
| ENGL 251 | American Literature Through the Civil War | 3 |
| ENGL 142 | The History and Grammar of English | 3 |
| Lab Science Gen. Ed. Requirement | 4 | |
| HIST 1XX | Any 100 Level GHIS Course | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Fall Two | ||
| PSYC 172 | General Psychology | 3 |
| CSIT 110 | Introduction to Computers and Computer Applications | 3 |
| EDUC 178 | Introduction to the Education of Exceptional Students | 3 |
| ENGL 255 or ENGL 256 | World Literature Ancient through 1600 or World Literature 1600 to Present | 3 |
| ENGL 153 | Creative Writing | 3 |
Or Any 200 Level ENGL Course | ||
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Two | ||
| PSYC 273 | Adolescent Psychology | 3 |
| ENGL 260 | The Shakespeare Plays I | 3 |
| ENGL 252 | American Literature Post Civil War | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Poetry | ||
| Introduction to Drama | ||
| The Short Story | ||
| The Short Novel | ||
| Humanities Gen. Ed. Requirement 1 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 60 | |
- 1
Recommended: Any Humanities General Education THTR, FILM, or 200-Level ENGL course.