English (BA) With A Professional Writing Specialization

The Professional Writing specialization provides students with a background in the theories, methods, and practical skills of the field in order for students to pursue a variety of careers in writing, publishing, journalism, and electronic media. The specialization culminates with an internship and the production of a writing portfolio.

Goals and Objectives

The professional writing curriculum has the following goals and objectives:

  • Demonstrating an adequate understanding of the basic principles of written organizational communication and the application of these principles to real world situations,
  • Demonstrating critical thinking and problem solving skills, and
  • Presenting material both in written and visual formats.

Degree Requirements (120 credits)

Professional Writing Specialization (42 credits)

The professional writing specialization requires 18 credit hours from the following recommended courses in addition to the Core listed below plus ENG-499, and a 3–6 credit internship.

Core Courses (24 credits)

ENG-316WORLD LITERARY MASTERPIECES

3

ENG-324MAJOR AMERICAN WRITERS

3

ENG-331MAJOR BRITISH WRITERS I

3

ENG-332MAJOR BRITISH WRITERS II

3

ENG-404PERSUASIVE WRITING

3

ENG-406RHETORICAL ANALYSIS

3

ENG-407SHAKESPEARE

3

ENG-410ADVANCED ENGLISH GRAMMAR

3

Recommended Courses (18 credits)

ENG-300SPECIAL TOPICS

3

ENG-333INTRODUCTION TO FICTION WRITING

3

ENG-344PROFESSIONAL EDITING

3

ENG-350THEORIES OF RHETORIC AND PUBLIC DISCOURSE

3

ENG-362MAGAZINE ARTICLE WRITING

3

ENG-364MULTIMEDIA WRITING

3

ENG-374WRITING FOR THE INTERNET

3

ENG-417COPYWRITING

3

ENG-444BUSINESS RESEARCH, WRITING AND EDITING

3

ENG-446SCREENWRITING

3

ENG-447TECHNICAL & SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH, WRITING AND EDITING

3

CS-325DIGITAL PUBLISHING

3

COM-416INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING

3

Other ENG courses may be used as major electives with permission of the Chair.