The Professional Writing undergraduate concentration is for those students interested in careers as technical and professional writers and editors. Students learn and practice skills in editing, publishing, web-site development, technical writing, documentation, and proposal writing, among others. Topics courses include scientific and nature writing, medical writing, and visual rhetoric. While primarily designed for students interested in the practical careers in writing, the Professional Writing concentration will also give students an edge in graduate or professional programs that require expertise in writing, visual communication, rhetoric, and rhetorical analysis. The concentration requires courses in writing, language, and literature; an internship; and 9 hours of complementary coursework in scientific, technical, or professional disciplines.

Students who wish to conclude their program by writing a thesis, must qualify for and enter the English Departmental Honors Program. We also offer a minor in Professional Writing.

Requirements:

THE MAJOR

Students must fulfill requirements for both of the following sequences.

Professional Writing Sequence (19 hours)

English 219 or 220 or 240
English 290
12 hours from 320, 413-420, 498 or 499
Internship (minimum 1 hour)

Language, Rhetoric, and Literature Sequence (15 hours)

English 250
3 hours from English 294-297
9 hours from English courses 300-level or above

Required Outside of English

9 hours of course work in science or technical and professional areas

THE MINOR

English 219 or 220 or 240
English 290
English 320, 416-420
9 hours from 219-20, 240, 320, 413-420, 441-443
English 499 Internship (optional)
At least 9 hours must be 300 level courses or above.