Program in Professional Writing
Director
The Program
The Professional Writing Program provides a bridge between traditional liberal arts training and writing in the workplace, and prepares students for the range of written communication they will undertake upon graduation.
The program in professional writing is more general than a highly focused program in journalism or technical writing; instead, it attempts to supply liberal arts training in writing and a one- or two-semester internship in a job that requires intensive writing. Internships include work in journalism, television and radio broadcasting, public relations, and advertising. The program is open to matriculated and non-matriculated students. For matriculated students, successful completion of the program is recorded on official university transcripts when they have met all graduation requirements. Non-matriculated students who meet all program requirements receive a certificate of completion.
Requirements
Admission
The program is highly selective; admission is by permission of the program director. Application prerequisites include submission of two writing samples and a record of successful work in freshman and sophomore level writing courses. All students must pass the Writing Proficiency Requirement before admission becomes final.
Courses
Students take English 306, an advanced writing course. They then take a 3- to 6-credit internship. Each 3-credit internship involves 15 hours of work per week plus an on-campus meeting every other week. The program requires a total of 18 credits of work in courses and internships.
Program Sequence
- ENGL 306 (Advanced Composition) (may be taken two times, with different instructors)
- ENGL 475 (English Internship) (3-6 credits)
- Elective creative writing courses above the 300 level: ENGL 307, 308, 440, 443; COMSTU 480, or another elective approved by the director.
Transfer Credit Policy
Two courses can be transferred into the program.