Professional Writing and Communication, BA
College graduates with professional writing and communication skills pursue career opportunities in a variety of fields such as journalism, periodical and book publishing; software publishing; advertising and related services; computer systems design and related services; corporate communications; corporate training; government agencies and other not-for-profit agencies. The Professional Writing and Communication (PWC) Major prepares students for these careers by offering a balance of writing, rhetoric, and communication courses in a liberal arts context. These courses are designed to help students become flexible thinkers, writers, and communicators with the ability to write and communicate in a variety of contexts and environments, including electronic ones. The curriculum consists of core courses in writing, journalism, oral and visual communication, rhetoric, history, and electives in business, politics, ethics, public relations, computer science and psychology, all of which will prepare students to be successful communicators in a variety of contexts.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Written Communication Core | ||
| ENG 204 | Introduction to Journalism | 3 |
| ENG 289 | Introduction to Professional Writing | 1 |
| ENG 331 | Business Communications | 3 |
| ENG 360 | Scientific & Technical Writing | 3 |
| ENG 420 | Copy Editing | 3 |
| ENG 460 | Writing and New Media | 4 |
| Select 6 credits of the following: | 6 | |
| Media Writing | ||
| Student Publications | ||
| Creative Non-Fiction Workshop | ||
| Advanced Composition | ||
| Advanced Journalism | ||
| Tutoring Writing | ||
| Contemporary Composition Theory and Pedagogy | ||
| Internship | ||
| Oral Communication Core | 6 | |
| Select from the following for a total of six (6) credits: | ||
| Speech Activities: Public Address | ||
| Speech Activities: Oral Interpretation | ||
| Persuasion | ||
| Argumentation and Debate | ||
| Speech Activities: Limited Preparation | ||
| Media Production for Training and Learning | ||
| Speech Activities: Performance of Advocacy | ||
| Visual Communication Core | 6 | |
| Select from the following for a total of six (6) credits: | ||
| Concepts of Graphic Communication | ||
| Typography Survey | ||
| Digital Art | ||
| Digital Photography | ||
| Professional Expertise Area | ||
| It is highly recommended that students, in consultation with their advisor, select a major or minor to pair with the PWC degree. Possible areas may include, but are not limited to: public relations, broadcasting & digital media, accounting, management, marketing, computer science, natural sciences, or graphic design. | ||
| History and Theory | ||
| ENG 492 | Theory & Practice of Professional Writing | 3 |
| ENG 362 | History & Structure of the English Language | 3 |
| or ENG 365 | Modern Grammar | |
| Total Credits | 41 | |
Notes:
- The Minnesota Transfer Curriculum and Professional Writing and Communication Prerequisites provide preparation for the upper level courses of the Professional Writing Major.
- Majors should choose A–F grading option for major courses. Majors must also plan to take 40 credit hours at the 300- or 400-level. Majors may meet this requirement by making careful selections within the major or by taking upper-division electives.