Professional Writing
Reach new heights with a concentration, minor, or certificate in Professional Writing.
Our program emphasizes the kinds of thinking, reading, and writing skills necessary for today's workplaces. Students in our program learn how to write persuasively, edit and publish professional texts, research projects and consult with clients, and use online writing technologies (social media, blogging, etc.) for professional purposes.
Professional Writing 4-Year Plan
An English major with a concentration in professional writing (reference number 662) provides students with the skills, study abroad and internship opportunities, and preparation needed to enter the workforce. The concentration requires a minimum of 39 hours and leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree. A minor or second major is required.
In conjunction with the English department, we offer study-abroad opportunities in locations like the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Japan, and Greece. We also strongly encourage Professional Writing students to enroll in our robust internship program and get "on-the-job" writing/editorial experience in publishing houses and presses, local non-profits, and campus organizations.
Many of our students have used their successful internship opportunities to secure permanent positions as news editors, journalists, technical writers in local security firms and environmental consulting organizations, or to pursue advanced degrees in English, Biology, Social Work, and Law, to name a few.
The Professional Writing minor (reference number 437) emphasizes the kinds of persuasive,
technological, and client-based writing skills needed for today’s workplaces. The
minor requires 21 semester hours and works with a variety of majors, such as entrepreneurship,
organizational communication, journalism, political science, theater and dance, and
many more.
Students in the certificate program learn how to write persuasively, edit and publish
professional texts, research projects and consult with clients, and use online writing
technologies (social media, Adobe Suite, blogging, etc.) for professional purposes.
This certificate complements existing academic majors and could greatly benefit students
interested in developing their applied workplace writing skills.
The certificate requires 15 credit hours and can be completed in 2-3 academic terms,
with some elective courses cross-listed between academic programs. Required courses are
offered every semester or year, including summer and winter terms.
Advisor: Dr. Angela Jones
- 270-745-5771
- Cherry Hall 110c
Advisor for students under 55 credit hours: Joseph Shoulders
- 270-745-2102
- Downing Student Union 2141
Skylar Wooden
B.A. English, Professional Writing
My English degree gave me the power to apply my skills to whatever I was curious about. Thanks to the flexible nature of the professional writing program, I had the skills to create my own path.
Emily Falica
Minor in Professional Writing
The entire Professional Writing program turned me into a businesswoman before I graduated, meaning the writing skills and portfolios put me way ahead of my competition.
Honors
In cooperation with the Dixie and Pete Mahurin Honors College, the Department of English offers a number of courses designed to challenge and reward honors-eligible students studying English. Fostering a sense of community among outstanding students, the English honors courses also facilitate graduate school admission and job placement. Participants enjoy opportunities for discussion and instruction in small classes, as well as for independent research and membership in Sigma Tau Delta--the International English Honor Society. Additionally, English majors who choose to write a six-credit-hour Honors Thesis may apply three of those credit hours toward their upper-division English electives. For information, please contact Dr. Jeffrey Rice, English Honors Advisor (jeffrey.rice@wku.edu).
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