Professional Writing

Our PW 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.

In conjunction with the English department, we also offer study-abroad opportunities in locations like the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Japan, and Greece. Finally, we 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.

To become a professional writing major or minor, click here.

PW 4-Year Plan 2022

PW Major Flyer

PW Major Worksheet

The English major with a professional writing concentration (reference number 662) requires a minimum of 39 hours and leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree. A minor or second major is required.

PW Minor Flyer

PW Minor Worksheet

The English minor in professional writing (reference number 437) requires a minimum of 21 semester hours. No more than 6 hours taken from the English major (either the literature or the creative writing concentration) may apply toward the professional writing minor.

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).