Students in a Publishing in the 21st Century class discuss a project.

Writing & Publishing Major

This major was formally known as Professional Writing

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If you want a career as a writer, you'll need a solid foundation in the mechanics of good writing and editing, a storyteller's gift for narrative, a poet's eye for detail, and a desire to continue developing your talents in a dynamic industry. 

Why Study Writing & Publishing at Champlain College?

While you'll certainly explore literature and learn to critique writing, this is not an English degree. At Champlain College, you learn the professional aspects of writing and how to get paid doing what you love.

Students start thinking like professionals from their first semester. Writing & Publishing majors can even become published by the time they graduate, as well as earn freelance income as undergraduates.  

As a Writing & Publishing student, you'll:

  • spend time in classes and workshops preparing for life after college;
  • take professional practice courses that will enhance your digital presence on numerous social media platforms;
  • prepare your cover letter, résumé, and portfolio for the job market;
  • strategize your career plans and develop professional contacts; 
  • take courses in marketing and public relations so you can promote yourself; and
  • navigate ethical and legal issues in the profession.

Student work in the Writing & Publishing major includes a teen sci-fi television series; an anthology of essays and poems about womanhood and girlhood; a series of articles about the interactions between transgender identity and organized religion; anthologies of poetry, fiction and creative non-fiction; produced plays; five shorts written and produced for television; and many others. 

Update

Beginning Fall 2024, this program will be renamed from Professional Writing to Writing & Publishing.


Academic Experience

Through Champlain's Upside-Down Curriculum, you'll take program-specific courses in your first year. This early experience allows you much more time to refine your style and explore your professional interests.

 As a Writing & Publishing major at Champlain, you can further tailor your degree by earning an optional concentration: 

  • Editing/Publishing: Includes a selection of publishing-focused courses, including Professional Pathways in Publishing, and course electives such as Developmental Editing, Copyediting, Magazine Publishing, and others.  

Student Publications

Current student-run publications include:

  • Willard & Maple: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and fine arts literary magazine
  • The Crossover: publishes news, features, culture, and opinion stories
  • Chivomengro: monthly zine of personal essay, satire, and cultural commentary

JUST THE FACTS

THE BEST


The 2021 Fiske Guide to Colleges selected Champlain as one of the "best and most interesting schools" in the United States, Canada, and Great Britain.

THE MOST


Champlain was named a "Most Innovative School" by U.S. News & World Report (for the seventh consecutive year!) in its "America's Best Colleges" 2022 rankings.

#1


Burlington, Vermont, our hometown, is ranked the #1 Best College Town by Travel + Leisure magazine.

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