Required Specializations

Focused Areas of Study For Professional Writing Majors

As a Professional Writing student, you will tailor your degree to gain a high degree of specific, marketable expertise.

Your specialization determines the broad focus of your education while allowing you to explore your interests through a diverse set of electives. Your specialization can be supplemented with other Professional Writing electives and/or a minor.

Specializations in the Professional Writing Major

• In the Creative Writing/Literature specialization, you will expand your skill sets to encompass multiple genres. You'll focus on learning and practicing the skills required to make a living as a writer in the genre(s) of your choice.
• The specialization in Editing/Publishing will equip you with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to join the next generation's leaders in publishing. You'll learn all aspects of the publishing process while developing essential skills like editing and targeted communication.
• In the Journalism specialization, you will learn the fundamental skills of both print and online journalism, including proper interview techniques, meeting deadlines, researching, and writing stories. Courses from Broadcast Media Production give you video and audio skills that will make your résumé especially appealing in the field. 
  
  

Optional Specializations

Screenwriting is an optional concentrated area of focus available for Professional Writing majors. Learn the fundamentals of story ideas for film, character development, conflict, dialogue, dramatic structure, and script formatting. 

Your faculty advisor in the Division of Communication & Creative Media will help you map out the best academic path to reach your desired career and/or graduate studies goals.