A major in Professional Writing combines the broad-based liberal arts education offered by all programs in the English and Humanities Department with the practical skills and career opportunities that can lead to a fulfilling and successful future. The major in Professional Writing is excellent preparation for students interested in work as writers, editors, and digital communicators. Graduates have obtained positions in publishing, technical writing, public relations, information technology, teaching, government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), corporate communications, non-profit and social-service organizations, health care, the arts, and many related fields. This major is also among the most valued courses of study for those interested in post-graduate education in law, English or rhetoric, or technical writing. When combined with the Department’s Creative Writing minor, the major can also be useful for those who are interested in writing fiction, nonfiction, poetry, screenplays, or drama.
The major provides students with guided experience in a wide range of writing situations and stylistic options. Students with this major will benefit from:
- Marketable communication skills such as editing, digital communication including web page design, writing for social media, and collaborative writing
- Real-world learning through internship experiences in professional writing
- Numerous courses in varied genres of creative writing
- An electronic portfolio of written work that can be used in your search for work as a professional writer or as a venue for publishing creative writing or obtaining a literary agent
- Background in the history and theory of language usage
Requirements for Graduation:
To be eligible for graduation, students majoring in Professional Writing must complete a minimum of 120 credits, achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.0, satisfy the College’s residency requirements, and complete the General Education Requirements of the College. A minimum grade of 2.0 is required for First Year Seminar and all courses taken as part of Foundations. Courses used to complete General Education Requirements may not be taken on a pass/fail basis.
The General Education Requirements of the college require students to successfully complete a First Year Seminar, Foundations, Disciplinary Perspectives, and a Constellation. Students who enter the college with 30 credit hours completed will not take a First Year Seminar course and therefore must take an additional 3 credits for graduation. Transfer students that are awarded 60 or more credits upon acceptance to York College will not be required to complete a Constellation.
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