B.A. in Professional Writing
Plymouth, USA
DURATION
4 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline *
EARLIEST START DATE
Request earliest startdate
TUITION FEES
USD 31,900 / per year
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* rolling up to 1 week before term start allow for visa processing time
Introduction
Learn to Communicate
The Writing major has been a staple at Lakeland University for more than three decades and has evolved to meet the needs of employers seeking associates with excellent communication skills for both the print and digital world.
Our Professional Writing major prepares students to work in numerous fields by developing their skills in research, drafting, and copy editing to meet the needs of both corporate and nonprofit employers through courses like Copywriting and Editing, Technical Writing, News Writing, Advertising and Public Relations Writing, Writing for Nonprofits, Literary Publishing, etc.
Hands-on Professional Work Experience
Experiential Learning
Students pursuing this degree gain hands-on experience through our online newspaper The Mirror serving as reporters, editors, photographers, and web designers.
In addition, Professional Writing Majors serve as social media content creators for majors in the School of Fine Arts & Humanities, help organize on-campus writing events and festivals, and practice their skills through various writing projects with community partners like Nourish Farms and the John Michael Kohler Arts Center.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Traditional Undergraduate Scholarships
Lakeland is committed to providing exceptional value at a manageable cost. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships to help make the cost of your education more affordable.
We also encourage all students applying for scholarships to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
After gaining acceptance to Lakeland, you may begin applying for scholarships through your Future Muskie Portal. You will use the login information you created when you first applied to Lakeland to access the portal site. Each scholarship opportunity will be listed as a "Form" on your checklist.
If you have any questions or would like additional scholarship information, please contact your admissions counselor or the financial aid office!
Curriculum
Professional Writing, B.A.
Major Requirements (45-54 semester hours)
- CRW 115 - Writing in the Genres
- GDN 203 - Graphic Design III–Page Layout
- WRT 200 - Copywriting and Editing
- WRT 201 - News Writing
- WRT 300 - Advanced Composition (WI)
- WRT 330 - Advertising and Public Relations Writing
- WRT 335 - Technical Writing (WI)
Six (6) semester hours of English (ENG) courses, three (3) of which are numbered 300 or above.
Three (3) semester hours in one or a combination of the following, at least one (1) hour must be in WRT 212:
- WRT 211 - The Mirror: Photojournalism (0-1 semester hour) *
- WRT 212 - The Mirror: Newswriting (0-1 semester hour) * *Students may not enroll in multiple sections of the same course in a term.
Note: Students seeking a B.A. in Professional Writing are strongly encouraged to also take BUS 301 Management Information Systems.
Students must choose one of the following tracks:
Traditional Track
Twelve (12) semester hours from the following:
At least six (6) of which are WRT-designated and at least three (3) of which are numbered 300 or above.
- CRW 215 - Fiction Writing
- CRW 220 - Poetry Writing
- CRW 240 - Nonfiction Writing
- CRW 250 - Screenwriting
- WRT 150 - Beer: The Science and Story Behind Fermentation
- WRT 280 - Special Topics in Writing
- WRT 350 - Writing for Nonprofits
- WRT 370 - Literary Publishing
- WRT 480 - Special Topics in Writing OR CRW 480 - Special Topics in Writing
Three (3) semester hours in one of the following:
- WRT 400 - Internship in Writing (1-4 semester hours)
- WRT 470 - Senior Project in Writing OR CRW 470 - Senior Project in Writing *Students who wish to pursue CRW/WRT 470 must take one (1) semester hour of CRW/WRT 465 - Developing the Writing Project (1 semester hour) prior.
Cooperative Education Track
Six (6) semester hours from the following:
At least three (3) of which are numbered 300 or above.
- CRW 215 - Fiction Writing
- CRW 220 - Poetry Writing
- CRW 240 - Nonfiction Writing
- CRW 250 - Screenwriting
- WRT 150 - Beer: The Science and Story Behind Fermentation
- WRT 280 - Special Topics in Writing
- WRT 350 - Writing for Nonprofits
- WRT 370 - Literary Publishing
- WRT 480 - Special Topics in Writing OR CRW 480 - Special Topics in Writing
At least fifteen (15) semester hours from the following:
- EXP 100 - Professional Protocol (1 semester hour)
- EXP 300 - Experiential Learning Seminar (1 semester hour) - Co-requisite with 1st experience of cooperative education
- EXP 301 - Work, Ethics, and the Good Life (1 semester hour) - Co-requisite with 2nd experience of cooperative education
- EXP 390 - Cooperative Education Experience (1-12 semester hours) OR WRT 390 - Cooperative Education Experience–Writing (1-12 semester hours)
- Six to nine (6-9) semester hours must be in WRT 390
Writing Minor
Minor Requirements (20 semester hours)
- CRW 115 - Writing in the Genres
- WRT 300 - Advanced Composition (WI)
- WRT 335 - Technical Writing (WI)
- Nine (9) semester hours in one or a combination of the following: WRT or CRW courses. At least six (6) which are numbered 300 or above.
Two (2) semester hours in one or a combination of the following:
- CRW / WRT 400 - Internship in Writing (1-4 semester hours)
- WRT 211 - The Mirror: Photojournalism (0-1 semester hour) *
- WRT 212 - The Mirror: Newswriting (0-1 semester hour) * *Students may not enroll in multiple sections of the same course in a term.
Program Outcome
Students who have completed a B.A. in Professional Writing from Lakeland University should be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of key terms, histories, forms, and structures of several genres of writing
- Present work clearly and professionally when writing within different genres.
- Master the conventions of Standard English
- Compose original works in accordance with professional, industry, or graduate school expectations and standards
- Work both independently and within a community of writers
- Demonstrate work habits necessary for successful careers within the writing profession
- Apply knowledge and skills gained in the classroom to real-world settings (e.g., internships, The Mirror, Seems, etc.)
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the program enjoy careers in advertising, journalism, publishing, computer programming, radio, and much more.
Program Leaders
English Language Requirements
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