B.A. in Professional Writing Total Credit Hours 120
Symbol Key
^ Grade of “C” or better required.
* This course has a prerequisite.
# Possible waiver by exam.
π A major course that meets General Education requirements.
+ Possible waiver with a specified number of transfer credits upon first-time admission.
Professional Writing Learning Outcomes
Students will write and edit in multiple professional contexts including print, web, and social media. This broad-based program includes traditional journalism, writing and editing scripts, marketing copy, and writing for the web and news and feature articles. Students will be equipped with a hands-on approach for rapidly changing professional opportunities that rely on storytelling and information gathering techniques.
Technology Requirements
Students in this major are encouraged to consider purchasing a current Macbook Air or Macbook Pro capable of running Adobe Creative Cloud software. Check the specs here: https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/help/creative-cloud-desktop-app-system-requirements.html Students in this major, will have free access to Macs/software in the Mac lab located in the Art building.
COM 212 Rhetoric Requirement for Transfer Students
Students who transfer to SAU or who transfer from a different major at SAU to the professional writing major and have previously taken a public speaking course may fulfill the COM 212 - Rhetoric requirement with the public speaking course and by taking the 1 credit hour COM 232 - Readings in Rhetoric course.
Program Progress Check
Student progress will be assessed by the department at the freshman and sophomore levels (first year for transfer students). Students must have a cumulative 2.5 GPA and pass the progress check to continue in the program.
Study Abroad
Students may substitute coursework from certain off-campus semester or semester abroad programs. Admission to these programs may require applications. Students should consult their academic advisor before proceeding with the application process and to determine which requirements can be satisfied through these programs.
Complementary Programs
Students in the professional writing major are encouraged to select a complementary minor and/or endorsements that will enhance their preparation for future careers.
Extracurricular Opportunities
Students will have opportunities to create content for student media including The Arbor, Almost Chapel, and the Will Shoot for Credit short film screening. Students may also have opportunities to produce video, audio and graphic content for clients, chapel, and to promote department and campus events.
Program Oversight
The professional writing major is overseen by the Department of Communication. Courses with APR, COM, SPE, and WRT numbers are administered by this department. Questions about the major should be directed to the department chair.