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Department of Communication

Professional Writing

Course Catalog Request Info
Student writing in notebook
Department of Communication

Professional Writing

  • Bachelor of Science
  • Undergraduate

125 credits

required for program

Minor Available

Course Catalog Request Info

125 credits

125 credits

required for program

Minor Available

Course Catalog Request Info

Harness your passion for writing and hone your skills as you learn to document, translate, and disseminate information to people around the world. The professional writing degree gives you the tools you need to create rich, engaging, and persuasive content that will make you a valuable asset in any industry. Our courses include grant writing, technical writing, journalism, writing for magazines, and web content.

94%

of seniors feel well prepared for their first job in the field

UNW Examiner

is a student-run newspaper that allows students to showcase their writing skills

95%
%}

of seniors say their major integrates biblical perspectives

Why study professional writing at Northwestern?

You’ll get personal mentoring from professors in both communications and English who will recognize your strengths while guiding and encouraging you to pursue your writing goals. You’ll be able to participate in at least two workshops and professional internships. Every class you take will contribute to your overall skills by allowing you to practice professional writing in each class. Our caring faculty will encourage you to compile polished writing samples into professional portfolios so they will be ready to present at any job interview.

At Northwestern, you can grow in your faith by hearing from professors who have learned to incorporate Christian values into the workplace as well as their writing. Our professors get to know you individually due to our small class sizes so you can always feel comfortable asking for help or advice. As a professional writing major, you could write for Christian nonprofits spreading Christ's Good News and compassion throughout the world.

With campus so close to downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, students can take advantage of opportunities in Minnesota’s thriving business and professional writing industries.

If you know that words matter, have an unusually diverse vocabulary, want to help people understand the issues plaguing our society, and are interested in a career working in any industry, this might be the right degree for you.

What will you learn?

You will learn to think critically and develop strong written and verbal communication skills.

Some classes include:

  • Advanced English Grammar: Syntax
  • Writing for Organizations
  • Writing Theory and Ethics
  • Writing for Mass Media
  • Public Relations Writing & Tactics

Careers in professional writing

There are a variety of career and academic pathways that begin with a degree in professional writing.

Discover Careers

Related Programs

Here is a list of other majors that might interest you.

Communication Studies
Media Production - Film & Video Track
Public Relations

Meet your professors

Professors at Northwestern are focused on their students first. Our faculty include experts in their respective fields who want to help you grow in your faith while you earn your degree.


Meet the entire department

Heather Walker Peterson, Ph.D.

Department Chair and Associate Professor of English

Heather Walker Peterson is interested in the ways in which language, written and spoken, influence spiritual...

Read Full Bio
Contact Information

Department of Communication

Mel Johnson Media Center, MJ171
2993 Snelling Avenue North
St. Paul, MN 55113

651-631-5315

CommunicationDept@unwsp.edu

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We look forward to welcoming you back to Northwestern as we plan to resume on-campus, in-person classes for the fall 2020 semester.

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