English
Professional Writing Degree
Shape Stories. Influence Audiences. Build a Writing Career.
OFFERED AS:
Major
FORMAT:
In-Person
CREDITS REQUIRED:
120
The professional writing degree at Kutztown University transforms creative thinkers into skillful communicators. The Bachelor of Arts in English: Professional Writing builds strong foundational skills and allows students to explore a range of electives across diverse writing styles. Every professional writing major learns to influence, entertain, connect, and ignite change through their writing.
Here are some of the types of writing you’ll practice:
- News Stories
- Technical Documents
- Podcasts
- User Manuals
- Games
- Novels and Poetry
- Social Media Posts
- Screenplays
- Grants Applications
- Reviews
- Analyses, Reports and much more
Why Choose Kutztown University for a Professional Writing Degree
Kutztown University’s professional writing major focuses on career preparation and collaboration to deliver a well-rounded academic experience. The Bachelor of Arts in English: Professional Writing prepares students for careers as technical writers, journalists, magazine writers, copy editors, marketing copywriters, social media content producers, public relations writers, corporate communication specialists, medical writers, legal writers, science writers, and scriptwriters.
Our campus community challenges and inspires you to grow as a creative writer, helping you develop a strong professional voice and refined craft. By graduation, you will have experience in technical and creative writing styles and the confidence to take your writing anywhere.
Here’s why students choose Kutztown University for a professional writing major:
- Enthusiastic professors offering mentorship
- A creative campus energy
- Affordable tuition with scholarship opportunities
- Career-focused experience
Professional Writing Degree Highlights
A degree in professional writing requires creativity, adaptability, and real-world experience. At Kutztown University, students gain firsthand practice writing, editing, and collaborating across various fields. You’ll develop a versatile skillset necessary to craft the stories and content that drive news, marketing, entertainment, and digital media.
Professional Writing majors at Kutztown University begin with an introductory writing course, then they take classes in copy editing, technical writing, journalism, and creative writing. From there, they choose electives from an array of specialty areas like public relations, magazine writing, informational writing, and fiction writing that blend practicality with creativity.
Program Highlights:
- Publish work in newspapers, magazines, blogs, and more
- Complete an internship and make valuable connections
- Collaborate with peers to edit, workshop, and brainstorm ideas
- Explore diverse forms of writing across genres and industries
- Participate in one of Kutztown University’s many on-campus publications
- Connect with a strong network of alumni
- Study writing and language abroad
Student Learning Outcomes
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Professional Writing (BA)
- Professionalism - Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to communicate in a manner appropriate to professional environments.
- Writing and Design - Upon successful completion of the program, students will produce content for print and digital media.
- Critical Reading and Analysis - Upon successful completion of the program, students will critically analyze print and digital texts.
- Professionalism - Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to communicate in a manner appropriate to professional environments.
Professional Writing Degree Frequently Asked Questions
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What can I do with a professional writing degree?
Writing degrees prepare you to thrive in today’s dynamic and fast-paced world of communication. From telling captivating stories to shaping messages that make an impact, your opportunities are endless. Explore some of the career paths you can pursue as a Professional Writing major, along with their national average salaries according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023).
- Scriptwriter: $72,270
- Public Affairs Director: $164,200
- Social Media Marketer: $66,750
- Publicist: $69,780
- Technical Content Writer: $91,670
- Editor: $75,260
- Reporter: $60,280
- Grant Writer: $66,490
- Development Specialist: $65,850
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Can I add a minor to my professional writing major?
Each professional writing major is encouraged to further enhance their writing and analytic skills with minors and coursework in related fields. This results in writers who approach a broad range of professional writing situations with confidence and skill. The following are some of the most common minors taken with the professional writing degree:
- English
- Public Relations
- Communications
- Social Media Studies
- Marketing
- History
- Political Science
- Spanish
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Is an internship required for professional writing majors?
All professional writing majors must complete a writing internship where students work alongside professionals in business, publishing, journalism, nonprofit, and other organizations where writers are in demand, producing content, articles, promotional materials, reports, and other exemplary writing artifacts to utilize later in your job search; gaining hands-on editing experience; and making valuable connections that can lead to employment opportunities.
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How can I get involved on campus as a professional writing major?
Kutztown is home to a community of writers who contribute to the vibrant intellectual and social life on campus. Professional Writing majors are drivers of that community, participating as leaders in extracurricular campus organizations like:
The Keystone Newspaper: Daily newspaper written and edited by student journalists.
Her Campus Kutztown: Platinum-level chapter of a national women's interest media site, which publishes opinion, reporting, and creative writing by students.
Essence: Student-edited annual fine arts and literary magazine that publishes student visual art, poetry, and very short prose pieces.
Shoofly: Student-edited annual literary magazine that publishes student poetry and short fiction.
Kutztown University Writing Center: Venue where professional writing students sharpen their skills by assisting writers from other majors.
Kutztown University Radio: Student-run radio and media production featuring music, news, sports, and potcasts.