Professional Writing, Minor College of Letters & Science
The minor in Professional Writing, housed in the University Writing Program (UWP), offers students advanced instruction in how to write, design, and edit effectively in multiple forms—including print, mixed media, and a variety of professional genres—for specific purposes, contexts, and audiences. Students also learn how to analyze writing and writing contexts using appropriate theories and research methodologies. Through an internship requirement, the minor additionally provides students opportunities to gain experience working as writers in organizational settings.
The Professional Writing minor serves two groups of students: those who are planning careers as writers or editors (e.g., journalists, medical writers, content developers) and those whose academic and professional careers will demand advanced writing and editing skills.
Courses in the minor teach students about the various forms of writing they are likely to encounter, provide opportunities to experiment with their writing processes, and teach techniques for modifying their writing styles for different audiences and formats.
To complete the minor, students take 16 units of upper division coursework focused on writing in academic settings; writing in the professions; and language and/or communication examined through the lens of history, theory, or design. Students also take 4 units of UWP 192.
The Advising Team for the minor in Professional Writing is available to meet with students and respond to student questions regarding requirements for the minor, including the internship requirement.
Students can learn more about the minor at Professional Writing Minor.
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
The professional writing minor consists of 20 units of course work. Of these, 12 must be UWP courses. Students complete 8 units from Group A and/or B, 4 units from Group C, and 4 units from Group A, B, or C, accounting for 16 units. Students complete 4 additional units from Group D. | ||
Choose two courses from Group A and/or B: | 8 | |
Group A: Writing in Academic Settings | ||
Creative Writing: Non-Fiction | ||
Advanced Composition | ||
or UWP 101V | Advanced Composition | |
or UWP 101Y | Advanced Composition | |
Writing in the Disciplines: Special Topics | ||
Writing in the Disciplines: Biology | ||
Writing in the Disciplines: History | ||
Writing in the Disciplines: International Relations | ||
Writing in the Disciplines: Engineering | ||
Writing in the Disciplines: Food Science & Technology | ||
Writing in the Disciplines: Environmental Writing | ||
Writing in the Disciplines: Human Development & Psychology | ||
Writing in the Disciplines: Ethnic Studies | ||
Writing in the Disciplines: Fine Arts | ||
Writing in the Disciplines: Sociology | ||
Writing in the Disciplines: Film Studies | ||
Writing in the Disciplines: Community & Regional Development | ||
Group B: Writing in the Professions | ||
Writing in the Professions: Business Writing | ||
or UWP 104AV | Writing in the Professions: Business Writing | |
or UWP 104AY | Writing in the Professions: Business Writing | |
Writing in the Professions: Law | ||
Writing in the Professions: Journalism | ||
Writing in the Professions: Elementary & Secondary Education | ||
Writing in the Professions: Science | ||
Writing in the Professions: Health | ||
or UWP 104FV | Writing in the Professions: Health | |
or UWP 104FY | Writing in the Professions: Health | |
Writing in the Professions: Internships | ||
Writing in the Professions: Writing for Social Justice | ||
Writing in the Professions: Technical Writing | ||
Specialized Genres in Professional Writing | ||
Specialized Topics in Journalism | ||
Specialized Topics in Journalism: Investigative Journalism | ||
Specialized Topics in Journalism: Science Journalism | ||
Introduction to Professional Editing | ||
Choose one course from Group C: | 4 | |
Group C: Theory, History, & Design | ||
Language & Culture | ||
Origins of Rhetoric | ||
Communication Theories | ||
or CMN 101V | Communication Theories | |
or CMN 101Y | Communication Theories | |
Theories of Persuasion | ||
Intercultural Communication | ||
Strategic Communication in Public Relations | ||
Organizational Communication | ||
or CMN 136V | Organizational Communication | |
Persuasive Technologies | ||
History of Visual Communication | ||
Information Design: Principles & Practice | ||
History of the English Language | ||
English Grammar | ||
Writing Science | ||
Introduction to Historical Thought & Writing | ||
Linguistic Analysis II: Morphology, Syntax, Semantics | ||
English Grammar | ||
Semantics | ||
Philosophy of Language: Theory of Reference | ||
Philosophy of Language: Truth & Meaning | ||
Philosophy of Language: Semantics & Pragmatics | ||
Visualization in Science: A Critical Introduction | ||
History of Communication Technologies | ||
Writing Science | ||
Genre Theory & Professional Writing | ||
English Grammar | ||
Writing Center Research, Theory, & Practice for Peer Writing Tutors | ||
Rhetorical Approaches to Scientific & Technological Issues | ||
History of Scientific Writing | ||
Choose one additional course from Groups A, B, or C: | 4 | |
Complete UWP 192: Internship in Writing from Group D: | 4 | |
GROUP D: Internship in Writing (no more than 4 units will count toward the minor) | ||
Internship in Writing | ||
Total Units | 20 |