Well-Rounded
Our program includes classes in creative writing, literature and a complementary elective outside of the English department.
Bachelor of Arts in English - Professional Writing
Effective writing is one of the most important skills to have in the modern workplace. In the English program with an emphasis on professional writing, you learn to study, analyze and compose for a diverse array of industries, including business, technical and scientific industries.
Why Study English – Professional Writing at St. Thomas?
This new program develops a strong foundation in rhetorical concepts, ethics, methods and genres of professional writing. You will learn how to write in a wide range of genres and media and in an array of organizational settings, including non-profit, grassroots, government and for-profit companies. You will explore how organizations communicate internally and externally, while learning how to improve the overall user experience. You graduate with a versatile skillset and equipped to write in a variety of settings.
Working Differently
Course Requirements
We will expose you to a wide range of professional writing courses, focusing on topics including analytical and persuasive writing, professional editing and visual rhetoric. You will complete additional coursework in diversity literature, creative writing and other English electives, giving you the flexibility to pursue classes matching your interests.
Four-Year Plan
We want you to pursue classes relevant to your interests. We have a sample four-year plan for you to get an idea of what a student’s career is like at St. Thomas in our program.
Degrees Awarded
Bachelor of Arts in English – Professional Writing
Service Learning
We place an emphasis on gaining practical experience. Because the focus of your writing takes place in organizations and communities, classes frequently have a service learning component or research project, allowing you to work with external partners to address real-world writing scenarios.
Course Requirements
Course Requirements
We will expose you to a wide range of professional writing courses, focusing on topics including analytical and persuasive writing, professional editing and visual rhetoric. You will complete additional coursework in diversity literature, creative writing and other English electives, giving you the flexibility to pursue classes matching your interests.
Four-Year Plan
Four-Year Plan
We want you to pursue classes relevant to your interests. We have a sample four-year plan for you to get an idea of what a student’s career is like at St. Thomas in our program.
Degrees Awarded
Degrees Awarded
Bachelor of Arts in English – Professional Writing
Service Learning
Service Learning
We place an emphasis on gaining practical experience. Because the focus of your writing takes place in organizations and communities, classes frequently have a service learning component or research project, allowing you to work with external partners to address real-world writing scenarios.
Practical Experience. Real Results.
Not only do our faculty have years of experience and knowledge, but our students are utilizing their knowledge and skills every day in real-world situations.
Dr. Alexis Easley
Dr. Easley’s interest in professional editing began with her fascination with Victorian women writers. Researching the stories of George Eliot, Christina Rossetti and others, Dr. Easley recognized the significant role periodical journalism played in their careers. She is the editor for the Victorian Periodical Review, and she teaches her professional editing classes around this journal to give student’s hands-on experience in the world of academic publishing.
Taylor Cretton
Taylor collaborated on a usability study in her Visual Rhetoric and Design course to determine how visuals might help the Metropolitan Council promote public awareness of residential vulnerabilities with climate change in the Twin Cities. She contributed to another project by mapping out different technologies, documents and practices in healthcare. Taylor’s study of scientific communication between organizations and the public has given her valuable practical experience.
Career Paths
We give you the tools and knowledge you need to work in a variety of different industries after graduation.
- Medical writer
- Social media writer
- Grant/proposal writer
- Technical writer/editor
- Content developer/manager
- User experience (UX) designer
Practical Skills Needed for the Real World
We offer a diverse array of courses that develop your skills in various areas, allowing you to be more flexible in your work after graduating from St. Thomas.
Experienced
You gain practical experience in class through community partnerships, focusing on their communication needs.
Topics
We offer a range of classes that focus on topics like writing grants and proposals, business writing and writing for the sciences.
Not Just Teachers—Mentors
Dr. Fernando Sanchez
Dr. Sanchez researches spatial rhetoric (map, urban design) and the impact of technical writing on different demographics.
Dr. Amy Muse
Dr. Muse teaches Professional Editing and serves as editor of Text and Presentation, a journal of drama and theatre studies.
Dr. Erika Scheurer
Dr. Scheurer focuses on writing theory and pedagogy, and serves as the director of the Writing Across the Curriculum program.
What is Your Passion?
Our students have the chance to study abroad, meet visiting writers and collaborate with faculty on research.
Expand Your Horizons
From single-country study abroad experiences in England, Scotland and Ireland to trips that visit a variety of European countries including the Netherlands, France, Greece and Italy, you have a number of ways to explore literature and culture.
Meet the Experts
Dr. Bridget Kapler '10 (double major in English and chemistry) spoke to students about how she uses her professional writing skills both at an engineering company that is bringing a new product to market and as a consultant for the Senior Design Program at Marquette University’s College of Engineering.
Your Teachers and Mentors
Talk about being multi-talented. English faculty are recognized scholars and dedicated teachers providing you with the individualized attention you need in reaching your academic and career goals.
Movers and Shakers
Recent alumni work in editing, writing, marketing, teaching, research and non-profit administration. Their advanced writing and critical analysis skills made them highly sought after in creative and language-based professions as well.
STELAR
The St. Thomas E-Learning and Research Center (STELAR) features technologies and workspaces for you to practice cutting-edge communication strategies for organizations.
Center for Writing
You can work in the Center for Writing helping fellow students learn crucial skills in writing and communication, providing a foundation for a career in professional writing.
Take the Next Step
There is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.