Professional Writing
The Professional Writing program concentrates on technical and business writing, media studies, and writing in professional settings. Students build a foundation in writing for a variety of audiences, master language and writing skills, and develop their critical and analytical thinking.
Our professors have worked as professional or technical writers in the professional world. They bring real-world into the classroom. Professional writing students also complete a 75-hour internship.
A student with this degree could go on to a career in technical writing, communication, media, journalism, editing, design, business, or public relations. Alumni from our undergraduate program have worked as scientists, journalists, graphic designers, editors, authors, and web content managers.
Degree Requirements
In addition to completing the General Education and other university requirements, Professional Writing majors complete 45 credits as listed below. For more detail, see the ISU Undergraduate Catalog.
These courses are required:
- ENGL 2206 – Creative Writing Workshop (3)
- ENGL 2211 – Introduction to Literary Analysis (3)
- ENGL 2280 – Grammar and Usage (3) OR ENGL 2281 – Introduction to Language Studies (3)
- ENGL 3307 – Professional and Technical Writing (3)
- ENGL 3308 – Business Communication (3)
- ENGL 4401 – Advanced Composition (3)
- ENGL 4402 – User Experience Design and Usability (3)
- ENGL 4407 – Topics in Technical and Professional Communication (3)
- ENGL 4410 – Writing Internship (3)
Select TWO of the following writing, reasoning, and media courses: (6)
- CMP 1110 – Media Writing
- CMP 2231 – Introduction to Graphic Design
- CMP 2241 – Introduction to Public Relations
- CMP 3310 – Multiplatform Storytelling
- CMP 3346 – Public Relations Writing
- ENGL 4410 – Writing Internship (3 additional credits)
- PHIL 2201 – Introduction to Logic
Electives: (12)
Select 12 additional English elective credits (excluding ENGL 1101, ENGL 1101P, ENGL 1102, ENGL 1122, & ENGL 1123), 9 credits of which must be upper-division.
Contact us:
Director of Composition
208-282–2531
English & Philosophy Administrative Assistant
208-282–2478
With the Professional Writing minor, students develop greater mastery over the written language as well as enhanced critical thinking, reading, and analytic skills. Courses in the minor stress the practice of writing as well as grammar, language studies, composition, creative writing, and logic.
A minor in Professional Writing can help prepare students for careers in communication, education, law, marketing, professional and technical writing, public relations, or any field in which writing plays a role.
The minor combines well with many other majors, including the sciences, engineering, and health professions.
The minor is a total of 18 credits.
These courses are required:
- ENGL 3307 - Professional and Technical Writing (3)
- ENGL 4401 - Advanced Composition (3)
- ENGL 4407 - Topics in Professional Writing (3)
Plus three other courses from the following (at least one must have the ENGL prefix): (9)
- ENGL 2206 - Creative Writing Workshop
- ENGL 2280 - Grammar and Usage
- ENGL 2281 - Introduction to Language Studies
- ENGL 3308 - Business Communication
- ENGL 4402 - User Experience Design and Usability
- ENGL 4410 - Writing Internship
- PHIL 2201 - Introduction to Logic (Satisfies General Education Objective 7)
- CMP 2202 - Photo, Graphic, and Video Editing
- CMP 2231 - Introduction to Graphic Design
- CMP 3310 - Multiplatform Storytelling
Contact us:
Director of Composition
208-282–2531
English & Philosophy Administrative Assistant
208-282–2478
The certificate is a total of 12 credits.
These courses are required: (9)
- ENGL 3307 - Professional and Technical Writing (3)
- ENGL 4402 - User Experience Design and Usability (3)
- ENGL 4407 - Topics in Professional Writing (3)
Also select ONE of the following: (3)
- CMP 2202 - Photo, Graphic, and Video Editing
- CMP 2231 - Introduction to Graphic Design
- CMP 3310 - Multiplatform Storytelling
- ENGL 3308 - Business Communication
- ENGL 4401 - Advanced Composition
Contact us:
English & Philosophy Administrative Assistant
208-282–2478